Invaluable in providing vivid illustrations of the strengths and needs of young parents who have been ‘looked after’ and, therefore of their children at the start of their lives. It illuminates policy and practice implications and points the way forward to what needs to be done to ameliorate their lives. Throughout, it presents its research in an accessible style and measured tone that make it difficult to put down.‘

• Extract from the Foreword by Ann Phoenix, Co-Director of the Thomas Coram Research Unit, Institute of Education, University of London

Supporting Young Parents explores early pregnancy and parenthood from the perspectives of young men and women in and leaving care.

Most discussion about teenage pregnancy and parenthood focuses on the negative consequences for teenagers and their children. Yet, for some young people, particularly those who have been disadvantaged in life, early parenthood may offer the security of a family life, a sense of stability and an opportunity to build emotional attachments.

This book draws on authoritative research into the reasons for and experiences of pregnancy and parenthood among young people from local authority care. It questions the assumptions that early parenthood always limits young people’s choices and opportunities and examines the types of support most likely to enable successful parenting.

This book will be essential reading for community nurses, health visitors, social workers, academics and students working in the fields of health, education and social care.