Homeless
Homeless pregnant teens have many
complicated medical, social, economic, and legal
concerns. Find out why she is homeless.
Was she a runaway before she became
pregnant? Was her leaving home due to
physical, emotional or sexual abuse? Was
she living in a foster care placement? How
long has she been living on her own? Was
she kicked out of her home after her parents
discovered she was pregnant?
Homeless youth are at greater risk for substance
abuse, poor nutrition, sexually transmitted
infections including AIDS, mental health
problems, and the threat of violence and
injury. They may be involved in prostitution.
Refer to guidelines in this chapter for Perinatal
Substance Abuse, Emotional or Mental Health
Concerns, Depression, and Spousal/Partner Abuse
if indicated.
In spite of their high risk status, many homeless
youth are resistant to getting involved with
services.
Others may want help but are excluded from
services such as battered women’s shelters or
residential perinatal drug treatment programs
because they are under 18 years of age