Under current regulations for CT Care 4 Kids (child care subsidy) when a minor teen parent lives with their own parents, their parents' income is factored in when deciding eligibility for this service. In many cases, this disqualifies the teen parent from this program, forcing the teen to drop out of school or move out of the household in order to attempt to qualify.

Under Bill No: Raised Bill-273 LCO No. 1466 Section 17b-749 (d) determined that; the commissioner shall not include the income of a parent or legal guardian of a teen when determining the eligibility of the teen parent for the child care subsidy program, regardless of whether the teen parent was residing with the parent or legal guardian at the time of such determination.

Bill No: SB-273 that was voted on 3/6/12 and did not include this supplement, which continues to prevent many teen parents from obtaining a high school diploma.

According to the CT Department of Education (2013), a high percentage of the babies born (13.7%) have teenage parents. Many of these babies are born to students who are 16 years old or younger.

Without available child care, teen parents' likelihood of securing a decent job and being able to provide for their child is improbable. Ultimately, this vulnerable population will be more dependent on the social welfare system for an extended period of time, experience greater poverty, and have decreased access to appropriate early childhood care that would help assist the Teen parent in learning essential early care and child development skills.

An abundance of Child Welfare Proponents have agreed on the need for this implementation within the CT Care 4 Kids program eligibility.

By signing this petition you will show that you feel every CT Teen Parent should be honored the right to education and opportunity to obtain their high school diploma and should not be denied supports that will help make this goal accessible.