Strengths and Limitations of Home Visiting to Prevent Child Maltreatment by Teen Parents

The use of home visiting services to prevent child maltreatment has been widely studied with adult parents, but few studies examine their use among teen parents. In 1991 the U.S. Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect recommended implementation of universal, voluntary home visiting for pregnant women. This article examines a sample of current models of home visiting as they affect the risk of child maltreatment among teen parents. Programs reviewed include the Nurse Home Visiting Program, Healthy Families America, Parents as Teachers, and the Colorado Adolescent Maternity Program. Evaluations of existing home visiting programs are reviewed and recommendations are made for future research.