DIRECTIONS FOR INTERVENTION WITH ADOLESCENT MOTHERS IN SUBSTITUTE CARE

The authors present the findings of a parent-training survey conducted with service providers in 28 agencies across Illinois that serve teen mothers who are wards of the state. During structured interviews, pro viders reported on parent-training topics, methods of delivery, engage ment strategies, assessment, and program-evaluation procedures used wi th adolescent mothers in their programs. Service providers identified five priority intervention topics: teen-parent concerns (i.e., self-es teem), basic caregiving routines, child health/medical needs, child em otional needs, and discipline. The parent-training methods identified by provides as most effective were informal modeling, didactic classes , home visiting, peer-support groups, and mentoring. Engagement strate gies rated most effective with adolescent mothers were provision of fo od, transportation, and baby-sitting during sessions. Few agencies rep orted using formal assessment or evaluation methods, despite providers ' acknowledgment of the need for these resources. Implications of the survey findings for intervention planning are discussed.