PS 9: Promoting Positive Life Course Development
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Expectant
parents are
linked to formal and informal supports and services that can increase self-sufficiency and life options.
To promote life options and economic self-sufficiency, expectant parents are helped to locate and enroll in educational or vocational
programs that are appropriate to their needs, interests, and abilities.
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Research Note: Research indicates that women who become mothers during adolescence are more likely to be educationally and economically disadvantaged than women who delay childbearing. Although it was long assumed that this was a result of teen pregnancy, recent literature emphasizes that many girls who become adolescent mothers are also disadvantaged beforehand, and, as referenced in the Research Note to PS 7.04, suggests that many may become mothers as teens because they see their life options as limited. Nevertheless, although the economic consequences of early childbearing may have been overstated, some research controlling for background characteristics indicates that teen mothers are more likely to drop out of high school and experience greater poverty. Regardless of causality, the fact that young mothers tend to have needs in this area points to the importance of recognizing when they may need assistance promoting their educational and economic achievement. |
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Expectant parents are helped to find new living arrangements when current living arrangements are not suitable.
Interpretation: Expectant parents should have suitable housing both during and after the pregnancy. Appropriate arrangements can include living: (1) independently, (2) with family members, including the extended family, (3) in foster homes, (4) in group homes, or (5) in residential care.
Expectant parents are helped to access other community services needed to support positive life course development, including, as appropriate:
- child care;
- transportation services;
- financial assistance;
- legal services; and
- domestic violence, sexual abuse, or sexual assault services.
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Research Note: Some research suggests that a large proportion of young women who become adolescent mothers have been victims of sexual abuse and points to the importance of recognizing when individuals may need specialized therapeutic services. |
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Expectant parents receive social and emotional support directly from the service provider and are helped to develop and expand their informal support networks by:
- maintaining and strengthening their relationships with family members and the birth father, as appropriate; and
- building connections with friends, neighbors, and other community members.
After delivery, parents without an alternative are helped to place their children in temporary foster care if they need time to establish homes or consider other plans for their children and themselves.
NA The organization does not assist parents in placing their children in temporary foster care.
