| Summary: | A qualitative and quantitative approach was chosen together with an exploratory and
descriptive design in order to obtain knowledge, insight and understanding regarding the
utilization of social support network of teenage mothers in Botshabelo. It is necessary for
social workers to identify the social support systems that exist in a social support network of
teenage mothers in order to select those systems which would be relevant to meet the needs of
teenage mothers. The aim of this study is to present guidelines for social workers to empower
teenage mothers to utilize social support networks to fulfil their roles as parents.
A sample of ten teenage mothers (14 years to 19 years of age) who are from the service area
at the J clinic in Botshabelo was involved in the study. A qualitative investigation was carried
out by means of conducting interviews with the aid of a semi-structured interview guide.
The responses of the participants and the findings of the study were analyzed and compared
with the findings of previous studies. The results of the investigation confirmed that the
findings of the literature study namely that teenage parenting severely impacts daily
functioning of teenage mothers. These challenges include aspects related to financial
problems, responding to the baby’s needs, attending classes or seeking for a job, while
expected to play a mother’s role at the same time.
The results of the study gave an indication of the nature of social work intervention that is
needed for this target group: talking to someone, distributing information regarding teenage
parenting, distributing information regarding available services, participating in a support
group and learning to cope with daily activities. The findings of the research can be used as
guidelines by social workers who need to empower teenage mothers to utilize their social
support network.
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