The challenges faced by pregnant teenagers in the child abuse prevention network

(Objective) The support of pregnant women holds a critical position in Japan, and as of 2009 designated pregnant women were included in the Regional Council for Children in Need of Protection Act as a network approach for... [ view full abstract ]

(Objective) The support of pregnant women holds a critical position in Japan, and as of 2009 designated pregnant women were included in the Regional Council for Children in Need of Protection Act as a network approach for child abuse prevention. In this paper I would like to clarify what kind of challenges designated pregnant teenagers face. (Method) In September of 2015 a mail survey was carried out that targeted 996 locations in municipalities nationwide. Responses were requested by the coordinating agency, the Regional Council for Children in Need of Protection. (Ethical Considerations) Full consideration was given in the handling of personal information. (Results) The effective recovery rate was 37.5%. 46.8% of the designated pregnant teenagers that replied had a history of abuse, and 70% of them had suffered from neglect. In terms of the challenges, whilst there were cases of schools understanding when the pregnant girls were in middle school, there were pregnant girls in high school who had been made to leave their schools and had not received support from the network. A high percentage of those aged between 16 and 19 were independents and had no fixed residence. (Conclusion) It is essential that a support system for pregnant women, improvements in social resources, and the understanding of schools are secured.

Note) Designated pregnancy refers to a pregnant woman who is in need of assistance as determined by the law.