This report from the Illinois Caucus on Teenage Pregnancy concerns the plight of an estimated 7,000 homeless teenagers in the state who are either pregnant or are teenage mothers. The scope of the homeless youth problem in Illinois is defined in the introduction. A section on dimensions of need focuses on the "feminization of homelessness," classifies subgroups of homeless pregnant youth and young parents, describes current beds and programs for these adolescents in Chicago, and examines the roles performed by shelters. A section on a city-wide service system lists three core principles vital to a city-wide plan for shelter care for pregnant teenagers and young parents and advocates a continuum of shelter components which would include outreach intake/emergency facilities, stable group homes and transitional shelters in communities, supervised independent living, and assistance with referrals to affordable housing units. The final section on barriers and recommendations discusses specific barriers which should be lowered to improve the short-term provision of shelter/housing for pregnant teenagers and young parents. Barriers are discussed in the areas of: (1) the legal status of youth in Illinois; (2) regulations affecting availability of and access to services; (3) legislation; (4) interagency coordination; (5) resources; (6) public education; and (7) research issues. Specific recommendations are listed for each barrier category. (NB)