When expectant mothers are exposed to traumatic events such as natural disasters, their children are at increased risk for developmental and behavioral problems. Many people believe that young children will not be impacted by the traumatic experiences that occur during and following disasters. Therefore, planning for the youngest children at the…

Young children growing up in poverty face chronic risk factors, including abuse and neglect, severe maternal depression, parental substance abuse, harsh parenting, and family and community violence as well as greater exposure to physical risks, including substandard housing, lack of access to resources, and environmental toxins. The authors offer…

Data is presented which demonstrates that poor and/or nonwhite pregnant adolescents are high risk individuals from medical, educational and social points of view. Specific problems in all three areas are described and the results of a program, initiated to offer meaningful solutions, are discussed. The Young Mothers Educational Development (YMED)…