NCJ Number
136713
Journal
Journal of Adolescent Health Volume: 12 Issue: 7 Dated: special issue (November 1991) Pages: 534-538
Date Published
1991
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article examines the special service needs of homeless young women in Los Angeles who were pregnant by comparing risk profiles of 55 pregnant homeless youth and 85 pregnant youth who lived with their families.
Abstract
All young women were seen in a primary health care clinic between July 1, 1988, and June 30, 1989 and underwent extensive lifestyle interviews during their physical examinations. It was found that homeless pregnant youth were younger, primarily white, and from outside Los Angeles County. They were more likely to be diagnosed as depressed, to have previously attempted suicide, to have histories of sexual and physical abuse, and to be diagnosed as drug abusers. A review of pregnancy outcomes showed the difficulty of serving homeless pregnant youth and the lack of services for them. For social support, homeless youth relied on their peers. Neither homeless nor youth living with their families were supported by the fathers of their children. Without insurance or cash, homeless pregnant adolescents depended on the county health system which was overwhelmed and unable to give these young people the kind of services and followup care they needed. Following the study, the clinic instituted new monitoring procedures and established a team case management approach to serving homeless pregnant teenagers and youth. 13 references