The Baltimore Study is a 29-year longitudinal study (1966-1995) that examined the lives of poor African American children born to teenage mothers. Extensive data was collected concerning three generations: the teenage mothers (Generation-2), their mothers (Generation-1), and their children (Generation-3). The children of this study (the G-3's) are now in their later twenties. We have the chance to examine the lives of these young adults in light of the wealth of information already collected about their families and first twenty years of life. The understanding gained by such a study will have significant implications for policy change.

Our objectives are: (1) describe in detail the texture of these young adults' lives; (2) examine the current relationship between the young adults and their parents. Particular interest will be given to the degree of dependence the youth have on their parents, how this impacts the parents, and to w hat degree there is exchange of help between the generations. We outline four possible intergenerational patterns: semi-autonomy, mutual dependency, autonomy, and accelerated responsibility. We are examining the sources and consequences of these patterns. Information will be collected from both the mid-life parent and the young adult child; (3) look at the precursors to accomplishment and failure in the lives of the young adults. By examining the histories and current lives of the young adults, we will be able to explore the antecedents of successful development; (4) describe how the next generation (the G-4's) of the Baltimore Study is faring. We are interested in the intergenerational transmission of disadvantage, as well as factors that promote resiliency and vulnerability.

The ultimate aim of the study is to inform policy makers of the critical points for intervention in the lives of disadvantaged youth.