Opening Doors for Young Parents

This report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation provides research and data on the vulnerable population of 18- to 24-year-old parents and offers potential programs and policy suggestions to serve the needs of this cohort effectively. Young parents face the challenges of unfinished psychological development, economic and housing instability, minority-based discrimination, and lack of access to social safety net benefits. To combat these obstacles, the report recommends investing in education and employment opportunities; creating programs geared toward financial stability and income retention during their child’s early years; providing stress-reducing services like parenting workshops, mental health services, and affordable child care; and focusing on keeping families together.