Citation

Combs KM, Begun S, Rinehart DJ, Taussig H. Child Maltreat. 2018; 23(2): 166-174.

Affiliation

Kempe Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1077559517733816

PMID

29034732

Abstract

This study explores rates of early pregnancy and parenthood among a sample of young adults ( N = 215), ages 18-22, with a history of foster care. The study also compares the educational attainment, financial resources, and homelessness experiences of young adults who became parents to those who did not. By age 21, 49% of the young women became pregnant, and 33% of young men reported getting someone pregnant. Over a quarter of participants experienced parenthood, which was associated with lower educational attainment, less employment, not having a checking or savings account, and a history of homelessness. Gender moderated the association between parenthood and employment such that males who were parents were more likely than female parents to be employed. Given that these young adults were at risk of early pregnancy and parenthood regardless of emancipation status and across several racial/ethnic groups, the results suggest a need for early pregnancy prevention efforts for all youth with child welfare involvement as well as improving resources and support for those who become young parents.

Language: en

Keywords

early parenting; foster care; gender differences; sexual health; teenage pregnancy