In the United States, nearly a quarter million adolescents give birth each year (Martin, Hamilton, Osterman, Curtin, & Mathews, 2015). Although 88.7% of these births are to unmarried teenagers, it has been estimated that more than half of adolescent mothers are in a romantic relationship with the father of their child at the time of birth (Beers & Hollo, 2009). Even though research suggests that many teenaged parents aren’t able to continue their romantic relationship over time, they often maintain a connection through their shared parenting relationship. (Author Abstract)
Intended for adolescent fathers in foster care in Washington State, this tip sheet provides information on placement in foster care, father involvement, father rights, and responsibilities that a father has. A list of strategies teen fathers can use to take care of themselves and support the child and the mother of their child is provided.
This fact sheet provides parents with helpful tips on how to discuss and prevent teen pregnancy with their adolescent children. Tips include communication strategies, making expectations clear, and setting limits.
The latest in Healthy Teen Network's series of Fast Facts, this fact sheet explores the benefits of targeting boys and young men specifically in order to reduce teen pregnancy and early, unintended fatherhood and to promote the development of positive relationships between young fathers and their children. (Author abstract)
This fact sheet shares statistics on the negative outcomes of children and adolescents with absent fathers, and positive trends indicating sexual activity among teen boys is declining, more condom use, and a decreasing teen birth rate. The need for the teen pregnancy prevention field to reach out to boys and young men is emphasized. 13 references.
Over two decades of research confirms that parents -- and that includes Dads -- are an important influence on whether their teenagers become pregnant or cause a pregnancy. In a variety of ways, parental behavior and the nature of parent/child relationships influence teens' sexual activity and use of contraception. While parents cannot determine whether their children have sex, use contraception, become pregnant, or cause a pregnancy, the quality of the relationships with their children can make a real difference. (Author abstract)
Unpublished Paper
This report summarizes data from the Highlights of Official Child Neglect and Abuse Reporting 1983 study and the March 1984 Current Population Survey to examine the incidence of child maltreatment among adolescent parents in comparison to their proportion in the general population. The analysis revealed that adolescent parents aged 15-19 had an incidence rate of 76 per 1,000, which was the highest rate of all age groups. Overall, approximately eight percent of all child abuse reports involved an adolescent parent. The authors suggest that factors such as low income, low educational attainment…
This fact sheet summarizes key components of TFP's Teen Dads Program, which provides expecting & parenting teen fathers in the Boston, MA area with support, fathering skills and resources. (Author abstract modified)
