Teen Parent Units Impact Evaluation

This study evaluated a unique intervention in New Zealand where some teenage mothers have the opportunity to receive their schooling at a Teen Parent Unit (TPU). These TPUs are specifically designed for teenagers who are pregnant or already parents.  Evaluation of this intervention helps to establish whether poor schooling outcomes for teen mothers can be offset through schooling opportunities that are designed around the needs of young mothers.  Researchers found that teen mothers with access to TPUs had better educational outcomes than those with no access. This research was conducted through the linkage of social sector administrative data.

Publications

• Vaithianathan, R., Maloney, T., Wilson, M., Staneva, A., & Jiang, N. (2017). Impact of School-based Support on Educational Outcomes of Teen-mothers: Evidence from New Zealand’s “teen Parent Units”. Ministry of Social Development.

Related news

• Teen parent units improve success rates for young mums, new research finds, Stuff, April 2017
• Researchers find Teen Parent Units have positive impact, April 2017