Sexuality and sexual health
As kids grow up, it’s healthy for them to develop a sense of their sexuality, learn how to express affection and have respectful relationships. Sexuality isn’t just about sexual behaviour; it’s about the way your child feels about their body, and their growing ability to have feelings of intimacy, attraction and affection for others.
Pregnancy
Young people who have been in care experience higher rates of teenage pregnancy than their peers. If the young person in your care tells you they are involved in a pregnancy, either as father or mother, contact your caseworker. Your caseworker will help make sure they get the information and support they need to confirm the pregnancy, consider the options and make an informed decision.
A young woman’s decisions
On a legal basis, the decision about whether or not to continue with the pregnancy, rests solely with the young woman involved, although she may choose to discuss it with her male partner. Her options include:
- Choosing to parent. If the young woman in your care chooses to continue the pregnancy and keep the baby, she will need a lot of support. Your caseworker can help you connect with the most suitable support services, including the parenting support services under the Brighter Futures early intervention program.
- Choosing to adopt. The young woman may decide to continue the pregnancy, but to have the baby adopted. You and your caseworker will need to work together on the support and services that will best help her through this time.
- Choosing to terminate. A termination of the pregnancy, also called an ‘abortion’, is a surgical or medical procedure that removes the foetus from the uterus.
More support
There are a number of organisations that provide support and information for young women and men involved in a pregnancy. They include Family Planning NSW, Pregnancy, Birth and Baby and Men’s Helpline .
A young man’s decisions
Although the two people involved might choose to share the decision-making around the pregnancy, the fact is that, on a legal basis, the parental rights of the father only begin at birth. You and your caseworker can help give the young man the information and support he needs to deal with this challenge, and explain his rights and responsibilities.
If the mother decides to continue the pregnancy, the young man will have to consider:
- whether or not he supports an adoption (both parents must consent)
- how he will carry on a meaningful relationship with the child
- how he will contribute to the day-to-day care of the child
- how to negotiate access and visiting rights
- whether he wants to take a paternity test
- how he will manage financial child support.
Termination
In NSW, a young person aged over 14 can give informed consent to a termination without a carer’s knowledge if the doctor considers they are mature enough to make this decision. Informed consent can only be given after the young person gets information about the procedure, possible risks and complications, and the emotions commonly experienced after a termination.
A young person over 14 years of age with an intellectual disability has the same rights to a termination as long as the doctor considers she’s able to give informed consent.
If the young person is under 14, or if they are between 14 and 18 and the doctor believes they don’t have the ability to give informed consent, then the consent of the person with parental responsibility is required. This is usually the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Manager Client Services.
Your caseworker can’t give information about the pregnancy to you, the birth parents or anybody else without the young person’s permission unless:
- they are not capable of making a decision about the pregnancy and other people, including you or the birth parents, need to be consulted in the decision-making process
- it’s necessary to ensure that appropriate care is provided
- it’s necessary to ensure the safety of you and other members of your household.