The County of Los Angeles Public Library is bringing its passion for early literacy to the teen parents incarcerated at the Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall through a project called Empowered Parenting for Teens. Empowered Parenting for Teens is a series of programs teaching early literacy techniques and parenting skills to these uniquely challenged teen parents. At any given time there are between 15-40 teen parents at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall. Empowered Parenting for Teens teaches them about the developmental, physical, and emotional needs of their children and about addressing their own needs as parents.

Through Empowered Parenting for Teens, the County of Los Angeles Public Library hopes to make a difference in the lives of all of these young people, create stronger families, and support family reunification. Through innovative early literacy and parenting programs, Empowered Parenting for Teens is providing teen parents with tools for success.

“We are excited for this amazing opportunity from Better World Books to enhance our services at the Los Padrinos Library,” stated Skye Patrick, LA County Library Director. “The Literacy Grant awarded to us for our Empowered Parenting for Teens program will make a difference in the lives of multiple generations. By providing resources, instruction, and support for the teenage mothers and fathers during their time at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, we will be able to give them the tools they need to improve not only their own lives, but the lives of their children.”