Directions for Intervention with Adolescent Mothers in Substitute Care

The authors present the findings of a parent-training survey conducted with service providers in 28 agencies across illinois that serve teen mothers who are wards of the state During structured interviews, providers reported on parent-training topics, methods of delivery, engagement strategies, assessment, and program-evaluation procedures used with adolescent mothers in their programs. Service providers identified five priority intervention topics: teen-parent concerns (i.e., self-esteem), basic caregiving routines, child health/medical needs, child emotional needs, and discipline. The parent-training methods identified by providers as most effective were informal modeling. didactic classes, home visiting, peer-support groups, and mentoring. Engagement strategies rated most effective with adolescent mothers were provision of food, transportation, and baby-sitting during sessions. Few agencies reported using formal assessment or evaluation methods, despite providers' acknowledgment of the need for these resources. implications of the survey findings for intervention planning are discussed.