Evaluation of the Massachusetts Pregnant and Parenting Teen Initiative (MPPTI)

Client: MA Department of Public Health
Topic Areas: Children, youth, and families; Maternal and child health; Social determinants of health
Service: Participatory Evaluation

From May 2022-June 2023, ICH engaged with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) to evaluate the Massachusetts Pregnant and Parenting Teen Initiative (MPPTI). The MPPTI follows a two-generation model, providing case management to pregnant and parenting adolescents and their children, with the goal of improving access to health services, supporting child development, and promoting healthy relationships. ICH utilized a mixed methods evaluation approach, including analysis of six years (2014-2020) of program data (N=772), and five qualitative focus groups with participants (N=26), to explore participant experiences with services, and to determine the impact of the program on housing stability, employment, and other life goals. The evaluation determined that MPPTI participants were significantly more likely to obtain stable housing status when comparing baseline to subsequent timepoints, and that housing stability was significantly associated with age and engagement in employment. Focus group participants reported barriers to housing including the high cost of housing, long wait lists, complex navigation of agencies, family challenges, immigration status, and age requirements. The results from the evaluation, as well as recommendations, were shared with MDPH, MPPTI, and other stakeholders to improve programming and policies related to supporting young families across the state.

Related Resources

MPPTI Academic poster: MPPTI-Academic-poster.pdf