Young South Australian's aspirations towards parenting and relationships

Investigators

Associate Professor Tim Moore, Alex Cahill, Dr Sebastian Trew (Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University)

Funding

South Australian Early Intervention Research Directorate

Aims

• Understand the aspirations of young South Australians related to parenting and relationships
• Identify influences on young people's aspirations toward parenting
• Inform policy and practice to support young people with adverse childhoods

Background

Young Australians who have experienced maltreatment, child protection, or youth homelessness systems face a higher likelihood of having their children removed from their care. In 2021, the South Australian Department of Human Services commissioned the Australian Centre for Child Protection at the University of South Australia to investigate the aspirations and needs of young people with these backgrounds. This initial study explored their broad goals and specific aspirations related to parenting.

Following this, the Department requested a nested study by the Institute of Child Protection Studies to examine the experiences of young people with out-of-home care or homelessness backgrounds who became parents before age 25.

Project details

This study explored the attitudes and aspirations relating to pregnancy and parenthood among South Australian young people who have experienced abuse, neglect, or childhood adversity. The young people (8 male and 7 female) were recruited from a variety of services Insights into the impact of adversity on young people's aspirations and parenting pathways.

While most of the sample were not planning on becoming parents before they turned 25, all aspired to have children at some point. Young people's aspirations towards younger parenthood were varied and often shaped by their childhood experiences and current circumstances.

Findings informed recommendations for supportive policy frameworks for young parents.

Method

• Surveyed and interviewed young parents with adverse childhood experiences
• Examined pathways to parenting and the role of aspirations in shaping parenting decisions

Findings

• Parenting aspirations of young people who have experienced adversity are overlooked.
• Young people would like to be parents but had other goals to achieve first.
• Goals included addressing enjoying their youth, addressing personal difficulties.
• Aspirations were influenced by childhood experiences and current circumstances.

Projected community impact

These findings improve our understanding of young parents' aspirations and challenges. The data and recommendations can be used by policymakers, child protection agencies and youth support organisations to guide interventions and support systems for young parents.

We anticipate that in the long-term, we will see enhanced support and resources for young parents, potentially reducing child removal rates, and increased focus on youth aspirations in social services and policy.

Publications

Moore, T., Cahill, A., & McDougall, S., (2022). I wasn't quite ready: The aspirations and pathways to parenting of young people who are parents. Melbourne: Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University.

McDougall, S., Moore, T., Cox, S., & Arney, F. (2023). Parenting aspirations of Australian young people who have experienced adversity: "I'll work on everything else before working on having a kid. Children and Youth Services Review, 145, 106715.

Project timeline

Completed 2023

Contact

For more information contact: icps@acu.edu.au