Preventing homelessness in pregnant youth and young mothers
A review of key turning points
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 20408689 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Devin Nihill (0009-0002-2537-639X, McGill University), Laurence Roy (0000-0002-1556-690X, McGill University), Cécile Arbaud (Dans la rue), Christine Stich (0000-0002-5779-1531, McGill University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 35 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 356-389 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-02 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Social Distress and the Homeless (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1053-0789 • E-ISSN: 1573-658X |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/10530789.2025.2515632 |
| OpenAlex | W7128178683 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 60 |
Background Pregnancy and motherhood in youth experiencing homelessness is a critical public health issue. Understanding key turning points (KTPs) and pathways into, during, and out of homelessness for this group is vital for enhancing prevention and intervention efforts.We conducted a scoping review to synthesize existing knowledge on the topic in scientific and grey literature for pregnant youth and young mothers aged 13 to 30.Methods The review involved an extensive search in eight scientific and three grey literature databases, and a Google Scholar search, leading to the thematic analysis of 45 studies.Results Nine themes were identified: 1. History of experiencing violence, abuse, and victimization; 2. Involvement with the child welfare system; 3. Transition periods; 4. Lack of supportive relationships; 5. Pro-pregnancy attitudes; 6. Pregnancy and motherhood as opportunity and challenge; 7. Fear of child protective services and custody loss; 8. Challenges in accessing resources; 9. Pregnancy and motherhood as a facilitator for exiting homelessness. The review also highlighted unique aspects of homelessness and pregnancy for LGBTQIA + and BIPOC youth.Conclusions The scoping review revealed complex, interconnected pathways and KTPs for pregnant youth and young mothers experiencing homelessness. Effective support requires tailored interventions addressing their specific needs, with a focus on trauma-informed care
MEDLINE · Pregnancy · Qualitative research · Historical and modern epidemiology studies · Homelessness and Social Issues · Intimate Partner and Family Violence
The Role of Google Scholar in Evidence Reviews and Its Applicability to Grey Literature Searching
Violence and risk of PTSD, major depression, substance abuse/dependence, and comorbidity
Recommendations for the extraction, analysis, and presentation of results in scoping reviews
Treatment of trauma-related conditions for people in homelessness
Crime in the Making
Staying Together No Matter What
Severe Housing Insecurity during Pregnancy
Evolving an evidence‐based model for homelessness prevention
Young people's experience of social support during the process of leaving care
Interventions for pregnant youth and young mothers experiencing homelessness
Reasons for homelessness
Identity work among street-involved young mothers
Longitudinal predictors of homelessness
Dual experiences of teenage parenting and homelessness among Native Hawaiian youth
Parenthood and Motivation to Change in Homeless Older Adolescents
Promoting Wellness and Recovery of Young Women Experiencing Gender-Based Violence and Homelessness
Getting pregnant might make me seem more normal to them”
Renewal and Risk
The impact of early childbirth on socioeconomic outcomes and risk indicators of females transitioning out of foster care
Homelessness and aging out of foster care
Growing up before their time
The love that I was missing”
Risk chains over the life course among homeless urban adolescent mothers
I guess it would be a good shock”
Homelessness, violence exposure, and school participation among urban adolescent mothers
Understanding Condom Use Decision Making Among Homeless Youth Using Event-Level Data
Pregnancy and mental health of young homeless women
Housing trajectories of teen mothers and their families over 28 years
The Use of Turning Points in Understanding Homelessness Transitions
Out of the Frying Pan, Into the Fire
Racial Inequity and Homelessness
Adolescent parenthood
Turning Points and Adaptations
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |