Teenage mothers' support group : building skills among young mothers in preparation for socioeconomic progression

Abstract

This project involved the creation and maintenance of a support group for teen mothers in Sullivan County, New Hampshire. It emphasized the complex problems that teenage mothers must overcome even before they can complete their primary education and participate in such economic opportunities as employment and acquiring a home. Such mothers often face, for example, problems of poverty, low self-esteem and lack of confidence, isolation and depression, social stigma and lack of social support. It has been proven that the provision of support can ease the transition of these mothers into a better quality of life. The project's main objective was to use the mechanism of a support group to bring resources to a number of disadvantaged teen mothers so that they could develop the confidence, information, services, and social networks they need to gain stability and advance economically. The support group that was formed is still operating, is having some good success despite complications, and seems to offer a very promising way to help large numbers of teen mothers become ready to take advantage of educational opportunities and ultimately good employment opportunities. (Author abstract)