This report offers strategies to prevent unintended pregnancy in an era when the nation's welfare program has a changed mission, more money, and greater reach. The report discusses types of links between welfare offices and family planning services being developed in California, Georgia, and Washington, identifying barriers and challenges to…

Compares changes in birth rates, sexual activity, abortion rates, illegitimate births, and incidence of giving babies up for adoption among White and Black adolescents and explores social and cultural influences on the racial differences. Presents suggestions for culturally related interventions in the area of teenage pregnancy. (Author/MJL)

Focuses on marital histories of young mothers and whether the family structure into which children (N=940) of young mothers are born, and the stability of that arrangement, affects the child's academic abilities. Results suggest that young mothers marital histories do influence the educational achievements of their elementary-school-aged children.…

Qualitative study of 30 employed single mothers replicated previous findings of challenges in managing shortages of time, money, and energy. Revealed serious concerns about failure to meet perceived family and societal expectations for living in "normal" family with 2 parents. Behavior subjects perceived to be expected of single parents…

Formal adoption in the Black community is not readily accepted, perhaps because the social services system is insensitive to Black culture. Informal adoption by relatives with extended family support is prevalent and reflects the Black self-help tradition. But such adoption can perpetuate the cycle of dependency and poverty. (SH)

Describes the Adolescent Pregnancy Program for pregnant adolescents and teen mothers who cannot live with their families because of dysfunctional or abusive relationships. The program provides a safe, nurturing place to live and vocational and educational services. (PCB)

In response to Professor Sacken, contends that a person's decision to conceive and bear a child is within the constitutionally protected zone of privacy. This would not prohibit a district from dismissing an unwed pregnant teacher, but would require evidence of immorality based on constitutionally acceptable criteria. (MLF)

Explored the relationship between adolescent motherhood and child neglect. Obtained information from subjects (n=102) using in-home interviews. Found that 5 of 11 characteristics, such as age at first birth, were associated with neglect, independent of race. Also identified a model that was modestly successful for predicting neglect. Other…

This paper examines the attitudes and perceptions that adolescents have of adoption. Based on responses given by 175 high school students, the study found that adoption was the least discussed option for pregnancy resolution, and the adoption process was perceived as complicated and of questionable legality. (GLR)

Reports the results of an event history analysis of rapidly repeated pregnancies among a sample of 170 adolescents. Results show that the best fitting model for these girls included two proximate determinants of pregnancy, contraceptive use, and other factors. Findings indicate that such pregnancies among teenagers are somewhat predictable. (RJM)

Investigates the relationship between adolescent mothers' (N=24) self-esteem and their knowledge of parenting skills. Findings indicate that self-esteem is a good indicator of the adolescent mother's parenting. Significant correlations arose between the mother's baseline self-esteem and her knowledge about role reversal, empathy, developmental…

Compares the psychological adjustment of adolescent mothers (n=27) with that of adolescent nonmothers (n=27), single adult mothers (n=27), and married adult mothers. Adolescent mothers reported greater life enjoyment and well-being than adolescent nonmothers, but more mental health problems and less well-being than married adult mothers. (SR)

Second in a two-part series, this article reports the findings of a long-term study of teen parents after graduation from high school. The study examined marital status, financial status, educational aspirations, and parenting attitudes. Concludes that the factor most important to outcomes is to support and strengthen the families of parenting…

Objectives: To determine the incidence of and risk factors associated with infant (less than 1 year of age) physical abuse in Alaska. Methods: A population-based retrospective cohort study for the 1994-2000 resident birth cohort was conducted by linking data from birth certificates, Child Protective Services, a statewide hospital-based trauma…

Researchers in many fields agree. The physical, social, and economic health and well-being of adults and society as a whole are strongly influenced by the early experiences of children, when the foundation for effective cognitive and social skills and abilities are developed. Children who have developmental delays or disabilities require and often…