Contraception

This facility provides family planning services for youth who are generally age 18 and younger (and to age 21 in the Teenage Health Center). Age and geographic restrictions apply for some services. Children who have communicable diseases may be admitted; the hospital cannot accommodate custodial cases and children who have psychiatric problems. Services include the Teenage Health Center, the Risk Reduction Program, and Project NATEEN. The hospital also houses and jointly administers the High Risk Youth Program; see the separate entry.

The Teenage Health Center provides specialized outpatient services for adolescents ages 12 through 21. The center cannot accommodate individuals who are mentally unstable, have severe emotional disturbances or whose behavior is violent or disruptive. Services include health screening, primary medical care, family planning, mental health counseling and substance abuse services.

Family planning services include pregnancy testing and counseling, birth control counseling, and educational information. Birth control pills are prescribed but not dispensed.

Project NATEEN provides case management services and a weekly educational and supportive drop-in group for pregnant and parenting adolescents who are in the CalWORKs program and who live in the area bounded by Alameda on the east, the Hollywood Hills on the north, La Cienega Blvd. on the west and Jefferson Blvd. on the south. Teen mothers may enter the program at age 17 or younger and teen fathers may enter at age 19 or younger. Clients may receive case management services through age 20. The teen fatherhood support group, Project D.A.D. is limited to those between the ages of 13 and 24. There are no age limitations for participation in the other support groups.