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17 yr old pregnant - Mum not supportive - Advice?

6 replies

MyAngels · 03/02/2016 09:40

Hi

My niece is 17 and newly pregnant. Her mum (my SIL) does not want to support her (they have a history of serious not getting on - teen-on-parent violence, poor attendance at school and college, police involvement, has an assigned social worker (who is not much help..), niece has been living between home and boyfriend's house for a couple of months.

Ideally my SIL wants her out of the house - SIL does not want to look after the baby and niece is barely able to look after herself (just irresponsible on every level - you name it - drink, drugs, smoking, truancy, incapable of keeping room clean, doing laundry..).

Does anyone have any advice on options for my SIL to investigate? Niece had been offered supported living previously, but refused it. Are SS likely to pay more attention now a baby's on the way?

Thanks

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makingmiracles · 03/02/2016 09:46

Yes absolutely. Can someone speak with them and discuss the option of a mother and baby unit or a mother and baby foster placement? Unless she radically changes her ways it's likely they would assess her as incapable in a placement and put baby up for adoption.

Does niece want to keep the baby? What are boyfriend/his family like?

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MrsJayy · 03/02/2016 09:49

Yes SS will keep a close eye on her now she is pregnant has ypur sil contacted SS for advice I know your sil doesnt want to be landed on with a baby and I can understand that but the girl needs somewhere secure and stable to live while she is pregnant she cant wash her hands off a 17yrold girl

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MrsJayy · 03/02/2016 09:53

I didnt mean your Neice has to be at her mums but your sil has a duty of care and needs to be in close contact with Ss

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Curlywurly4 · 03/02/2016 10:18

Yes SS will be involved if she's chaotic and homeless, assuming she's decided to go ahead with the pregnancy. Would be worth asking if your niece can be referred the family nurse partnership (if she agrees of course). http://fnp.nhs.uk

Ideally they like people to enrol by 16 weeks (latest 28 weeks) of pregnancy and are great at supporting young mum and helping to prevent safeguarding issues.

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MyAngels · 03/02/2016 11:02

Thanks all.

Niece says she does want to keep the baby, but might not realise the implications bearing in mind she's not good at looking after herself.

Boyfriend and his family all have mental health issues (he is ADHD (dropped out of college, no job), his mother bipolar, his siblings also ADHD - SS involved apparently).

A mother and baby unit with support would be useful I think. She is only about 5 weeks apparently, so plenty of time to get into the system.

I will pass on all advice to my SIL, thanks.

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MrsJayy · 03/02/2016 11:07

She and your sil need all the support they can get I sympathise your sil must be terrified that she will be left holding the baby

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