Practice Reflection
Young Parents
This is a key resource developed from the August 2023 Community of Practice on Young Parents.
Drawing on lived experience perspectives and Better Futures Community of Practice insights, it highlights strengths-based approaches that recognise young parents as capable, ambitious people with aspirations beyond their parenting role.
What the resource covers
- Reducing stereotypes, stigma and perceived stigma
- Understanding intentional pregnancy and family aspirations
- Promoting safe access to parenting education and support
- Supporting fathers, partners and the wider family unit
- Recognising strengths, ambitions and future goals beyond parenting responsibilities
- Creating pathways to education, employment and opportunities.
Who it’s for
- Better Futures Development Coaches
- Better Futures Community Connectors
- Better Futures Leadership
How to use it
Reflect with your team on how you work with young parents:
- The impact of stigma and assumptions on engagement and outcomes.
- How your practice empowers young parents and recognises their strengths.
- The role of parenting education, peer support and community connection.
- How fathers, partners and support networks are included in planning and decision-making.
- The balance between supporting parenting responsibilities and maintaining focus on the young person’s own goals and aspirations.
Reflection prompts
Use these prompts to guide individual or team reflection:
- How can you embed some of these elements into practice at your organisation?
- How will you support the advocacy call for identified service and practice gaps for young parents?
- How are you driving the campaign for young parents in your local community?
- How can you keep this challenge alive in your team?
