Melissa Radey

Foster teens are particularly vulnerable to the negative consequences of pregnancy. Maternity group homes (MGHs) aim to mitigate risks and promote stability among pregnant and parenting teens. This study applied the stage-environment fit and emerging adulthood frameworks to explore MGH experiences and exit outcomes from the perspectives of residents and providers. Mothers were 18 to 25 years old. Most participants were non-Hispanic, Black (64%) with the remaining mothers identifying as Hispanic (20%) or non-Hispanic white (16%). Mothers averaged 5 years in foster care, and 75% experienced 5+ placements. Qualitative interview data were collected from mothers aging out of care with MGH experience ( N = 25) and MGH providers ( N = 16) throughout one state. Using thematic and narrative analytic techniques, emerging themes were mapped onto dominant narratives explaining circumstances entering, living in, and leaving MGHs. Mothers’ experiences were shaped by their situations leading to placement; perceptions of individualized care; and level of openness to change. These conditions shaped how they navigated the MGH environment, their exit outcomes, and subsequent residential stability. Dominant narratives indicate the importance of individualizing care and connecting house responsibilities with independence when developing relationships and delivering services.

Low‐income, rural families face significant mental health risks. However, the understanding of resources associated with mental health risks is limited. The present study investigated the associations between perceived resources of low‐income, rural mothers, and longitudinal maternal and child outcomes. This study utilized longitudinal data from the Family Life Project ( N = 1203), from US rural areas with high poverty rates. Mothers reported their resources at 6‐month postpartum, and their levels of depression, anxiety, and role overload were assessed at 2‐year postpartum. Mothers reported their children's behavioral problems at 3 years old. Using a person‐centered approach, we identified four maternal profiles: lower resources (7.1%); higher intra‐family support (11.1%); higher inter‐family support (20.8%); and higher resources (60.9%). In general, the higher resource profile was associated with lower mental health concerns of mothers and lower levels of behavior problems of children. Mothers in the higher intra‐family support profile had disproportionately higher role overload. Children of mothers in the higher inter‐family support profile showed disproportionately higher behavioral problems. Maternal partner status and education were significant predictors of resource profiles. Findings support the heterogeneity in perceived resources among low‐income, rural families and different risk levels. Identifying these subgroups has significant implications for policy and interventions aimed toward this vulnerable population.