Government
The Tasmanian Government has no specific policy for young parents or pregnant teenagers but were reported by the Children’s Commissioner as saying ‘Young parents are able to engage in mainstream and alternative education settings such as with Tasmanian eSchool. There are currently seven young mothers engaged through this program in Tasmania.’
Dept Health & Human Services Program – CU@home – offered by the Child Health & Parenting Service for first time parents 15-19 – nurse home visits for first two years.
Classes for young parents are conducted at the Royal Hobart Hospital
Other
Dr Marie – live webchat for support with an unplanned pregnancy, freecall: 1800 003 707
Youth Network of Tasmania – Advocating for targeted programs for young parents aiming to support them to reconnect or stay connected in education and training during pregnancy and following birth and support programs and parenting skills classes to be made available and targeted to the specific needs of young parents.
Anglicare Tasmania – Housing Outreach and Parent Employment service in Burnie providing supported accommodation for young parents.
Hobart City Mission – Small Steps – providing safe, secure accommodation, helping young mothers successfully transition into the community and parenting skills
Karinya Young Mums’n’Bubs program provides intensive case management and accommodation to young pregnant women, young mums and dads in Launceston aged between 15 and 19. Priority given to those who have limited family support and are homeless or at risk of homelessness.