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(Revised 7/01 ML #2697)
A minor parent is defined as an individual who has a marital status of never married, is under age 18, and is a mother or father to a child in the case.
As a condition of eligibility, a pregnant unmarried minor in the third trimester or an unmarried minor parent under 18 and child(ren) must reside with a parent, legal guardian, other adult relative within the fifth degree of kinship, or in a state-approved living arrangement (i.e., Job Corps or maternity home), unless there is good cause. An individual is considered age 18 on the first day of the month of his or her 18th birthday.
A minor parent having a marital status of married, separated, divorced, or widowed is not required to reside with a parent, guardian, other adult caretaker within the fifth degree to kinship, or in a state-approved living arrangement.
Good cause reasons are as follows:
The pregnant minor or minor parent has no living parent(s), guardian, or other adult relative caretaker(s);
The whereabouts of the parent(s), guardian, or other adult relative caretaker(s) of the pregnant minor or minor parent is not known;
The parent(s), guardian, or other adult relative caretaker(s) do not permit the pregnant minor or minor parent to reside in their home; or
The pregnant minor or minor parent is subject to abuse or threatened by imminent harm if they reside in the home of the parent(s), guardian, or other adult relative caretaker(s).
When good cause is determined because there is no living parent(s), guardian, or other adult relative caretaker(s), or their whereabouts is not known, county social service staff shall assist a minor in locating maternity home, or other appropriate adult-supervised supportive living arrangement, taking into consideration the needs and concerns of the minor and child.
If a known history of any possible serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse, or exploitation in the residence of the minor’s own parent(s), guardian, or other adult relative(s) is known to exist, county social service office staff shall document the findings and consider for approval any other type of suitable living arrangement.
Residence in the home of a boyfriend of a pregnant minor or minor parent shall not be considered a suitable living arrangement.
