As a Corporate Parenting Service, it is our duty to support mothers and fathers who are in care or leaving care, up to the age of 25. That's why we work closely with our care-experienced parents and children's centres.
On this page, we explain how we will support when you become a parent and what we will do to challenge stigma and disadvantage.
Before you become a parent
We want you to start a family at a time that is right for you. Before you become a parent, we will:
- discuss sex and healthy relationships with you
- make sure you have access to family planning advice and contraception
- help you prepare for being a parent, including:
- opportunities to learn about caring for babies and children
- mentoring and advice from parenting role models
- providing support to help you work through your thoughts and feelings about parenting
When you are expecting a child or become a parent
Becoming a parent can be exciting, but it can also feel a lot. You don't have to do it alone. There are lots of people and services who can support you.
Your personal adviser can help you prepare for parenthood. They can help you:
- understand your rights and what you may be eligible for
- find local services
- access eligible financial support
- become confident as a parent
When you're expecting a baby, the Bedfordshire and Luton Health Visiting and School Nursing Service will usually contact you. This will happen after you've met with your midwife. The team can talk through any questions, worries or support needs you may have. They will tell you about local groups, activities and services available in your area.
If you would like some extra support, a member of the team may contact you to discuss how they can help. They may ask if you are a care-experienced young person. They want to make sure you get information and support that is relevant to you.
We understand that you might not want support from your personal adviser or from us. If that's how you feel, we will respect your wishes wherever possible. You can still get information about local parenting groups, activities and community support.
Remember, if you do have a personal adviser, they are there to support you. They can help you get advice, services and practical help when you need it.
Meeting other parents and building friendships
Becoming a parent can sometimes feel lonely, particularly if you do not have family or friends nearby.
Your personal adviser can help you find local parenting groups, family hubs and community activities where you can meet other parents, share experiences and build friendships.
Our Leaving Care Service runs a Young Parents Group. This is a friendly and welcoming space where you can meet other young parents, share experiences, take part in activities and access advice and support for you and your child.
Your personal adviser can tell you more about the group and help you get involved.
Money and financial support
Having a baby can bring additional costs. Your personal adviser can help you understand what financial support you may be entitled to.
This could include checking your eligibility for Universal Credit, Child Benefit, maternity-related benefits, the Sure Start Maternity Grant and help with childcare costs.
We can help you complete applications, plan a budget and explore support with essential items for your baby.
Housing support
If you become a parent and your current accommodation is no longer suitable for you and your child, your personal adviser can help you contact Housing Services to explore more suitable housing options for you and your family.
Looking after your health and wellbeing
Your physical and emotional wellbeing matters before, during and after pregnancy.
Your personal adviser can help you access maternity services, health visitors, your GP and specialist mental health support if needed.
We can also help you find parenting programmes and practical advice about caring for your baby, including feeding, sleep and child development.
If you feel worried about asking for help, your personal adviser can support you to contact services and attend appointments where appropriate.
Help to plan for your future
We will support you to continue your education, access training or employment. We will provide careers advice and guidance.
Extra support for you and your child
Sometimes, our Children’s Services team may become involved if there are concerns about your child’s safety or wellbeing, or if you need extra support with parenting. Being a care leaver does not automatically mean Children’s Services will become involved.
The team may explore whether you need help with your mental health, relationships, learning needs, drug or alcohol use, or everyday parenting tasks.
If Children’s Services does become involved, your personal adviser can support you to prepare for meetings, understand what is happening and make sure your views are heard. They can also work alongside your child’s social worker and other professionals to help you access the right support.
In Central Bedfordshire, your personal adviser can help you access local family support services, children’s centres, parenting programmes and other services that may benefit you and your child.
We want you to feel supported as a parent and know where to turn if you need help.
If you are living apart from your children
There are many reasons why you may be living apart from your child. Your child may live with their other parent or a family member, or they may be living elsewhere following a decision by our Children’s Services team or the court.
Whatever your circumstances, we want you to feel supported and understand your options.
We may be able to help you:
- understand contact arrangements and plan visits or time together
- explore whether help with travel costs is available
- find space to talk about how you are feeling and helping you access additional support if needed
- find independent advocacy or specialist legal advice so you understand your rights and any decisions affecting your family
If your child has been taken into care
We understand that being separated from your child can be extremely difficult. Your personal adviser will continue to support you and can work alongside your child's social worker and other professionals to help you understand what is happening.
We can help you prepare for and attend meetings, understand legal proceedings and access appropriate advice. We can also support you with any changes to your housing, benefits or finances and help you find emotional support, including counselling or services that support parents experiencing grief and loss.
Where appropriate, we can help you understand what steps have been agreed and what support is available to help you work towards them.
Challenging stigma and discrimination
We understand that care-experienced parents may sometimes face stigma or feel judged because of their past. Being a care leaver does not mean you are less capable of being a good parent.
If concerns are raised about your parenting, we will support you to make sure you are treated fairly, listened to and given the opportunity to access the help you need.
Depending on your needs, this could include housing support, accessing mental health services, parenting programmes, relationship support or drug and alcohol services.
Your care history may provide important background, but assessments should consider your current circumstances, parenting strengths, your child's needs and any relevant risks. You should not be judged simply because you have been in care.
Our commitment
You will continue to have access to your personal adviser in line with your leaving care entitlements. We will listen to you, treat you with respect and help you access support for yourself and your relationship with your child, whatever your circumstances.