Core offer for young parents
If you are a care experienced young person who is pregnant, preparing to become a parent, or already have a child, we will support you and your child as the corporate grandparent.
We will:
- help you find support around being a parent and help you make links with groups and other young parents (including young fathers)
- show a genuine interest in your child’s well-being and development
- support you to do the best for your child and support you to develop skills to be a good parent
- help you get information and advice about help with childcare, benefits and any grants you may be entitled to – for example, Sure Start maternity grant if you are on a low income
- contact all care experienced parents up to the age of 25 twice a year specifically to see how you are doing as young parents and if you need any support
Pregnancy
If your pregnancy is unplanned, it is important to know that you have options and choices. The decision of whether or not to keep your baby is a personal one, there's no right or wrong answer and it is important to make an informed decision. You must not feel pressured by other people to make any decisions you later regret. Your leaving care worker will be able to support you with whatever decision you choose to make.
Think about your ability to provide for a baby's needs: Consider the emotional, financial, and practical aspects.
Being a parent requires a skills, knowledge and lots of love. Babies also need a safe, stable, and secure environment to thrive and grow into healthy, happy adults. Babies can be expensive too and it is important you know how to manage your money well before they arrive.
Think about your current lifestyle and relationship status: Do you have a stable home and a reliable support system? We know babies can be seriously affected by parents who argue, use drugs and alcohol.
Think about your mental and emotional well-being: Being a parent can be rewarding but can also be challenging and tiring. It's important to be prepared for how you will manage this. We know that babies can be affected by parents with low mood and who have difficulties managing their emotions.
Think about your long-term goals: You may want to ask yourself whether you are ready to become a parent and raise a child. Becoming a parent is life changing.
You can find further information for registering a birth at Better Births Lincolnshire and for unwanted news of a pregnancy you can visit Greater Lincolnshire Integrated Sexual Heath
Developing your parenting skills
Babies don't come with instruction manuals, which is why it’s important to have support and information to hand.
We know building trusting relationships with professionals early on helps new parents develop skills, knowledge and confidence.
At Lincolnshire’s children’s centres and family hubs, families and expectant parents are able to access a wide range of support through the Start for Life offer around parenting support; infant feeding; home learning environments; perinatal mental health and parent infant relationships.
The centres offer free stay-and-play drop-in sessions and universal programmes for all families from antenatal to age five. Visit your local children’s centre or family hub to find out more.
You can also get free online courses and resources for all Lincolnshire families
Working with a social worker
During pregnancy or after your baby is born, a social worker may need to conduct an assessment by law.
This can happen if there are concerns about your relationship, if you've had a child removed previously or if you need extra support to ensure safety.
While this may understandably cause worry, the assessment can be a positive experience. It helps identify the support you need to become the best parent you can be.
Building a good relationship with your baby's social worker is crucial, so it's important to be open and honest with them.
For more information or advice about the process, advocacy, or working with a social worker, you can speak with your social worker or leaving care worker. You can also visit websites specifically aimed at care experienced young parents.
Finances
There are different organisations which may provide grants or the equipment you need. Speak to your leaving care worker, midwife or health visitor, they will know which local organisations may be able to help you
- Babys Basket
- Baby banks
- Your benefits will increase when you have a baby and you will be entitled to extra amounts of child benefit whether you are working or not
- You could get a one-off payment of £500 to help towards the costs of having a child. This is known as a Sure Start maternity grant. Your midwife will give you a form (MatB) so that you can apply at 26 weeks of pregnancy.
- New homes grant: You get an extra £500 per child, if they are born before you turn 21 years old. This is to help you set up your home for your child. Speak to your leaving care worker about this
- Citizens Advice Bureau have advice on help with costs
Further useful information
- the Care to Learn scheme can help with childcare costs while you study. You must be aged under 20 at the start of your course
- you could be eligible for help and support with childcare costs under through childcare choices
- you can get advice and information around being a single parent about your entitlements and support as a single parent from Gingerbread Home
- Following young fathers provide information around support for fathers
- Lincolnshire family services directory has information on useful local organisations, child care and activities where you live
- parents or grandparents who have lived experience of being in care are eligible to register their children or grandchildren for this project. All children enrolled in the Imagination Library receive a book in the post every month until their fifth birthday. Rees Foundation are acting as a sponsor and will cover the cost for all eligible children and grandchildren
- The Lincolnshire Parent Carer Forum is a charity that ensures that the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities are met
- online relationship course for parents
- safer sleeping advice