Supporting Young Parents: Pregnancy and Parenthood among Young People from Care

Most discussions about teen pregnancy and parenthood focus on the negative consequences for teenagers and their children. Yet, for some young people, early parenthood may offer the security of a family life and an opportunity to build emotional attachments. This book presents findings from a 2001-2003 study by the Thomas Coram Research Unit at the Institute of Education, University of London, designed to explore factors contributing to early pregnancy and parenthood among young people leaving foster and local authority care. The voices of young mothers and fathers allow readers to understand factors such as disrupted family relationships, lack of sex education, attitudes on birth control, and experiences after leaving foster and local authority care. An introductory chapter offers a historical and legal context for contemporary perspectives on young parents and support for them, summarizing current government policies and programs. The book is for community nurses, health visitors, social workers, and students working in the fields of health, education and social care. Chase is a researcher with the Thomas Coram Research Unit at the Institute of Education, University of London. Annotation c2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Elaine Chase is a senior research officer at the Thomas Coram Research Unit at the Institute of Education, University of London. She has worked as a practitioner and researcher promoting the health and well-being of children and young people, both in the UK and internationally for the past 17 years. The main focus of her research is the health and well being of children and young people, especially those who are at risk of marginalisation and disadvantage. Ian Warwick is also a senior research officer at the Thomas Coram Research Unit, at the Institute of Education, University of London. He has worked in the field of sexual health and young people since 1986, developing training materials for use with young people, conducting research on health and well-being and supporting professional development. Abigail Knight has been a researcher at the Institute of Education, University of London since 1995. Her research interests include the health and wellbeing of looked-after children and young people, disabled children and their families, and children's rights. Peter Aggleton is Professor in Education at the Thomas Coram Research Unit at the Institute of Education, University of London. Peter is the author and editor of over 30 books, and has worked internationally on young people, well-being and health for over 20 years.