Government
Department of Family and Social Support – Young Parents website refers to general pregnancy and family planning, babies and early childhood health, parenting advice, immunisation and emergency and after hours help. Also Raising Children Network. Refers to Young Parents programs in Townsville and SE Queensland (see below).
The Department of Education Queensland offers resources for pregnant and parenting students in childcare, counseling, educating, financial support, health advice and services, housing and accommodation, parenting, relationships and sexuality. It also advises that:
The [Education] department is committed to supporting the retention of pregnant and parenting students in schools and acknowledges that one of the most effective ways to minimise the risk of negative outcomes in terms of health, welfare and educational achievement is to support pregnant young women and young parents to remain connected to learning.
The Department of Education Queensland has guidelines to retain and support pregnant and parenting young people in education. Three key strategies are promoted within the guidelines:
- track and maintain contact with pregnant and parenting young people
- promote awareness of the range of education pathways available to pregnant and parenting young people
- establish a network of support services for pregnant and parenting young people
Other strategies to support young parents include flexibility with uniforms, attendance, curriculum design and school management.
See more details under Schools – Qld menu
Other
The Association of Women Educators (Qld-based)
In 2009, AWE successfully applied to the Australian Government Office for Women for assistance to run a national symposium in Brisbane to bring together stakeholders from a variety of fields to share information and insights on the supports which best minimise the risks young parents and their children may encounter.
What it Takes provides an outline of AWE’s support for pregnant and parenting young people, and information about the 2009 symposium, detailed case studies of community and school-based programs for pregnant and parenting young people, an overview of effective practice and makes recommendations for the future. Download it here.
The AWE’s Redress Journal, August 2016 features articles on pregnant and parenting teenagers.
Children by Choice advice to young parents on available programs and accurate information and advice about sex and unplanned pregnancy. Youth Space covers relationships, sexual decision making, negotiating safe sex, am I pregnant?, telling someone I’m pregnant, pregnancy options, becoming a young dad, men and unplanned pregnancy and information for young parents.
Women’s Heath Queensland Wide A not for profit health promotion, information and education service for women and health professionals through Queensland. General advice on pregnancy contraception, breastfeeding and for teenage parents
Dr Marie – live webchat for support with an unplanned pregnancy, freecall: 1800 003 707
Brisbane services
Young Parents Program Kedron works alongside young pregnant and parenting women in Brisbane, providing pregnancy groups, childbirth education, midwifery clinic and individual support.
Raise Foundation runs the Bump program for pregnant and parenting mums under the age of 23 – a mentoring program in which girls meet other young mums in their local area and have some much needed “me” time. Bump includes fortnightly workshops and mentoring meet ups with an experienced mum as a mentor. Lunch and babysitting is provided. Bump graduates receive a TAFE Certificate I in Preparation for Work and Training once they complete the program. It runs from March till November but young mums can join the program at any time throughout the year. It is currently in two Brisbane areas – Woodbridge and Nundah and on the Gold Coast. Raise also offers Bump Up program; an advanced course achieving a Tafe Certificate II in Skills for Work and Training. For more info, contact info@raise.org.au or call 0426 972 473.
Micah Projects South Brisbane Young Mothers for Young Women – provides family support, peer-led education, advocacy, early childhood programs and access to specialised antenatal care for young, pregnant and parenting women, 25 years and under, their children and families.
yourtown – Glugor Young Parents Program is for parents and carers of children aged 0-5 years in Deception Bay and surrounding suburbs – offering parenting and child development workshops; life skills workshops about topics like healthy eating, budgeting and relationships; personal support; playroom and outdoor play areas for children to explore and develop; and information about local services.
The Southside Family Centre and Creche operated by Search Light Inc. provides on-site early education, child care and family support services to students attending school at Carinity Education – Southside in Sunnybank, Brisbane. The service operates a weekly Parenting Program and Peer Support group providing young mothers with the opportunity to gain essential parenting and life skills and to spend time sharing stories and parenting tips with other young mothers. Call 07 3397 8100.
Wesley Mission Brisbane – Young Parents Support Program for parents under 25 including child birthing and antenatal classes, information on looking after a new baby and support in accessing education and employment.
Edmund Rice Education Australia – Albert Park Flexible Learning Centre Brisbane offering formal education in English, maths, performance, living skills, music and art to young people aged 14 to 25 and encourages young parents to enroll.
A Brave Life Warner, offers ‘baby bundles’ – nappies, baby wipes, feeding equipment and baby clothes – to new teenage parents and one-on-one and group mentoring to support teen mothers in completing their high school education.
Regional
Supporting Teenagers with Education, Mothering and Mentoring (STEMM), Sunshine Coast, based at Burnside State High School, engages pregnant and parenting young women with education and support in a safe, non-judgemental environment to gain independence. STEMM provides tertiary preparation pathways through the University of the Sunshine Coast, Certificate III in Early Childhood Education & Care and Beauty and Diploma in Beauty Services, Literacy, numeracy and distance education, First Air Certificate, and various classes. The mothering arm provides for health and well-being through care rooms for babies and toddlers, weekly midwife visits, an child health nurse, on-site counsellor, youth support coordinator, visiting GP, weekly visits by child and youth mental health expert, key support workers and volunteers to assist with childcare. Since 2008, STEMM has graduated 160 young women. Contact Jacqui Dean: jdean48@eq.edu.au, phone 07 5459 7333
Carbal Medical Centre, Toowoomba – Indigenous Young Parents Support during the antenatal, birthing, postnatal and early parenting period. Includes facilitating access to the health system and health education, addressing social factors such as access to adequate housing, financial security , alcohol tobacco and drug issues, domestic violence and parenting issues. Encourages school attendance or re-engagement with the education system and builds on strengths within families, communities and generational learning with elders to enhance life and parenting skills.
Queensland Youth Services Townsville Young Parents Program – assists parents under 25, their partners and their children through various projects, outreach and information and referral services including playgroups, individual case management and resources such as prams and cots. And Young Parents Support Program for Southern Queensland.
Hearts Pregnancy & Perinatal Support Upper Caboolture offers free counselling, life skills workshops, social groups, birth support and access to essential baby items.