Unit 3 - Parenting and Caring Flashcards
(174 cards)
Define a biological parent
A biological parent is the parent who has provided the genetic material – either the sperm or ovum – to create a foetus
Name the TWO assisted reproductive technologies used to become a parent?
IVF
GIFT
Outline the differences between IVF and GIFT
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is the process of fertilising eggs with sperm outside of the human body. Once the eggs are fertilised, the resulting embryos are placed in the woman’s uterus in the hope that a successful pregnancy will follow.
- Gamete Intrafallopian Tube Transfer (GIFT) is an assisted reproductive procedure which involves removing a woman’s eggs, mixing them with sperm, and immediately placing them into a fallopian tube.
What is the acronym for social parents
What does the acronym stand for?
FASS
- Foster parents
- Adoptive parents
- Step parenting
- Surrogacy
Define social parent
- A social parent is parent who has a parenting role but does not share a genetic relationship with their child
Define adoption
- Adoption It is a legal process where all legal rights and responsibilities are transferred from birth parents to adoptive parents
What is the difference between open and closed adoption
Open Adoption:
* In an open adoption, there is ongoing communication and contact between the birth parents, adoptive parents, and the adopted child.
* The level of openness can vary and is typically agreed upon through negotiation or facilitated by an adoption agency or professional.
* Open adoptions allow for the exchange of information, including identifying information, between the birth parents and adoptive parents.
* Contact may involve visits, letters, emails, phone calls, or other means of communication, depending on the agreed-upon arrangements.
* The adopted child is aware of their adoption and may have direct access to information about their birth parents and their background.
* Open adoptions aim to maintain a connection and provide ongoing support for the child’s well-being.
Closed Adoption
* In a closed adoption, there is little to no contact or exchange of information between the birth parents, adoptive parents, and the adopted child.
* The identifying information of the birth parents and adoptive parents is typically kept confidential and not shared with each other.
* The adopted child may not have access to information about their birth parents or their background.
* Closed adoptions were more common in the past, but their prevalence has diminished over time as open adoptions have become more widely recognized and encouraged.
* In closed adoptions, the adoptive parents assume full legal and custodial responsibilities for the child, and the birth parents’ rights are typically terminated
What are the THREE types of adoptions in Australia
- Known adoptions
- Intercountry adoptions
- Local adoptions
Why are adoption rates declining in Australia?
- Declining fertility rates
- The wider availability of effective birth control
- Increased support for single parents
- The emergence of family planning centres
- Advancements with reproductive technologies (IVF/GIFT) - parents can have their own children
What is intercountry adoption?
- Intercountry adoption in Australia refers to the process of adopting a child from another country and bringing them to Australia to become a permanent member of an Australian family. It is a complex legal and administrative process that involves both the Australian government and the government of the child’s country of origin.
Why do couples choose to adopt a child from overseas?
- Limited domestic adoption opportunities: Domestic adoption in Australia is generally less common than intercountry adoption. There may be limited availability of infants or young children for adoption within Australia, leading couples to explore adoption options internationally.
- Desire to have a specific cultural or ethnic connection: Some couples may have a strong desire to adopt a child with a specific cultural or ethnic background. They may feel a personal connection to a particular country or culture and wish to raise a child who shares that heritage.
- Greater availability of infants or young children: In some countries, there may be a higher number of infants or young children available for adoption compared to the domestic adoption scenario in Australia. Couples who prefer to adopt a child at a young age may find more opportunities for intercountry adoption.
- Desire to help children in need: Many couples are motivated by a desire to provide a loving and stable home to a child who may be orphaned, abandoned, or living in difficult circumstances in their country of origin. They may see intercountry adoption as a way to make a positive impact on the life of a child in need.
- Personal connections or experiences: Some couples may have personal connections or experiences with a specific country, such as through travel, work, or previous relationships, which inspire them to consider intercountry adoption from that particular country.
What is the Hague Convention?
- The Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, commonly referred to as the Hague Convention, is an international treaty that establishes safeguards and guidelines for intercountry adoptions. It is designed to ensure the protection of children, respect for their rights, and prevent child trafficking and abduction in the context of intercountry adoption.
What is local adoption
- Local adoption in New South Wales (NSW) refers to the process of adopting a child within the state, where the child is already a resident of NSW. It involves the adoption of a child who is in the care of the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), typically due to circumstances that prevent the child from being raised by their biological parents.
What is an adoption order?
An adoption order in New South Wales (NSW) is a legal document issued by the court that finalizes the adoption of a child. It grants the adoptive parents permanent parental rights and responsibilities for the child, effectively making them the child’s legal parents.
- Legal recognition: An adoption order provides legal recognition of the adoptive parents as the child’s legal parents. It severs the legal relationship between the child and their biological parents and establishes a new legal parent-child relationship with the adoptive parents.
- Permanence and security: The adoption order ensures the child’s long-term security and stability within their adoptive family. It grants the adoptive parents the rights and responsibilities associated with legal parenthood, including decision-making authority and financial support for the child.
- Rights and obligations: Upon the issuance of an adoption order, the adoptive parents assume full legal parental rights and obligations. This includes the rights to make decisions regarding the child’s upbringing, education, healthcare, and general welfare, as well as the responsibilities to provide for the child’s needs and well-being.
What is a known adoption?
- A known adoption refers to an adoption where the child and the adoptive parents have an existing relationship prior to the adoption. It occurs when the child being adopted is already known to the adoptive parents, such as a stepchild, a relative, or a child of a friend or acquaintance.
What is a parental responsibility order?
In New South Wales (NSW), a Parental Responsibility Order (PRO) is a legal order that grants certain individuals or parties the authority and responsibility to care for and make decisions about a child who is not their biological child. It is a legal arrangement that ensures the child’s safety, well-being, and protection while allowing them to remain connected to their birth family.
* Purpose: The primary purpose of a Parental Responsibility Order is to provide a stable and secure living arrangement for a child when they cannot live with their biological parents. It allows someone other than the child’s biological parents to assume legal parental responsibilities and make important decisions on behalf of the child.
* Care arrangements: A Parental Responsibility Order may be used in situations where a child is in the care of someone other than their biological parents, such as a relative or a foster carer. It provides legal recognition and authorization for the person caring for the child to make decisions regarding their upbringing, education, healthcare, and general welfare.
* Types of PROs: In NSW, there are different types of Parental Responsibility Orders, including Long-Term Guardianship Orders (formerly known as Permanent Care Orders), Guardianship Orders, and Custody Orders. Each type of order has specific legal implications and responsibilities associated with it.
* Decision-making authority: A Parental Responsibility Order grants the person named in the order the authority to make important decisions for the child. This includes decisions about the child’s education, medical care, religious upbringing, and day-to-day needs.
* Duration and conditions: Parental Responsibility Orders can have different durations, depending on the specific circumstances. Some orders may be granted until the child reaches adulthood, while others may have specific conditions or timeframes attached to them.
* Legal process: Obtaining a Parental Responsibility Order involves going through the legal system in NSW. It typically requires filing an application with the court, attending court hearings, and providing evidence to demonstrate that the arrangement is in the best interests of the child.
Who needs a parental responsibility order?
In New South Wales (NSW), there are various situations in which someone may seek a Parental Responsibility Order (PRO) to assume legal responsibilities and care for a child who is not their biological child.
* Relatives: Relatives, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, or siblings, may seek a PRO when they wish to provide a stable and secure home for a child who cannot live with their biological parents. This could be due to circumstances such as parental illness, substance abuse, neglect, or other factors that prevent the biological parents from adequately caring for the child.
* Foster carers: Foster carers who have been caring for a child in the foster care system may seek a PRO to provide a more permanent and stable arrangement for the child. This allows them to continue caring for the child while assuming legal responsibilities and decision-making authority.
* Close family friends: In some cases, close family friends may develop a strong bond with a child and wish to assume long-term care and responsibility for their well-being. They may seek a PRO to formalize their legal authority to make decisions on behalf of the child and provide a stable family environment.
* Step-parents: Step-parents may seek a PRO to establish legal parental responsibilities and rights for a child in their blended family. This allows them to participate fully in the child’s upbringing and make decisions regarding their welfare.
How have legal changes effected adoptive parents in NSW?
Positive Effects:
* Recognition of Same-Sex Couples: The legal recognition of same-sex couples as eligible adoptive parents has provided equal rights and opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples to adopt. The Adoption Amendment Act 2010 has eliminated discriminatory practices and allowed same-sex couples to adopt jointly, promoting inclusivity and diversity within the adoptive parent community.
* Implementation of Open Adoption Laws: Legal changes promoting open adoption have recognized the importance of maintaining connections between adoptive families and birth families. This allows for ongoing contact and communication, benefiting adoptive parents who value the opportunity for their child to have a relationship with their birth parents. Open adoption laws, outlined in the Adoption Act 2000, have given adoptive parents the legal framework to establish and maintain these relationships.
* Streamlining of Adoption Processes: Legal changes aimed at streamlining adoption processes have reduced bureaucratic hurdles and waiting times for adoptive parents. These changes, such as the introduction of centralized adoption authorities, online application systems, or standardized procedures, have made the process more efficient and less burdensome for adoptive parents. Streamlining the adoption process improves the overall experience for prospective adoptive parents and allows them to provide a stable and loving home for children more quickly.
* Access to Information: Legal changes have recognized the importance of access to information for adoptive parents and adopted individuals. Amendments to the Adoption Act 2000 have facilitated greater access to adoption records and identifying information. This information provides adoptive parents with valuable insights into their child’s background, heritage, and medical history, enabling them to better understand and address their child’s needs.
Negative Effects:
* Increased Expectations and Challenges in Open Adoption: Implementing open adoption laws may introduce complexities and challenges for adoptive parents in navigating relationships and maintaining contact with birth parents. Open adoption requires ongoing communication and cooperation between the parties involved, which can sometimes be emotionally challenging and may require additional support and resources.
How have social changes effected the community attitudes towards adoptive parents in NSW?
Positive Effects:
* Open Adoption Arrangements: The shift towards open adoption arrangements has helped normalize and destigmatize adoption. It allows for ongoing contact and communication between birth parents and adoptive parents, which is seen as beneficial for the child’s well-being and development. This increased transparency and involvement of birth parents in the child’s life have been viewed positively by the community.
* Positive Media Portrayals: Positive media portrayals of adoption, especially through the experiences of celebrities, have played a role in changing community attitudes. Celebrities who adopt and openly discuss their experiences have helped challenge stereotypes and promote a more accepting view of adoptive parents. Their visibility and public support for adoption have had a positive impact on community attitudes.
* Government Support and Regulations: The comprehensive assessments and regulations in place for the adoption process in NSW, focusing on the well-being of the child, have instilled confidence in the community about the suitability and capabilities of adoptive parents. Government support and the establishment of clear guidelines have contributed to positive community attitudes towards adoptive parents.
* Changing Social Acceptance: The increased social acceptance of different family structures, including single parents, older parents, and same-sex couples, has contributed to a rise in adoptions. As societal norms have evolved, adoption has become a more viable and accepted option for individuals and couples from diverse backgrounds.
Negative Effects:
* Cultural Considerations: Adoption may not be widely accepted within certain cultural or Aboriginal communities. The recognition and respect for cultural traditions have led to a preference for placing children within their kinship group, which can limit the number of adoptive placements available. While this is important for preserving cultural and familial connections, it can present challenges for prospective adoptive parents.
* Challenges in the Adoption Process: The adoption process can be complex, time-consuming, and emotionally challenging for prospective adoptive parents. The extensive assessments and requirements may discourage some individuals or couples from pursuing adoption. These challenges can create barriers and potentially impact community attitudes towards adoption.
How have technological changes effected the reproductive technologies for adoptive parents in NSW?
Positive Effects:
* Medical and Health Information: Technological advancements have made it easier for adoptive parents to access medical and health information about biological parents. This information can be valuable for adoptive parents to understand potential health conditions and make informed decisions regarding the child’s well-being and healthcare. - Adoption Act (2000)
* Access to Adoption Records: Technological changes have facilitated the access to adoption records and other identifying information. Adoptive parents can now have better access to information that can help them understand the child’s background, including details from birth certificates or other records. This can provide valuable insights into the child’s history and facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of their identity. - Adoption Act (2000)
Negative Effects:
* Impact on the Availability of Children for Adoption: The advancements in reproductive technologies, such as IVF and other assisted reproductive techniques, have increased the chances of biological parents having genetically related children. This can potentially lead to a decrease in the number of children available for adoption, as more individuals and couples opt for these technologies to have their own biological children.
* Access to Legal Termination: The availability of legal termination, such as abortion, provides individuals with additional options when facing unplanned pregnancies. This can reduce the number of children placed for adoption, further impacting the pool of available children for adoptive parents.
* Contraception and Fertility Treatments: The advancements in contraception methods, particularly among young couples, have contributed to a decrease in unplanned pregnancies and, subsequently, a potential reduction in the number of children available for adoption. Additionally, individuals or couples undergoing fertility treatment are generally not eligible to apply for adoption, as they are pursuing other reproductive options.
Define fostering
- Fostering provides an alternative living arrangement for children whose parents are temporarily unable to care for them in their family home.
- Foster parents in NSW have parental responsibility for the children placed in their care. Parental responsibility means they have the authority to make day-to-day decisions regarding the child’s care, welfare, and upbringing. This includes making decisions about the child’s daily routine, education, healthcare, and other aspects of their life.
- However, foster parents in NSW do not have parental rights over the child. Parental rights typically refer to legal rights related to custody, guardianship, and the ability to make long-term decisions about a child’s future, such as consenting to adoption or granting consent for major medical procedures. These rights usually rest with the child’s birth parents or the relevant legal authorities, such as the court.
Why is a child usually placed in foster care in NSW?
- Child Abuse or Neglect: If a child has experienced abuse, neglect, or other forms of harm within their birth family, the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) may intervene to ensure the child’s safety and well-being. Placing the child in foster care allows for immediate protection from harmful situations.
- Parental Substance Abuse: When parents struggle with substance abuse issues, and their addiction affects their ability to provide a safe and stable environment for their child, the DCJ may determine that foster care is necessary. Placing the child in a foster home can protect them from the risks associated with parental substance abuse.
- Domestic Violence: If a child is exposed to domestic violence within their home, it can be detrimental to their well-being and safety. Placing the child in foster care provides them with a safe haven away from the violence, allowing them to heal and thrive.
- Mental or Physical Health Issues: In situations where parents or caregivers are dealing with significant mental or physical health challenges that prevent them from adequately caring for their child, foster care may be considered as a temporary solution. Placing the child in a foster home ensures they receive the necessary care and support during this time.
- Parental Incarceration: When a parent or primary caregiver is incarcerated and there are no suitable alternative caregivers available, the DCJ may place the child in foster care to provide them with stability, care, and support.
- Other Family Challenges: Various family challenges such as homelessness, financial instability, or other circumstances that prevent parents from adequately meeting the child’s needs may result in the child being placed in foster care.
How have legal changes effected foster parents in NSW?
Positive Effects:
* Carer Allowances: Foster parents receive financial support in the form of carer allowances, which help cover the expenses associated with caring for the child. This financial assistance helps foster parents provide for the child’s basic needs and ensure their well-being. The provision of carer allowances is a positive legal change that supports foster parents in their caregiving role. This is dictated by the Child and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998
* Rights and Responsibilities: The Child and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 outlines the rights and responsibilities of foster carers. This legislation provides a clear legal framework for foster parents, ensuring that their role is recognized and regulated. It helps foster parents understand their rights and responsibilities in providing care and protection to the child.
Negative Effects:
* Limitations on Decision-Making: Foster parents have limitations on decision-making regarding medical treatments and legal proceedings on behalf of the child. These decisions typically require involvement from the child’s birth parents, legal guardians, or relevant authorities. The need for consent or involvement from other parties can create challenges and delays in making important decisions for the child’s well-being.
Child and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998. dictates this
How have social changes effected the community attitudes towards foster parents in NSW?
Positive Effects:
* Increased Social Acceptance: There has been a positive shift in community attitudes towards foster parents in NSW, with a growing recognition of the importance of providing care and support to children in need. Foster parents are increasingly seen as valuable contributors to society, providing stable and nurturing environments for vulnerable children.
* Cultural Connections: Foster care offers opportunities for cultural connections, allowing children from diverse backgrounds to maintain their cultural identity and heritage. Foster parents who can provide a culturally sensitive and inclusive environment are viewed positively within the community.
* Giving Back to the Community: Many foster families have a strong sense of giving back to the community by opening their homes and providing care to children in need. This altruistic act is appreciated and supported by society.
* Available Support: The availability of support services and resources for foster parents has made fostering a more feasible option for families. The provision of training, financial support, and access to support networks has encouraged more families to consider becoming foster parents.
Negative Effects:
* Challenges and Stigma: Foster parents may face challenges and negative attitudes within the community. Issues related to contact with birth parents, potential family reunification, and the impact on foster families can create stress and conflicts. Some foster families may need to take legal measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the children in their care.
* Cultural Identity: While efforts are made to support and promote the cultural identity of foster children, challenges may arise in maintaining their cultural heritage within the foster care system.
* Stigma and Misconceptions: Negative stigma and misconceptions about foster parenting still exist. Some individuals may hold the belief that foster parents are primarily motivated by financial gain, disregarding the genuine intent and commitment of foster parents to provide loving and supportive homes.