| This research explores the service delivery system to pregnant and parenting adolescents through the perspectives of various stakeholders including policy makers, program administrators, service providers, clients, and their families. Four research questions were examined: (1) Do gaps in service exist? (2) Which models of service delivery lessen these gaps? (3) How do individuals within the service delivery system cope with policy change? (4) What linkages between individuals and organizations create a comprehensive service delivery system? Through extended field research, interviews, surveys, participant observation, and document review, a description of the service delivery system was developed and a central theme emerged. Based on the theme that adolescent pregnancy is not a problem to be solved but a truth to be lived, it was found that (a) gaps in services do exist; (b) the service delivery models which enhance the service providers ability to develop and maintain a caring attitude with the client can lessen these gaps; (c) tension exists among professions rather than organizations and therefore service providers cope with change through professional networking; and (d) the linkages fostered through open and uncoerced communication create a comprehensive service delivery system. These four responses are based on an ethic of caring which was evident in the attitudes of the service providers, program administrators, clients, and support members at the local service delivery site. |
