Teenage pregnancy – information for parents and carers of young people at school

For free advice, information about the support available to you and your child, please contact the Pregnancy Reintegration Officer.

If needed, they can visit you at home.

Young teenagers involved with unplanned pregnancies can feel guilty or embarrassed. It's important to reassure them that they will still get the love and support they need. Working through issues together is best in the long run.

Information for young people

Help and advice about pregnancy, fatherhood, and contraceptives.

If your daughter doesn't want to keep the child

Abortion
If this is an option, a decision needs to be made quickly. Your daughter can get counselling and advice through her GP or a local clinic which specialises in working with young people. You can find the nearest specialist clinic through the Family Planning Association website.

Ante-natal care

Special parenting groups for teenagers run in some areas. The GP or clinic will arrange for appropriate ante-natal (pre-birth) care. At this young age, it's important that your daughter goes to all her appointments.

Children's services

Don't hesitate to contact the Duty and Assessment team in Children's Services if you feel your daughter or family need help, or if you have any worries about her welfare or any risks to the unborn child.

Contact a Duty and Assessment team.

Under-age sex

To find out about the law and sexual consent, visit the the Family Planning Association website – the UK law relating to sexual behaviour.

Schooling

Interruptions to your daughter's education need to be kept to a minimum. The Reintegration Officer will be able to help you make arrangements with the school. Home tuition will be available for a short period just before and just after the birth.

Young people who are 16 to 18 years old may be able to claim £30 a week if they are in further education.

Help with childcare

Funding up to the value of £155 per week is available, up to age 19, to enable young parents to continue their education at school and if they go on to college. Contact the Reintegration Officer for details or apply online:

Money

Young parents can claim various sources of financial help, including child benefit when the child is born:

Housing

The best place for very young mothers is with their family. Being pregnant is not an automatic route to housing. If you are unable to provide a home for your daughter and her child you should contact Children's Services if she is under 16 or the local Housing Department if she is over 16: