The Need For Emancipation Rights For Some Teenage Mothers
- Brainz Magazine
- 2 days ago
- 15 min read
Remington Steele is a holistic breathwork and mindfulness coach, doula, and speaker dedicated to helping individuals reconnect with themselves through the power of breath, emotional literacy, and community healing.
Across the nation, teenage mothers face an invisible barrier that too often leaves them and their children trapped in cycles of dependency and instability. While laws exist to protect minors, they unintentionally restrict the ability of teenage mothers, some of whom are raising families on their own, and prevent them from making critical decisions in their children’s lives. From accessing safe housing and healthcare to enrolling in childcare programs, school for themselves, and applying for jobs, these young women are legally considered incapable of making adult decisions, yet they are expected to fulfill adult responsibilities.
The lack of accessible pathways to emancipation for responsible teen mothers is a glaring gap in our legal and social frameworks, one that leaves too many families struggling unnecessarily, slipping through the cracks of systems meant to support them. It’s time for lawmakers to recognize the unique challenges faced by teen mothers and take decisive action to ensure they have the legal tools and rights to parent with dignity and stability.
Challenges within families due to teenage pregnancy
Teenage pregnancy doesn’t just impact the young mother and her child; it often reverberates throughout the entire family system, creating a web of emotional, financial, and social challenges.
For many families, the arrival of a baby through a teenage pregnancy can trigger feelings of shame, disappointment, and unpreparedness. Parents of the teen mom may struggle with the sudden shift in roles, becoming both grandparents and, in many cases, primary caregivers, while still navigating their own financial and life responsibilities. Tensions rise as expectations and boundaries blur: Should the teen continue school, or work? Who provides childcare? Who makes decisions for the baby? These questions often go unanswered, leading to confusion, resentment, conflict, and often isolation within the family.
Cultural and generational expectations compound the issue. Some families may view teenage pregnancy as a moral failure, cutting off emotional support and creating environments where young mothers feel judged, misunderstood, or even abandoned. In other cases, families unintentionally perpetuate cycles of early parenting by normalizing the challenges without addressing the root causes.
For the teenage mother, this dynamic can be suffocating. Instead of receiving the guidance and empowerment they need, many are left feeling trapped, dependent on family members for basic needs, but deprived of the autonomy to parent their own child. This can lead to strained relationships, mental health challenges, and a deepening of generational cycles of trauma, poverty, and limited opportunities.
Without proper support systems in place, the family structure becomes a pressure cooker, often pushing young mothers further into isolation, homelessness, or risky situations, simply trying to survive. The cycle continues, not because teen mothers are unwilling to thrive, but because the system and their immediate environments are not always equipped to help them do so.
Homelessness among teenage mothers
Homelessness is an often-overlooked crisis facing teenage mothers across the country, and it’s a crisis that too often extends to their young children. For teen mothers, especially those under 18, the system is simply not designed to support their unique needs. Instead of finding safety, many teen moms face a harsh reality: limited shelter options, separation from their children, and an overwhelming fear of losing custody.
In the Dallas, Texas area, We Are The Village Teen Moms has witnessed this crisis firsthand. Within our first year of operating, we encountered an alarming and heartbreaking statistic: 100% of the teenage mothers we served experienced homelessness, many with infants and toddlers in tow.
Why? The problem is systemic. At the time, no shelters or support organizations were equipped or willing to accept both teenage mothers and their children under the same roof. Due to their legal status as minors, these young mothers were treated as children themselves, while their own children were classified as dependents. This age gap created a devastating situation: shelters required the separation of teenage mothers from their babies, placing them in entirely different facilities.
For these young mothers, some as young as 14, this separation was a terrifying and unacceptable risk. The fear of losing their babies to foster care or adoption was a constant, looming threat. A 14-year-old mother, for instance, could lose custody of her child and have little to no recourse until she reached legal adulthood at 18. By then, it would be too late; her child would already be placed in another family, and the opportunity to reunite would be lost.
This system, which claims to protect, in reality forces teenage mothers into hiding, preventing them from seeking the help they so desperately need. It’s a crisis of compassion, policy, and practice, and without decisive action, it will continue to leave our most vulnerable families to fall through the cracks.
How emancipation rights could eliminate homelessness in teenage families
Emancipation rights for teenage mothers aren’t just a legal formality; they could be the key to breaking the cycle of homelessness that traps so many young families. Without the legal status as an adult, teen mothers, even those acting as full-time caregivers, are often locked out of vital resources that would otherwise be available to a parent over 18.
Consider this: An 18-year-old with a baby, no job, and no family support can apply for Section 8 housing, access housing assistance programs, secure an apartment lease, apply for food stamps (SNAP), WIC, TANF, and Medicaid, or even start a job to support their family. A teenage mother under 18, however, faces a maze of restrictions: she can’t legally sign a lease, apply for housing benefits independently, open a bank account without a co-signer, or even make critical medical decisions for her child without parental involvement or state intervention.
Even more troubling, SSI or SSDI benefits intended for the child may be surrendered to the minor’s parent or guardian, not the teenage mother herself, leaving her financially dependent on a family structure that may not be stable or supportive.
Without emancipation, a teenage mother may be forced to rely on family members who may not have the resources or willingness to help, leading to conflicts, instability, and, in many cases, homelessness for both mother and child. If the young mother tries to escape an unsafe or unsupportive home, she may be denied housing assistance, as most programs require her to be legally emancipated or over 18. She is left with an impossible choice: stay in an unhealthy situation or risk separation from her child, a devastating fear that keeps many from seeking help at all.
With emancipation rights, teenage mothers could:
Apply for housing programs like Section 8
Legally sign a lease or rental agreement
Access emergency housing and transitional living programs
Receive SSI/SSDI benefits directly as a caregiver
Apply for food and cash assistance programs independently
Make medical and educational decisions for both herself and her child
Open a bank account, build credit, and establish financial independence
Secure employment without the need for parental consent
Protect themselves and their children from unsafe family situations
Emancipation would grant teenage mothers the legal standing to act as the head of their household, giving them the same opportunities as any other adult parent to build stability, provide for their children, and access the support systems designed to prevent homelessness.
In short, emancipation isn’t just paperwork; it’s a life-changing step that could give teenage mothers and their children a fighting chance at stability, safety, and a future free from the cycle of homelessness.
Other benefits that teen mothers could have from emancipation
Beyond access to housing and financial assistance, emancipation can profoundly impact the mental, emotional, and long-term stability of both teenage mothers and their children.
When a teen mother gains emancipation, she earns the legal authority to make decisions for herself and her child without interference or dependency on others. This fosters a sense of autonomy, confidence, and control over her own life, critical factors in breaking cycles of trauma and poverty. For the baby, it ensures consistent caregiving, stability, and a stronger bond with their primary caregiver, their mom.
Without emancipation, teen mothers are often trapped in an environment where they cannot make critical decisions, such as consenting to medical care, enrolling their child in daycare, applying for benefits, or even opening a bank account. This lack of legal standing leads to chronic stress, anxiety, and feelings of powerlessness, which can negatively impact a mother's ability to parent effectively.
For the child, the effects are equally damaging. Babies and young children thrive in stable, nurturing environments where their primary caregiver feels secure and confident. When a teenage mother is treated as a dependent rather than a decision-maker, her ability to care for her child is undermined. This can lead to inconsistent medical care, disrupted living situations, and in some cases, separation through the foster care system, traumatic experiences that can have lifelong impacts on both children's development (mom and baby).
Emancipation also helps teen mothers plan for the future. They can build credit, establish rental history, open savings accounts, and begin working toward long-term goals like education and career development. Without these opportunities, teen mothers may become stuck in cycles of dependency, unable to escape unstable living situations or access the resources they need to thrive.
The emotional impact is significant. Emancipated teen mothers are more likely to feel empowered, hopeful, and resilient qualities that benefit not just them, but their children as well. In contrast, young mothers who are denied legal independence often experience depression, isolation, and frustration, which can lead to generational cycles of poverty, neglect, or family instability.
By recognizing the unique position of teenage mothers and granting them the legal tools to parent effectively, we not only support their immediate needs but also invest in the future health and stability of the next generation.
How being emancipated could create pathways for teen mothers to thrive
Emancipation is more than a legal status; it is a critical turning point that gives teen mothers the freedom and responsibility to take charge of their lives and create stable, nurturing environments for their children. With the ability to access housing, healthcare, and financial support independently, emancipated teen mothers can step into their roles as caregivers without unnecessary legal or systemic barriers. They gain the autonomy to make decisions in real-time, without the delays or complications that come with seeking parental consent or state involvement. This independence allows them to create a safe, stable home for their children, access education or employment opportunities, and build the foundation for long-term stability and success.
Without emancipation, teen mothers often face an impossible choice: stay in unsafe or unsupportive situations, or risk separation from their children and further instability. With emancipation, these young women are empowered to build a life on their own terms, one where they can pursue their goals, provide for their families, and break free from cycles of poverty and dependency. Emancipation opens the door for teen mothers to thrive, not just survive, offering them a chance to create a future defined by strength, resilience, and hope.
Teenage pregnancy rates throughout America
Teenage pregnancy rates in the United States have declined significantly over the past two decades, reaching historic lows. In 2022, the birth rate for females aged 15–19 was 13.6 per 1,000, down from 61.8 per 1,000 in 1991. Despite this progress, challenges persist. Approximately 70% of teenage girls who give birth leave school, and nearly 1 in 5 births to teen mothers are repeat births. Additionally, youth experiencing homelessness are at a higher risk of pregnancy and parenting, with about 1.1 million children having a young parent who experienced homelessness in the past year.
Dallas, Texas
Dallas County’s teen birth rate is notably higher than both the state and national averages. In 2023, the rate was 23.8 per 1,000 females aged 15–19, a staggering 82% higher than the national rate and 23% higher than the Texas average. Even more concerning, 16% of these teen births are repeat births, highlighting the deep, systemic challenges faced by young mothers in our community.
As a resident of Dallas and the founder of We Are The Village Teen Moms, I have the unfortunate experience of working closely with some of these girls. One in particular still pulls at my heart. I met this young teen mother when she was only 16 years old. She had been homeless since she was 11, kicked out by her mother, who chose the “love” of her husband over the protection of her daughter. At the time I met her, she had one baby girl who was turning one in a few days and another one on the way, due in a few short months. She was staying with a friend and her mother, who let her stay with them after several years of sleeping on the streets and just after giving birth to her baby girl. The family was supportive enough; however, it was still not the environment that the teen mother wanted for herself and her daughter, but it was all she had. One night after getting off work and being picked up by a friend, the teen mother was involved in an auto accident that left her mangled, no longer pregnant, and in the hospital to recover for five months. It took 2 days to get in touch with her mother and another day for her to arrive at the hospital to consent to the operation. Meanwhile, the teen suffered in pain, not being able to make life-changing decisions for her life. Something that she would not have experience with is emancipation.
This young mother underwent over 4 surgeries, all in the absence of her mother or any blood relatives' support. As her mentor, I visit her often and speak with the staff at Parkland Health regarding her health plan. Many times I was mistaken for her mother, being the only one to visit her or being waiting for her in the waiting rooms during surgery. Sadly, the hospital was the first form of stability this young mother had in years, but the time would come for her to be released back into the unknown.
She was released from the hospital after 5 months, due to instability. Still being underage, 17, and unfortunately still not in a position to care for herself, now being disabled, she was unable to stand and work her fast food job. However, since she did not have a stable adult to care for her and her baby or a home address, she was not eligible to apply for disability independently. Another resource not available to minors. After house to house, street to street, the mother was able to obtain an extended stay housing in hopes of having a stable place for both her and her baby. Currently, the young mother is just a little over a month away from turning 18; however, since she has been assaulted, stabbed, and has even given up hope on her dreams, she once shared with me her dream of getting back into school and working for the US Post Office like her mother.
Through We Are The Village Teen Moms, we strive to fill those gaps, offering mentorship, family coaching, doula services, and holistic programs that help teen mothers navigate the challenges of parenting while working toward their goals. Programs like Healthy Futures of Texas are a start, but much more is needed. Until we fully invest in the rights and support systems teen mothers need, Dallas will continue to see young families slipping through the cracks. I’m here, in the heart of this city, committed to building a village where teen moms and their children don’t just survive, but thrive.
Kansas City, Missouri
Missouri's teen birth rate has been steadily declining, reaching 16.9 per 1,000 females aged 15–19. Kansas City, in particular, has been working to break the cycle of teen pregnancy through comprehensive sex education, mentorship programs, and access to family planning services. These initiatives are not just numbers on a page; they are lifelines for young mothers seeking a better future.
As someone who was born and raised in Kansas City and became a teen mother myself, I have seen firsthand how critical these resources can be. Programs like the Teen Moms Program at Truman Medical Center and mentorship support networks provided me with the knowledge, community, and confidence to not just survive, but thrive. It is through these supports that I found the foundation to build a life of stability, purpose, and leadership, proving that when we invest in young mothers, we empower them to become strong, capable parents and contributors to our communities.
Kansas City's continued commitment to providing comprehensive, compassionate care for teen parents is a model for other cities, demonstrating that change is possible when we choose to uplift rather than marginalize.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, situated in Fulton County, has been actively addressing the challenges of teenage pregnancy through various programs and initiatives. According to the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power and Potential (GCAPP), Fulton County reported a teen birth rate of 22.5 per 1,000 females aged 15–19. This rate underscores the ongoing need for targeted interventions in the region.
Statewide, Georgia's teen birth rate stands at 16.5 per 1,000 females aged 15–19, with a repeat teen birth rate of 14%, indicating that a significant portion of teen mothers are having more than one child during their teenage years. GCAPP To combat these challenges, Atlanta has implemented several supportive programs, including the Teen Parent Connection (TPC). This program serves pregnant or parenting teens aged 13–19 in Metro Atlanta, providing life coaches who offer individualized support, including parenting skills training, job skills development, legal assistance, and peer advocacy.
Safe Dates Program by GCAPP: Implemented in Fulton County, this program focuses on healthy relationship education for pregnant or parenting teen moms aged 14–21, offering incentives and support services like transportation and childcare stipends.
These comprehensive programs and community support systems are vital in reducing teen pregnancy rates and providing essential resources for teen parents in Atlanta.
Why legislation should consider emancipation
Across cities like Dallas, Kansas City, Atlanta, and beyond, teenage mothers and their children are falling through the cracks of systems that were never built to support them, trapped in cycles of homelessness, poverty, and instability, simply because they lack the legal authority to act as parents. From limited access to housing and healthcare to the risk of losing custody of their own children, these young mothers face barriers at every turn. Emancipation offers a powerful solution: by granting teenage mothers the legal rights of adulthood, we empower them to sign leases, access benefits, secure stable housing, and make decisions for their families' rights that are crucial to breaking generational cycles of poverty and homelessness. Emancipation is not necessary for every teen mother. However, for some without this legal pathway, they are left vulnerable, unsupported, and at risk of losing everything before they even have a chance to build a future. By championing emancipation as a tool for stability, we can create real, lasting change for young families across America, offering not just survival but the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and raise the next generation with dignity, autonomy, and hope.
Who could help make a change?
Creating meaningful change for teenage mothers and their families requires bold leadership and a willingness to challenge outdated systems. As a resident of Dallas, Texas, I believe our state lawmakers have the power and the responsibility to lead the way. In particular, I would like to work closely with Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, a dynamic and compassionate advocate for marginalized communities, to advance legislation that recognizes the unique needs of teenage mothers. Her commitment to justice and equity, coupled with her understanding of the systemic barriers that affect families in Texas, makes her an ideal partner in this work. Together, we can create policies that ensure teen mothers have access to the resources, rights, and legal protections they need to break cycles of poverty and build stable, thriving lives for themselves and their children. In light of the current administration’s focus on family values and economic stability, now is the time to act. We must ensure that no young family is left behind simply because the system wasn’t built for them.
How family coaching can restore communication in families facing teenage pregnancy
When a teenage pregnancy enters a family, it can disrupt communication and strain relationships in ways that few are prepared to handle. Feelings of disappointment, fear, and judgment can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts that isolate teen mothers and fracture family bonds. Family Mediation and Family Coaching provide a pathway to healing by creating a safe space for honest dialogue, shared understanding, and collaborative problem-solving. Through guided conversations, families can rebuild trust, clarify expectations, and develop practical strategies for supporting both the teen mother and her child.
At We Are The Village Teen Moms. We offer free Family Mediation and Family Coaching services to help families navigate the emotional and logistical challenges that arise with teenage pregnancy. For those seeking support beyond the context of pregnancy, whether navigating generational conflicts, co-parenting struggles, or communication breakdowns, Breathe With Rem offers family coaching and family mediation as part of its for-profit wellness services. By offering these services, we aim to help families move from conflict to connection, fostering healthier dynamics that create a strong foundation for all members to grow and thrive.
What’s next?
If you believe in the power of supporting young families and agree that teenage mothers deserve the legal tools to parent with dignity, the time to act is now. Begin by educating yourself and others about the realities teenage mothers face, the barriers to housing, healthcare, employment, and stability, and how emancipation can unlock doors for these families. Reach out to your local and state lawmakers, including champions like Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, who will advocate for legislation that creates clear, accessible pathways to emancipation for teen parents in need. The most powerful impact you can offer is allowing your voice to be heard. Help turn the conversation of Emancipation Rights For Teenage Mothers into a foundation for change by joining your voice with others. Let them know that our laws must evolve to meet the real needs of today’s families. Make your voice count by clicking the link to join the many others who realize our help just isn’t enough.
Additionally, we invite you to partner with us at We Are The Village Teen Moms (WATVTM), to support our mission of breaking generational cycles and empowering young mothers. Let your voice be heard, click the link and answer 4 quick questions to show your local legislators know this issue matters to you.
For individuals, organizations, or professionals looking to contribute, whether through advocacy, collaboration, or community education, please connect directly with Remington Steele at We Are The Village Teen Moms. Together, we can close the gaps that leave young families vulnerable and create a system where every parent, regardless of age, has the opportunity to thrive. Let’s build a future where no family is left behind.
Read more from Remington Steele
Remington Steele, Expert Breath Coach & Intuitive Holistic Wellness Coach
Remington Steele is a mindfulness facilitator, breathwork coach, and passionate advocate for teen parents. She is the founder of Breathe With Rem, a wellness practice rooted in conscious breathing and self-healing, and We Are The Village – Teen Moms, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and empowering teenage mothers through holistic care, mentorship, and education. Drawing from her own experience as a teen mom, Remington creates safe spaces for healing, growth, and generational change. Her work bridges breath and community, helping individuals reconnect with themselves and each other. Follow her journey and explore more of her articles.
