This literature review considers New Zealand and international literature on the experiences of younger mothers, their perceptions of the issues they face as well as their views on what would work best to improve their situation.

Most of the literature is from New Zealand, but also includes research reports from Australia, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

The review provides a brief discussion on how vulnerability is defined. This is followed by sections on women’s perceptions of the challenges they face and what worked best to improve their situation.

The review highlights the negative impact of judgemental attitudes towards vulnerable mothers which inhibits their ability to be given, or to receive and act on, information. In contrast, long-term stable relationships based on trust help facilitate change. (From the document). This literature review was prepared at the same time as the "Something's go to change" report (#5924). Record #5925