WAG 02-09-01-f.

Develop the Responsibility and Services Plan to address the pregnant woman's current situation and special needs. Consider her stage of pregnancy and medical condition when deciding on appropriate activities. Examples include:

  • Teen Parent Services (TPS) if the woman is under age 20 and does not have a high school diploma or GED (see PM 14-12-00);

    NOTE: When a teen is required to participate in TPS, this should be reflected on the RSP. Further goals and actiivties will be developed by TPS and the teen as a joint effort.

  • Participation in WIC and Family Case Management services (for more information, have her call 1-800-323-4769 [voice] or 1-800-447-6404 [TTY] or visit the HFS web site at (http://www.dpaillinois.com/mch/casemang.html);
  • Participation in substance abuse treatment, domestic violence, or mental health services (see PM 24-04-00);
  • Participation in Child Under One activities (especially in the last 3 months of pregnancy) (see PM 21-04-05);
  • Cooperation with child support services, particularly establishing paternity at birth as a benefit to the woman and her newborn;
  • Maintaining current employment and preparing to return to it after maternity leave;
  • Making arrangements for future child care needs;
  • If unemployed, participation in suitable TANF Work & Training Activities (especially during first 6 months of normal pregnancy). Be sensitive to limitations due to the pregnancy, such as morning sickness, etc. This may be a good time to address educational needs by participating in Adult Basic Education, literacy training, or GED classes.

Be sure a pregnant customer is connected to prenatal care, and make appropriate referrals for other needed services. For more information about the importance of pre-natal care, tell her to visit the Web site, http://www.dpaillinois.com/mch/healthy_births.html. She can call 1-800-226-0768 (toll-free) for help locating medical care.

If the customer reports medical problems more than 6 weeks before the expected delivery date, process a request for a medical barrier (see PM 21-01-04-a). She automatically qualifies for a medical barrier 6 weeks before and 12 weeks after delivery.