Funding outcome

The transition to motherhood carries significant challenges. Teen mothers in particular are disproportionately impacted by mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression, compounded by harsh judgment and stereotyping from others in the community. If not addressed, mental health challenges can negatively affect the mother-child relationship, as well as child development outcomes. Many teen mothers and their children thrive with the proper supports, and it is therefore important to explore how they can achieve positive mental health. In 2014, the Terra Centre and Brentwood Community Development Group partnered to offer affordable housing to teen parents and their children, and developmental evaluation and research guided by research partners from the University of Alberta resulted in the development of the Successful Families (SF) program. Throughout this research, parents voiced the need for increased mental health supports in order to raise their children successfully. My study will build on this partnership to: (1) explore teen mothers' experiences with accessing and receiving mental health services; (2) identify facilitators and barriers to access; and (3) determine how mental health service providers can best meet their diverse needs. Discussions with SF participants and Terra staff will be analyzed and findings refined collaboratively. By exploring the perspectives of SF participants and staff working with them, it is possible to enhance the mental health supports provided to this population. Insights will be used to jointly develop recommendations for service delivery and will be shared with Terra stakeholders and service providers to inform practice.