RTI uses cookies to offer you the best experience online. By clicking “accept” on this website, you opt in and you agree to the use of cookies. If you would like to know more about how RTI uses cookies and how to manage them please view our Privacy Policy here. You can “opt out” or change your mind by visiting: http://optout.aboutads.info/. Click “accept” to agree.
A housing mobility program's impacts on teen and young adult parenting
Fuller, T. R., Sciandra, M., Koumans, E. H., Boulet, S. L., Warner, L., Cox, S., & Gennetian, L. A. (2019). A housing mobility program's impacts on teen and young adult parenting. SSM - Population Health, 9, 100451. Article 100451. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2019.100451
Objective: To assess the impact of Moving to Opportunity for Fair Housing Demonstration Program (MTO) implemented in 1994 in five U.S. cities (Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City) on teen births.Methods: We analyzed baseline and long-term evaluation data for youth (ages 13-20) and young adults (ages 21-30) (N = 7861) who were children or teens at baseline. We used regression analyses to estimate the impact of housing vouchers on having a teen birth.Results: Overall, MTO had no significant effect on teen births. However, among young adults whose parent had a child before age 20, the proportion with a teen birth themselves was 21% lower among those offered housing vouchers to low-poverty neighborhoods with no restrictions compared to those not offered housing vouchers (p < 0.05).Conclusion: MTO appeared to decrease intergenerational teen births among young adults. Further exploration of housing relocation may help untangle risks and protective factors for reducing intergenerational teen births. Public health implications: Reducing intergenerational teen births is important, especially among those facing economic, environmental, and health risks. Comprehensive programs addressing multiple social determinants of health are vital to reducing teen births.
