Core Study 3: Parenting and Caring
Becoming a Parent or Carer
Types of Parents and Carers
Biological parents
One who contributes genetic material as a result of a sexual intercourse of assisted reproduction technologies.
IVF
In vitro Fertilisation is the process of fertilising eggs with sperm outside of the human body in a laboratory. If the eggs are fertilised, the resulting embryos are placed in the woman's uterus in the hope that a successful pregnancy will follow.
ICSI
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is an in vitro fertilization procedure in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg inside the woman’s fallopian tubes.
Ovulation Induction
Ovulation induction is the stimulation of ovulation by hormone medication (injection/pills) in the hopes that it helps the patient fall pregnant easier.
IVF
In vitro Fertilisation is the process of fertilising eggs with sperm outside of the human body in a laboratory. If the eggs are fertilised, the resulting embryos are placed in the woman's uterus in the hope that a successful pregnancy will follow.
ICSI
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is an in vitro fertilization procedure in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg inside the woman’s fallopian tubes.
Ovulation Induction
Ovulation induction is the stimulation of ovulation by hormone medication (injection/pills) in the hopes that it helps the patient fall pregnant easier.
Social parents
Note:
Social Parents = (FASS)
Foster (F)
Adoption (A)
Step Parent (S)
Surrogacy (S)
Social Parents = (FASS)
Foster (F)
Adoption (A)
Step Parent (S)
Surrogacy (S)
Adoption
The legal process where all legal rights and responsibilities are transferred from birth parents to adoptive parents.
Legal
- Laws:
- Adoption act 2000
- Family Law Act 1975
- All rights and responsibilities are transferred from the birth parents to the adoptive parents. The birth certificate is amended.
- The change is permanent and any form contact must be arranged with the family court
- Any child older than 12 must consent to the adoption
- In NSW adoptions are made legally binding by the Supreme Court
Technological
- Improvements in reproductive technologies have impacted the number of children adopted
- Access to medical and health information on the birth parents made available
- Improvements in contraception could be a leading factor as to the lack of children that can be adopted
- Those undertaking fertility treatments are not eligible to apply to adopt a child
Social +
- Open adoption à child and parent benefit from open communication
- Has become more acceptable thanks to celebrities such as Angelina Jolie giving it positive attention in the media
- Social acceptance of gay couples means more children can be adopted
Social –
- Process is long and exhausting à governing bodies must ensure that the child’s wellbeing and needs can be met.
- Generally not accepted within aboriginal communities, though placement within the kinship group is considered
Legal
- Laws:
- Adoption act 2000
- Family Law Act 1975
- All rights and responsibilities are transferred from the birth parents to the adoptive parents. The birth certificate is amended.
- The change is permanent and any form contact must be arranged with the family court
- Any child older than 12 must consent to the adoption
- In NSW adoptions are made legally binding by the Supreme Court
Technological
- Improvements in reproductive technologies have impacted the number of children adopted
- Access to medical and health information on the birth parents made available
- Improvements in contraception could be a leading factor as to the lack of children that can be adopted
- Those undertaking fertility treatments are not eligible to apply to adopt a child
Social +
- Open adoption à child and parent benefit from open communication
- Has become more acceptable thanks to celebrities such as Angelina Jolie giving it positive attention in the media
- Social acceptance of gay couples means more children can be adopted
Social –
- Process is long and exhausting à governing bodies must ensure that the child’s wellbeing and needs can be met.
- Generally not accepted within aboriginal communities, though placement within the kinship group is considered
Fostering
An alternative living arrangement for children whose parents are unable to care for them in the family home.
Legal
-Apply with a non-government agency
- Carer allowances
- Child and young persons act 1998 à carers have certain rights and responsibilities
- Children and young persons regulation (2012)
- Must consult with Family and Community Services about issues such as schooling
- Cannot make certain decisions such as schooling
Technological
- Social media and technology, such as Skype, make it easier for children and their birth parents such as Skype
Social +
- More socially acceptable
- Can create cultural connections between children and their foster family
- Families feel they are giving back to the community
- Parents want to make a difference in the lives of other children
Social –
- Issues may arise with the contact of the young person’s birth parents and the potential return to the family
- At times families may be split up as children cannot be accommodated and stay together
- New schools, family rules and situations may put unnecessary stress on the child
- Negative stigma attached to fostering as young people often have a troubled family background
Legal
-Apply with a non-government agency
- Carer allowances
- Child and young persons act 1998 à carers have certain rights and responsibilities
- Children and young persons regulation (2012)
- Must consult with Family and Community Services about issues such as schooling
- Cannot make certain decisions such as schooling
Technological
- Social media and technology, such as Skype, make it easier for children and their birth parents such as Skype
Social +
- More socially acceptable
- Can create cultural connections between children and their foster family
- Families feel they are giving back to the community
- Parents want to make a difference in the lives of other children
Social –
- Issues may arise with the contact of the young person’s birth parents and the potential return to the family
- At times families may be split up as children cannot be accommodated and stay together
- New schools, family rules and situations may put unnecessary stress on the child
- Negative stigma attached to fostering as young people often have a troubled family background
Step-parenting
A man or a woman who marries or forms a de facto relationship with a partner who has a child or children from a previous relationship.
Legal
- No legal responsibility for the child
- Can apply to the Family Court for a Parenting Order through the Federal Magistrate’s court
- Guardianship
- Child’s name may be changed to that of a stepparent. Pending permission.
Technological
- Stepparents would probably face the same or similar issues as biological parents in regards to the safety and costs associated with technological changes
- Different rules of use for technology can cause conflict amongst families
Social +
- Socially acceptable and therefore quite common
Social –
- Conflict between children and stepparents is apparent
- Tradition between the two families can cause conflict
- Rules set by the stepparent may cause undue stress
- Original nuclear family is more superior to any variety of blended family
Legal
- No legal responsibility for the child
- Can apply to the Family Court for a Parenting Order through the Federal Magistrate’s court
- Guardianship
- Child’s name may be changed to that of a stepparent. Pending permission.
Technological
- Stepparents would probably face the same or similar issues as biological parents in regards to the safety and costs associated with technological changes
- Different rules of use for technology can cause conflict amongst families
Social +
- Socially acceptable and therefore quite common
Social –
- Conflict between children and stepparents is apparent
- Tradition between the two families can cause conflict
- Rules set by the stepparent may cause undue stress
- Original nuclear family is more superior to any variety of blended family
Surrogacy
An arrangement between a couple who cannot have a baby and a woman who gets pregnant on the couple’s behalf; the child is handed to the couple after delivery.
Legal
- Surrogacy Act 2010 made commercial surrogacy illegal with a fine of up to $110, 000 and a max of 2 years imprisonment
- Altruistic surrogacy is legal in NSW, ACT, Qld, VIC, WA and TAS
Technological
- Issue of ‘social infertility’: some women choose to freeze their viable eggs in the hopes they will find a suitable partner. If natural conception is not possible the frozen eggs may be used.
Social +
- Very specific criteria need to be established between the parties on an honour agreement that is not legally binding
Social –
- Mixed views
- Many religions are still against any form of intervention of natural conception
- Mixed ideas as in some states in Australia are against IVF for gay couples
Legal
- Surrogacy Act 2010 made commercial surrogacy illegal with a fine of up to $110, 000 and a max of 2 years imprisonment
- Altruistic surrogacy is legal in NSW, ACT, Qld, VIC, WA and TAS
Technological
- Issue of ‘social infertility’: some women choose to freeze their viable eggs in the hopes they will find a suitable partner. If natural conception is not possible the frozen eggs may be used.
Social +
- Very specific criteria need to be established between the parties on an honour agreement that is not legally binding
Social –
- Mixed views
- Many religions are still against any form of intervention of natural conception
- Mixed ideas as in some states in Australia are against IVF for gay couples
Carers
Primary
A person who provides the most informal assistance, in terms of help or supervision to a person with one or more disabilities or who is aged 60 years and over. The assistance has to be ongoing for at least 6 months and be provided for one or more core activities (communication, mobility and self-care). 12% of the Australian population are made up of carers and 3.4% of these are primary carers. Four in ten primary carers provide care for their dependant for over 40 hours of their week. Often they are the partner of the dependant or a parent/close family member. Young carers, children or young family members whose dependants are their ill or disabled family member, make up a significant portion of primary carers; 4% of all children in Australia are young carers. More often than not, their caring duties are performed while simultaneously completing study and/or working.
Informal and formal
Informal carer
An informal carer as any person, such as a family member, friend or neighbour, who is giving regular, ongoing assistance to another person without payment. More often than not, these carers are women. One example is a grandmother who cares for her granddaughter twice a week while her parents work. A large number of informal carers are also the primary carer for an individual. 63% of primary informal carers perform their duties out of a sense of family responsibility. 50% did so because they believed their care was better than anyone else’s. 41% felt an emotional obligation to take the role.
Formal carer
Formal carers include trained professionals who provide care through formal agencies or institutions and are paid for by the receiver. Examples include an aged carer, a nurse, palliative carer, childcare worker, preschool teacher, day care worker, primary and high school teachers, nanny, doctor or any other specialised individual who receives monetary income for their caring role.
An informal carer as any person, such as a family member, friend or neighbour, who is giving regular, ongoing assistance to another person without payment. More often than not, these carers are women. One example is a grandmother who cares for her granddaughter twice a week while her parents work. A large number of informal carers are also the primary carer for an individual. 63% of primary informal carers perform their duties out of a sense of family responsibility. 50% did so because they believed their care was better than anyone else’s. 41% felt an emotional obligation to take the role.
Formal carer
Formal carers include trained professionals who provide care through formal agencies or institutions and are paid for by the receiver. Examples include an aged carer, a nurse, palliative carer, childcare worker, preschool teacher, day care worker, primary and high school teachers, nanny, doctor or any other specialised individual who receives monetary income for their caring role.
The Roles of Parents or Carers
Note:
The Roles of Parents and Carers = (Peanut Butter Sandwich)
Promoting the wellbeing of the dependant (P)
Building a positive relationship with the dependant (B)
Satisfying the specific needs of the dependant (S)
The Roles of Parents and Carers = (Peanut Butter Sandwich)
Promoting the wellbeing of the dependant (P)
Building a positive relationship with the dependant (B)
Satisfying the specific needs of the dependant (S)
Satisfying the specific needs of the dependant
- Meet adequate standard of living
- Parents expected to provide food (wholesome, appropriate), clothing (clean) and shelter (safety and security)
- Encourage healthy habits e.g. hydration
- Choices in clothing impact identity
- Assist with hygiene via physical assistance or prompting
- Care for medical health needs
- Education should be provided and assisting in the encouragement in further education
- Parents expected to provide food (wholesome, appropriate), clothing (clean) and shelter (safety and security)
- Encourage healthy habits e.g. hydration
- Choices in clothing impact identity
- Assist with hygiene via physical assistance or prompting
- Care for medical health needs
- Education should be provided and assisting in the encouragement in further education
Building a positive relationship with the dependant
- A relationship where both grow as a result of the interaction
- Can occur from birth through love and affection
- Parents provide opportunities for dependants to develop independence and resilience
- Model appropriate behaviour
- Carers can help by providing assistance when needed but still allowing for independence
- It can be difficult when the dependant used to be of equal higher status (spouse/parent becoming dependant)
- Can occur from birth through love and affection
- Parents provide opportunities for dependants to develop independence and resilience
- Model appropriate behaviour
- Carers can help by providing assistance when needed but still allowing for independence
- It can be difficult when the dependant used to be of equal higher status (spouse/parent becoming dependant)
Promoting the wellbeing of the dependant
- Wellbeing affected by how well needs are met
- Parents and carers should provide opportunities to develop and support positive wellbeing
- Parents and carers should provide opportunities to develop and support positive wellbeing
Preparations for Becoming a Parent or Carer
Note:
Preparations for becoming a Parent or Carer = (COME)
Changing health behaviours, eg nutrition, physical activity, social or spiritual connections (C)
Organising finances, eg budgeting, saving, support payments (O)
Modifying the physical environment, eg housing, amenities, equipment (M)
Enhancing knowledge and skills, eg education, information, training (E)
Preparations for becoming a Parent or Carer = (COME)
Changing health behaviours, eg nutrition, physical activity, social or spiritual connections (C)
Organising finances, eg budgeting, saving, support payments (O)
Modifying the physical environment, eg housing, amenities, equipment (M)
Enhancing knowledge and skills, eg education, information, training (E)
Changing health behaviours, eg nutrition, physical activity, social or spiritual connections
Parent
- Eat healthier, nutritious foods, avoiding the listeria bacteria - Drink 2+ litres of water a day - Increase folic acid intake - Participate in regular exercise during pregnancy, avoiding impact sports - Attend antenatal courses - Get 7-8 hours sleep a night - Attending prenatal classes - Inquiring into mother’s groups - Practicing relaxation techniques - Inquiring into child-friendly social activities. |
Carer
- Eating a variety of healthy, fresh foods and making them available to their dependants when appropriate - Engaging in physical activity and assisting in maintaining a healthy lifestyle for the dependant - Investigating local support groups to interact with other carers - Meeting with other carers to be more exposed to the role - Engaging in relaxation techniques |
Enhancing knowledge and skills, eg education, information, training
Parent
- Education and training can begin with prenatal and postnatal classes - Information can be gained from sources from reputable professionals (reliable parenting books e.g. What to expect when you’re expecting) - Magazines (Practical parenting) - Websites (Raising Children Network) - Important to use reliable sources - Be aware of inaccurate media |
Carer
- Informal carers may take an online course or workshop - Universities offer degrees on nursing, early childhood and aged care - Family and Community Services (Gov.) and The Benevolent Society (NGov.) offer training - Counselling, self-help and community health agencies can also provide help |
Modifying the physical environment, eg housing, amenities, equipment
Parent
- Moving from a one bedroom studio to a larger 2 or 3 bedroom house or unit - Adding change facilities and creating safe play areas - Rails, ramps, non-slip flooring for aged individuals - Cots, baths, safety gates, highchairs for babies |
Carer
- Prepare their living arrangements to suit the better care of the dependant - Find places to safely store wheelchairs, walking frames and other specialised equipment |
Organising finances, eg budgeting, saving, support payments
Parent
- Budgeting and saving - Investigate potential costs such as an obstetrician, hospitalisation, medical expenses, equipment, clothing, nappies, etc. - Savings to cater time off work - Utilise and budget maternity pay and other support payments |
Carer
- Budgeting and saving - Potential costs of modifying the environment, education and training, specialised equipment, etc. - Savings to cater time off work - Utilise and budget support payments e.g. carers allowence |