Teen Moms Talk Back: Young Mothers Strategizing Supportive Communities

Abstract

This thesis centers the expertise of ten young parents that have been involved with child protective services; what they identify as challenges and what would support their parenting. (De)colonizing, intersectional and transformative justice theories are used to frame the thesis. Using a written and an online, knowledge-mobilization component (teenmomstalk.ca) this thesis focuses on their agency and strategies as they parent in the face of stigma and systemic violence like poverty, colonization, racism, ageism, sexism and ableism. The written portion highlights parents identification of poverty, isolation and stress as key challenges, their strategies to address them and necessary structural changes. The online component uses videos of the parents sharing their advocacy, money management, community-building, and wellness strategies with other parents. Together the two components highlight parents insights into what would truly be in the best interest of their children, families and communities.