Disparities in the Distribution of Social Programs for Expectant and Parenting Teens (EPTS) in Washington DC - A Review

Abstract

Background: Although the teen birth rate declined to a low record in 2017 of 18.8 births per 1000 females ages 15-19, compared to other developed countries, it is still high [3,4]. Teen pregnancy can cause emotional, psychological and educational challenges, as well as affect the life and opportunities of young mothers and their children. Access to quality social services, plays an important role in supporting the health and well-being of adolescents and promoting health equity. Some teens face barriers in accessing these services. Geographically, Washington DC has eight wards, with significant disparities in socioeconomic conditions and population health. Aim: The objective of this study is to explore the distribution of community programs for Expectant and Parenting Teens in Washington DC by wards. Materials and Methods: We conducted computerized searches of PubMed, PsycINFO, Sociological Abstracts, CINAHL, and Cochrane Reviews to identify programs in Washington DC that provide services to adolescent parents, published in English from 1990 to December 2022. Search terms include: Washington DC, Ward, Teen parents, Social services, Community program. We identified and compiled locations of social service providers by wards across Washington DC, using findhelp directory (findhelp.org). Results: We identified 34 programs located in the different wards in Washington, District of Columbia. We identified 10 major interventions. These can be categorized into 10 domains of need involving (a) pregnancy and parenting support and services, (b) adoption resources, (c) housing resources for teen parents in foster care, (d) housing resources for teen parents not in foster care, (e) health care resources for young families, (f) education resources, (g) public benefits, (h) childcare resources, (i) early learning resources and (j) resources for fathers. There is a disparity in Program providers and interventions/services by wards in Washington DC.