Is older better? Adolescent parenthood and maltreatment.

The author analyzed demographic data on all parents who were subjects of indicated maltreatment reports in Illinois in 1988 (N = 23,764) and all parents in Illinois with children in out-of-home care on February 28, 1990 (N = 8,535). Findings were that adolescent parents were not overrepresented among maltreating parents or among parents of children in out-of-home care. These findings suggest that programs for adolescent parents should focus on issues other than potential maltreatment. The author suggests a focus on health care, nutrition, child support, child care, and enhanced educational and vocational opportunities for young women.