Stopping the Cycle of Child Abuse and Neglect: A Call to Action to Focus on Pregnant and Parenting Youth in and Aging Out of the Foster Care System

Journal of Public Child Welfare, 2013

Jennifer Mullins Geiger, Lisa Ann Schelbe

Suggested Citation
​Mullins Geiger, J. & Schelbe, L. (2013) Stopping the Cycle of Child Abuse and Neglect: A Call to Action to Focus on Pregnant and Parenting Youth in and Aging Out of the Foster Care System. Journal of Public Child Welfare, 8(1), 25-50. https://doi.org/10.1080/15548732.2013.824398

Abstract
Adolescent parenting is associated with poor outcomes, including increased risk of child maltreatment. Youth “aging out” of the foster care system may be at greater risk of maltreating their children due to their experiences of child maltreatment, a lack of social support, and little preparation for parenthood. This article examines current programs and policies targeting pregnant and parenting youth aging out and presents a research agenda that focuses on pregnancy prevention and positive parenting.