Effective interventions for adolescent mothers.

This article reviews research on programs designed to reduce the adverse consequences of early childbearing. Programs that focus on the mothers' health and well-being have proved effective in changing life outcomes for the mothers and improving the childrearing environment they provide for their children. More narrowly focused programs designed to increase maternal em-ployability have been ineffective. Comparisons of effective and ineffective programs suggest that the timing of service delivery is a critical factor in program success, as is the choice of goals that are endorsed by the recipients. Future research should focus on means for preventing rapid repeated childbirth in this population and should determine effects of programs for the children as well as the mothers.