Adolescent mothers are typically depicted as inadequate parents. Their children are thought to be at significant risk for maltreatment. However, the literature review revealed that a combination of factors other than maternal age are involved. Many studies make comparisons between adolescent and older mothers without identifying the sample's socioeconomic group. The degree of risk to children of adolescent parents may well be determined by the financial, social, and emotional stresses these families face; the availability of resources that offer support and encouragement may be the crucial factor. The technique of mapping might be used to isolate these correlates. Findings indicate the need to reformulate the issue of adolescent parental ability, focusing on conditions under which adolescent parents may be at greater or lesser risk of maltreating their children. This approach could ultimately prove conducive to planning and implementing effective intervention programs. Appended table and 70 references