The individuality of teenage mothers and its implication for intervention strategies

An exploratory longitudinal research project of teenage mothers and their infants was carried out, involving intensive study of a small number of cases. Four case studies from the research are presented which illustrate the tremendous differences between teenage mothers, their support systems and the need for and success of intervention. The cases also show the need to individualize support to teenage mothers and suggest that routine structured classes on child development and parenting skills are not always necessary or sufficient. The cases also suggest that there are at least three types of teenage mother-infant pairs each of which will require a different level of intervention, ranging from Level I to Level IV. A plea is made for the individualization of services to teenage mothers depending on the strengths, emotional capacities and needs of the mother and her infant.