Homeless and Parenting Adolescents

This report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation focuses on the barriers facing teens and young adults who are parenting. It presents national and state-level data about challenges related to housing instability, health concerns, delayed education, and limited employment options that affect these young parents and their children. The report provides recommendations for local, state, and federal policymakers to combine and target resources available to all parents and young people to close any gaps in services for young families. It highlights existing programs that support young families. (author abstract modified)

This article introduces the topic of homelessness among young people who are parenting young children. According to the data presented in this article, 12 to 27% of families who experience homelessness are headed by a parent under age 25, and most have children under age 6. The authors discuss how homelessness can interfere with the optimal health and development for both the young parents and their children. They suggest developmentally appropriate services and supports for both the parents and children that include resources to help them become economically self-sufficient. The authors discuss the two-generation approach that typically involves education, career training, and employment opportunities as well as programs for parent and child health and well-being. (author abstract modified)