So, does the system encourage/discourage teen pregnancies? I would have to say ......it does both. On one hand it provides a safety net for teens who have genuinely found themselves in a difficult position, with no extended family to help them, and helps them get back on their feet. On the other, it allows teens to leave home, get a flat, become mothers, reap the benefits of the system without a stigma attached. What is best for the baby? Did I summarise this accurately? I am not trying to be harsh, but I think teens need to have both sides of the picture clearly explained to them before they make a decsion. As parents, do we do that?