Pregnancy and parenthood among young people in and leaving care: what are the influencing factors, and what makes a difference in providing support?

TY - JOUR

T1 - Pregnancy and parenthood among young people in and leaving care

T2 - what are the influencing factors, and what makes a difference in providing support?

AU - Chase, Elaine

AU - Maxwell, Claire

AU - Knight, Abigail

AU - Aggleton, Peter

PY - 2006/6/1

Y1 - 2006/6/1

N2 - Previous research has shown increased vulnerability to teenage parenthood for young people with experience of local authority care. This study explored factors contributing to early pregnancy and parenthood among young people in and leaving care; the types of support available; and the extent to which services are perceived as accessible. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 63 young people. The study findings suggest that young people's experiences both prior to, and during care, influence their decisions in relation to pregnancy and impact on how they view and engage with services. The implications of these findings are discussed in the light of recent changes in legislation and services throughout England.

AB - Previous research has shown increased vulnerability to teenage parenthood for young people with experience of local authority care. This study explored factors contributing to early pregnancy and parenthood among young people in and leaving care; the types of support available; and the extent to which services are perceived as accessible. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 63 young people. The study findings suggest that young people's experiences both prior to, and during care, influence their decisions in relation to pregnancy and impact on how they view and engage with services. The implications of these findings are discussed in the light of recent changes in legislation and services throughout England.

KW - Care leavers

KW - Looked after young people

KW - Parenthood

KW - Teenage pregnancy

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=33646805414&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1016/j.adolescence.2006.01.003

DO - 10.1016/j.adolescence.2006.01.003

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 16519930

AN - SCOPUS:33646805414

SN - 0140-1971

VL - 29

SP - 437

EP - 451

JO - Journal of Adolescence

JF - Journal of Adolescence

IS - 3

ER -