Is residential care a risk factor for teenage pregnancy? A study on the experiences of young women's discharge and transition from residential care in Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract

Some English-speaking Caribbean nations continue to maintain large residential homes for children and youth who need out-of-home care. My doctoral study with alumni from a number of these homes reported that their overall experiences were positive. However, transition and discharge were less favourable, with women suffering more hardships than men. These hardships included homelessness, which often led to sexual exploitation for women. A number of young women became pregnant within a year of discharge from the home (which normally happened at the age of 16 or 18). An unplanned pregnancy can have immediate and lasting consequences for a young woman's health, education, and income-earning potential. It often alters the course of her entire life. This study provides information from a sample of 15 young adult women in Trinidad and Tobago on the risk factor of living in a residential care facility and unplanned teenage pregnancy. Recommendations are proposed to better prepare young women who grew up in residential care.