We released a new issue brief today detailing early findings from a project focused on parenting teens, written by PolicyLab researcher and Stoneleigh Emerging Leader Fellow Kali Hackett, MSW, MPH. This brief, titled “Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Parenting Teens,” emphasizes that parenting teens are at greater risk for experiencing perinatal mental health problems, but underscores that our systems of care are not designed to meet their mental health needs.

Through research and interviews with key stakeholders in Philadelphia, this new brief outlines why teen parents may experience challenges in accessing mental health care, illustrates the pressing need for innovative services, policies, and programs that close the gaps in care for parenting teens, and provides concrete recommendations for various stakeholders to improve access and connection to quality mental health services for this unique population.

Be sure to read the issue brief and this blog post focused on this important issue.