Underage mum and benefits

vics_1982

pinkshoes wrote: »

She could always consider adoption, as there are 100s of couples on waiting lists to adopt babies. She really needs to speak to other 14 year olds who have had a baby, to get a perspective on how hard it's going to be.

If I was her mother I'd be prosecuting the 17 year old father and having him charged!!!

Gosh, Whilst it wont acheive anything shouldn't the 14 year old also be prosecuted.

newcook

vics_1982 wrote: »

Gosh, Whilst it wont acheive anything shouldn't the 14 year old also be prosecuted.

no but the 17 year old should be for sex with a minor.
(I knew that was what you meant)

TBH, and I know its not a decision that should be taken lightly, but I think this girl should seriously consider an abortion

Zara33

The father being 17 should be supporting his child!

I doubt very much that the 14yr old will be entitled to any benefits, but perhaps you might think about going via the CSA if the father is unwilling.

iwanttosave_2

I am pretty sure that untl she is 16, her guardian has to claim the benefit for her.

paddy's_mum

Have the parents of the 17 year old had anything to contribute to the discussion? As I understand it, he too is still a minor and they have parental responsibility for him.

Broken_hearted

The fact she is a second generation benefit claiment isn't the issue at the moment. The issue is the child and her babies health, I have great respect for her wishing to continue with her studies and she may well go on to get a good job. Some LEAs allow children to study at the local college rather than school once they are 15 if they are unable to stay in normal school. This would resolve the childcare issues as she could get funding for a place.

MrsTinks

If the father is the 17 year old then he needs to take responsibility - he was old enough to know what unprotected sex might result in and he's therefor old enough to take on part of the financial burden in my view.
As for the 14 year old - if she'd been mine she'd have been told to start looking for a job I'm afraid... I cannot abide people who think the state should pay for them to do what they want - it's there for people who NEED it because of their circumstances. She is CHOOSING it - sorry but I don't agree with it in the least. I'd also strongly suggest she speaks to some other teenage mums or similar age and let her see first hand what she is about to embark on... And not just because "she wants the baby" but also what the implications for the child might be growing up with a mother 14/15 years older than the baby.
As for the father... I don't know if it would stand up in court as he's under 18 - he might get a slapped wrist but what purpose would it serve? I'd personally rather turn up on his and his parents doorstep and point to the 14 year old and say "hi - this is my daughter, she's 14 and she's carrying your sons baby... now what do you suggest we do about it..." and if the parents have any similaity to how I'd react the reply would be "please have a seat and we won't be a second whilst we just nip out the back and beat our son senseless for being so goddarned stupid!" Or is that just me?

Zara33

tine totally agree with your post but...it takes 2 to tango and this girl is as much to blame as the bloke is.

silvercar

The girl getting a job is just not practical. She is at school and pregnant, soon she will be at school and have a baby to look after. where is she meant to find the time to be a mum, attend school and do homework and work. I think it is great that she wants to continue her education and should be encouraged.

I wonder if the she could claim help with childcare to pay her Mum to look after the baby whil she is at school.

Becles

silvercar wrote: »

I wonder if the she could claim help with childcare to pay her Mum to look after the baby whil she is at school.

I would be surprised if she could do that. Tax credits won't pay relatives of working parents who babysit for free.