Sponsored by the Family Development Agency (DIF), the Centro Modelo de Atención para Niñas y Adolescentes Embarazadas will be able to house up to 60 girls and teens.
The center is seen as a pilot program for the DIF and will only accept girls who are pregnant for the first time and allow them to stay until their child reaches pre-school age.
A major aim, said Rivera, is for the children to “develop their emotions and intelligence in a loving environment” while helping the mothers “plan their new lives and become a responsible parent.”
As well as providing accommodation, the center offers medical and psychological attention, and boasts a library, auditorium and games area.
The center is located within the Instituto Medico Social El Refugio, a private clinic run by Franciscan nuns located in Zapopan’s Colonia Constitucion.
DIF has invested 12.8 million pesos (almost one million dollars) in the project.
If successful, the DIF is expected to open similar facilities in other parts of Mexico.