In School Services

Catholic Family Service, the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) and Alberta Health Services in Calgary are partners in giving pregnant teens and teen moms the fresh start they need for building a better life for themselves and their babies.

Because we recognize that teens face different challenges than adult moms, the in-school services are offered to help teens make good decisions that will increase their chances of success in the long term, all while working towards a high school education.

Catholic Family Service

School-Based Counselling

• For youth from 14 to 19 years of age.
• Individual, couples and family counselling and support.
• Parenting classes, support groups and other programs to meet the needs of our clients.

LifeSkills

• Mandatory course for students in the academic program at the Louise Dean Centre.
• Helping to improve communication and problem-solving skills, and foster self-esteem in pregnant teens and young mothers.

Aboriginal Programs

• Aboriginal Circle is offered bi-weekly in collaboration with the Calgary Board of Education Aboriginal Liaison. Aboriginal students at the Louise Dean Centre take part in groups that share a meal, meet with Elders, take part in Aboriginal rituals and develop a sense of community.
• The Native Assessment Postsecondary Initiative (N.A.P.I) Leadership Training is a comprehensive Aboriginal Youth Leadership Training Program that is offered for our students in collaboration with the University of Calgary Native Centre.

Peer Support/Leadership Opportunities

• An eight-week group program where young moms reflect on their experiences from a narrative perspective.
• They each develop their story into a presentation, learn public speaking skills, and then bring their experience to junior and senior high school classes in the community, as well as become ambassadors for the Louise Dean Centre.

Calgary Board of Education

Academic Programs and Resources

• The CBE provides a full academic program, which guides, supports and teaches the diverse group of learners accessing their services.
• Prenatal and parenting classes are included with the regular classes.
• Students have full access to literacy specialists to support their learning.
• A resource teacher helps students meet with a school psychologist to develop individual program plans (IPP) that will help increase their chances of academic success.
• Moms are also provided with a free breakfast daily and lunch at a reduced cost courtesy of donations to the CBE.

Career Planning

• Upon entering the Louise Dean school program, all students meet with a Career Practitioner to explore career options and their course selection.
• In their graduating year, students attend a transition group that explores training, college and university programs and helps students with the application process and fees.
• Discovering your Opportunities is a partnership program between CFS, CBE and the City of Calgary Youth Employment Centre. This summer school program helps students with career planning, developing and maintaining skills for employment, and work experience.

Alberta Health Services

• A Public Health Nurse helps teach prenatal and childbirth classes, assess health concerns of students and their babies, and provides support for breastfeeding and postnatal care.
• Students also receive education on proper dental care and nutrition for themselves and their babies.
• A family physician and psychiatrist are available on a regular basis to assess, provide treatment and support the physical and mental health of the moms and babies.