[Chances and limitations of professional support for adolescent mothers, their partners and babies: a case history]

Eva Lehmann1, Kai von Klitzing, Peter Hiermann

  • 1Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik des Kindes- und Jugendalters, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Department für Frauen- und Kindermedizin, Leipzig. eva.lehmann@medizin.uni-leipzig.de

Adolescent pregnancy usually leads to notification and involvement of a broad array of sources of support. It is then important to assess risk factors and resources with regard unique to the young woman, as well as to protect the (as yet unborn) child. However, due to the complexity of such cases, helpers often lose sight of other family members whose lives undergo a radical change, such as, for example, the child's father. What action should be taken in order to generate and promote previously inadequate parenting capacities, for example with the assistance of institutions? Which relationships within the family, but also with persons outside the family, require consideration, protection and support? By means of a case study, this paper aims to demonstrate and discuss difficulties and possibilities connected with assisting a very young family.

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