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Tackling the problem of teenage pregnancy in looked‐after children: a peer mentoring approach
Author(s) -
Mezey Gillian,
Robinson Fiona,
Gillard Steve,
Mantovani Nadia,
Meyer Deborah,
White Sarah,
Bonell Chris
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
child and family social work
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.912
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1365-2206
pISSN - 1356-7500
DOI - 10.1111/cfs.12225
Subject(s) - teenage pregnancy , disadvantage , psychological intervention , pregnancy , peer group , peer support , psychology , teen pregnancy , developmental psychology , medicine , psychiatry , population , environmental health , political science , biology , law , genetics
Abstract Teenage pregnancy is associated with adverse health and social outcomes, even after adjusting for prior disadvantage, and is recognized as a major public health issue. Rates of teenage pregnancy in the UK are among the highest in E urope. Interventions introduced in the past decade to address the problem, such as improved sex and relationships education in schools, have been accompanied by a fall in teenage pregnancy rates in the UK . However, this decline has not been mirrored among looked‐after children. In this paper, we discuss why this may be the case. We suggest that a system of peer mentoring, involving a young person, whose experience of life post‐care has been positive, may be an effective approach to tackling the problem of pregnancy in this group. Peer mentoring has the potential to assist young people in developing self‐esteem, confidence and in making choices regarding their education, personal development and relationships.