Early Pregnancy and Parenting Among Foster Youth: A National Discussion to Inform Research, Practice, and Policy

In a context of declining adolescent birth rates among the general population, early pregnancy and parenting among current and former foster youth has emerged as a research, policy, and practice priority for stakeholders in public health, education, juvenile justice, and child welfare. The focus appears to be warranted since births to female foster youth are markedly higher than to females in the general population and adolescent birth rates among female foster youth have been fairly static. There has been a surge of recent studies focused on early pregnancy and parenting among this already vulnerable population, and many of the researchers involved in this work convened the Teen Pregnancy and Parenting in Foster Care (TPPFC) workgroup to discuss the implications of their studies, opportunities for collaboration, and methods for moving this research forward. TPPFC workgroup members will facilitate a roundtable discussion about early pregnancy and parenting among foster youth to inform research, practice, and policy priorities. The discussion will focus on the current state of knowledge, future research directions, and practice and policy implications for prevention and intervention, including targeted supports for foster youth who are at risk for unintended pregnancy or who are already pregnant and/or parenting.

Presenters will synthesize recent findings regarding early pregnancy and childbirth among current and former foster youth, including the incidence and prevalence of early pregnancy and childbirth; predictors of early pregnancy and childbirth; repeat pregnancy and childbirth; the social and economic outcomes of parenting foster youth; intentions to become pregnant or parent; parenting attitudes; and intergenerational child welfare involvement. In addition, major themes identified in qualitative studies involving young people who became pregnant while in foster care will be highlighted, including circumstances of pregnancy, pregnancy decision-making, and the meaning of parenthood in the context of foster care and adverse childhood experiences. Presenters will briefly describe findings regarding the design and impact of interventions targeting this population, including the Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC) program, Power through Choices, Making Proud Choices (adapted for youth in out-of-home care), Be Proud, Be Responsible, and SiHLE-YFC.

This roundtable will provide an opportunity for researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers to discuss the implications of recent findings for child welfare and health policy and practice including the delivery, timing, and targeting of pregnancy prevention programs, sexual and reproductive health care services, and parenting supports as well as local responses and innovative programming to address the needs of this population. It will also raise additional questions and generate ideas for future quantitative and qualitative research.