Data obtained from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services showed that adolescent parents were no more likely than older parents to maltreat their children. Further, adolescents were not overrepresented in the population of either maltreating parents or heads of households with children in care. Heads of households who were under 21 years of age and who had children in care comprised only 3.2 percent of the total population of heads of households with children in care. Of all maltreating parents in Illinois in 1988, just 4.5 percent were under 21 years of age. Findings suggest that programs for adolescent parents should focus on issues other than potential maltreatment. The author suggests a focus on health care, nutrition, child support, child care, and enhanced educational and vocational opportunities for young women. 17 references and 1 table