Teen Living Programs in Massachusetts: A Policy Analysis and Recommendations for Change

Abstract

Teen pregnancy is a prevalent problem in the United States. While national efforts are made to reduce teen pregnancy rates, far less has been done to assist those adolescents who are expectant or already parenting. The difficult life of most teenage mothers and their children call upon policymakers and social service providers to find unique ways of supporting young mothers in their efforts to become self-sufficient, delay subsequent childbearing, and promote awareness of child developement early in their children's lives in order to break the cycle of poverty and reliance on welfare. One of the solutions being implemented in Massachusetts specifically is the Teen Living Program (TLP), or second chance homes. The positive and negative aspects of this program will be discussed, followed by suggestions for improvement. Program design, implementation, and evaluation will also be formulated and delineated.