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2025 Poverty Law Conference
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Empowered Choices: Legal and Health Interventions for Pregnant and Parenting Youth
Thursday August 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room 412
This session will explore the legal challenges facing pregnant and parenting youth, the impact of Medical-Legal Partnerships in addressing SDOH, and the role of attorneys in creating pathways to stability for young families. Presenters will share insights from the program's development and implementation, as well as early outcomes and best practices for replicability in other legal aid settings.

Empowered Choices (EC) is an innovative program developed through a Medical-Legal Partnership between Greater Waco Legal Services, a nonprofit law firm, and Waco Family Medicine, a Federally Qualified Health Center. This program integrates legal services with healthcare access to support pregnant and parenting youth, addressing critical social determinants of health (SDOH) that impact maternal and child outcomes.

EC educates young parents about their legal rights and provides direct assistance in establishing a temporary, nonparent caregiver who can make decisions for their child without requiring court intervention. This legal mechanism allows youth to continue their education and employment while maintaining full parental rights. Through educational workshops and direct legal services, EC empowers young parents to make informed decisions, access critical support, and protect their families' futures.
Speakers
JT

Jessica Trevino

Medical Legal Partnership Staff Attorney, Greater Waco Legal Services
avatar for Kayla Mize

Kayla Mize

Director of Operations and Impact, Greater Waco Legal Services
Kayla Mize is a Licensed Master of Social Work with over 10 years of program development and management experience. Her current role is Director of Operations and Impact at Greater Waco Legal Services where she leads internal operations, supervises programs, and drives strategic initiatives... Read More →
Thursday August 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room 412 500 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78701
  Medical-Legal Partnerships

Attendees (2)


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