Our Mission: To provide teen specific pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting educational support so teens and their families can experience a positive outcome.
Our Vision: To be available to the adolescent population, and their families throughout the state, to positively affect the health and wellbeing of our community for generations to come. Our comprehensive education and support program concerning sexual health issues will improve the poor statistics adolescents are experiencing due to detrimental influences in society.
Teen Outreach Pregnancy Services (TOPS) was founded in 2000 to address the unique needs of pregnant teens by providing a support program in a non-judgmental and teen specific environment. Through this program we hope to optimize the outcomes for teen mothers and their babies, as well as help to prepare the teens for motherhood and the sudden lifestyle change that occurs. By offering this unique program, we help high-risk teens overcome barriers that they face while encouraging them to move forward in their lives in a positive way. All programs and services are available to pregnant and parenting teens regardless of ethnicity or financial status.
Collaborative efforts with community agencies have been effective in receiving teens into our program. These agencies include several health clinics, doctors’ offices, and schools. As referrals are received, the pregnant teen receives 20 hours of health education and mentoring from a Registered Nurse and a Case Manager. Bilingual classes are also provided to meet the need of our Spanish speaking population. Each teen receives a visit by their case manager to assess individual risks and needs. Also, goals are discussed, as are program expectations and commitments. If needed, the teen receives assistance in obtaining obstetric health care, as well as referrals to other agencies when needed.
Healthy Pregnancy classes are started as early as possible in each teen’s pregnancy, preferably in the 1st trimester. These classes consist of proper nutrition, discomforts, recognizing and avoiding pregnancy problems, infant CPR, paternity establishment, birth control and secondary abstinence, and the adoption option. Childbirth Education classes begin after 28 weeks of pregnancy. Normal delivery is discussed, as well as possible complications, relaxation and breathing techniques, medications and procedures, postpartum care, breastfeeding basics, and infant care.
Support groups are offered to pregnant and parenting teens to help them adjust to the new lifestyle of raising a child. Additionally, the TOPS Parenting Program offers 16 hours of parenting education at our Tucson and Mesa locations.
We also provide the TOPS Teen Education Network (TOPS TEN), a comprehensive curriculum for non-pregnant/non-parenting teens to learn the 10 key elements of healthy relationships, healthy behaviors, discuss sexuality issues, and how to make positive decisions for their future.
To help address transportation needs, classes are offered at several locations throughout Tucson and Maricopa County including hospitals, clinics, community centers, schools, and the TOPS offices. Pregnant teens are offered a trained community volunteer mentor to provide positive influence and the additional support of a caring adult. We encourage all of our new teen parents to return as peer mentors and class volunteer helpers. Throughout the year TOPS offers parenting events designed for both education and continuing support. All of our teens are encouraged to stay in school, which will help them become better providers.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Teen Outreach Pregnancy Services. If you have any further inquiries please feel free to contact us.
