This paper focuses on the identification of the factors associated with the productive and unproductive use of supportive and therapeutic services by high‐risk teen parents. Referral and treatment data were analyzed and discussed, as were two case studies. The importance of family support and family relationships to the use of services is highlighted in both the statistical and clinical data. Treatment implications are discussed.

Patterns of professional involvement and control in self-help groups were studied through a questionnaire completed by representatives of 63 self-help groups for parents of high-risk newborns located throughout the United States. Results indicated that when professionals began a group, they were likely to continue to maintain control over it. Groups controlled by professionals were more likely to utilize professional counseling as a form of support and less likely to provide outreach services to parents following hospital discharge of their infants. Group stability, growth, and innovation were associated with more consultation between parents and professionals in the planning process.

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