Is older better? Adolescent parenthood and maltreatment.
The author analyzed demographic data on all parents who were subjects of indicated maltreatment reports in Illinois in 1988 (N = 23,764) and all parents in Illinois with children in out-of-home care on February 28, 1990 (N = 8,535). Findings were that adolescent parents were not overrepresented among maltreating parents or among parents of children in out-of-home care. These findings suggest that programs for adolescent parents should focus on issues other than potential maltreatment. The author suggests a focus on health care, nutrition, child support, child care, and enhanced educational and vocational opportunities for young women.
Massat
C R
CR
Jane Addams College of Social Work, University of Illinois at Chicago.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005581:Foster Home Care / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007087:Illinois / Q000453:epidemiology; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence / Q000523:psychology*; D012307:Risk Factors