Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Youth: A Rapid Review of Global Trauma-Informed Care Practices

SYNOPSISObjective. This review focuses on pregnant and parenting youth (PPY) who face unique adversities, including problematic substance use, child welfare involvement, mental health challenges, and socioeconomic instability, affecting both their well-being and that of their child(ren). Children born to PPY who lack adequate supports are more likely to develop cognitive and language delays, including developmental disabilities. Providing adequate support and programming that enhance parenting skills, knowledge, and relationships and provide a sense of stability can promote positive life outcomes for both PPY and their child(ren). Based on available evidence-based literature, what promising practices best support pregnant and parenting youth and their children? Design. We conducted a structured search of peer-reviewed literature in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Social Work Abstracts, Sociological Abstracts, and Web of Science, along with a gray literature search in Google Scholar and organizational websites in Canada and identified 5,271 unique sources. After screening in Covidence, 58 sources met inclusion criteria for analysis. Results. Trauma-informed models of care that are trauma aware, foster safe and trustworthy environments, provide opportunities for choice and collaboration, and utilize strengths-based approaches have proved effective. Conclusions. Long-term, coordinated interventions, such as mental health care, parenting programs, stable housing, and early childhood services, are crucial for reducing child welfare involvement and improving intergenerational well-being. By synthesizing global research, this review presents comprehensive evidence to guide policy and service.