Teen Pregnancy

I was in that situation when I was 16. I was pregnant and my boyfriend at the time was the same age as me. I would try and call an attorney. If he is 18, the judge will have him pay child support. It may not be much, but it should help. Also, I believe that he may be responsible for some of the hospital costs, but it may only be reimbursement if you are lucky enough to get it. I would also talk ot his parents (you may be able to go after them, also). This is a sad situation, because you care about your daughter and her baby and due to that you may be stuck with all the finances. I can tell you that she definately wants to get involved with WIC and welfare as soon as she can. She can get healthy start insurance for the pregnancy and the baby if your insurance doesn't cover it all. Also, make her go to college after high school. She may be able to support herself a little more with grants and loans and get a better chance of pulling herself out of a financial hole. Support her as much as you can even if you are angry. She needs you right now. I am 22 now and my daughter is 6 and I would have never been able to make it without the help of my mom. It has been a struggle for the both of us financially, but if your daughter is goal oriented or becoming that way, a solid education is possible and it will pay off in the end for the both of you. Give me an e-mail if you need anything or any advice on what to do. My name is K. and my email is ____@____.com her NOT TO GIVE THE BABY HIS LAST NAME! It can always be changed later.

i too was pregnant as a teen wic and healthy start insurance is about the only thing she can really get because of her age, the fact you are helping her is great because with out my mothers help lord knows what wouldve happened make sure she knows that your ther to help and try not to put the babys father down around her cuz right now she dont wanna hear it. i am now 23 my daughter is six i have a college education and i am married

Since he is 18 child support is a possibility. Even if he doesn't pay, his name will still be in the system. They go after guys for non-payment. As far as assistance, have you tried Ohio Job and Family Services? Also WIC is there for the nutrition of the mother and the baby. This is all based on your income. Since you work part-time you might qualify.

S.,

You are absolutely NOT responsible for financially supporting this child. The baby's parents are responsible, and it is terribly irresponsible of them to "require" you to provide financial support. Do not allow them to shirk their own responsibilities.

My first suggestion would be to have your daughter talk with an adoption agency to give the baby up. The parents are teenagers and she and the father have already proven that they are not ready for the heavy responsibility or financial obligation of raising a child.

If your daughter is determined to keep the baby, get in touch with your local child welfare and protection services office. Schedule some financial counseling sessions and have your daughter attend WITH you. (If she refuses, go alone, but talk to them about adoption.) They can also tell you how to schedule some parenting classes for your daughter. It would do well for the father to attend these, too. Most, if not all, of these services are free.

As much as I believe a child needs a mother AND a father, if the father refuses to attend parenting/financial classes, cut him out of the picture. It sounds harsh, but you can't hold yourself responsible for raising a child and the child's father as well. Do not, however, relieve the father of his own financial obligation to this child. He is required BY LAW to financially support his baby. Get an attorney. There are law firms out there that specialize in getting child support and many will work for free or at a reduced fee, depending on your financial situation. If he fails to financially support his child after required to do so through the court system, he can lose his driver's license, and if the failure continues, he can be jailed.

This situation is not hopeless, but you will have to be strong. Do not allow these children to force you to accept responsiblity for their situation.

I hope this information helps. Best of luck to you!

I have never been a teenage mother but I felt like one when I found out. It happened and I was scared and afraid to death. The father is not there, but I know I can do it. I have faith that your daughter and the father will do the right thing. Help is there. Jobs and Family Services (welfare) is a big help. I applied after I had my son. The monthly check helped and so did food stamps. Healthy start helped from the get go. I paid for nothing. Still don't. He is covered I am not. They also required a parternity test for my son. That being done they were able to go after his father for child support. No lawyers needed. I have talked to plenty of people who are ashamed and afraid to use welfare. But it is there to help you no matter what. Call them and just talk to someone to have all options available. It doesn't hurt. It helps out alot. Don't leave the father out of anything. If he wants to be there let him. He could learn and grow from this. Last thing its a good thing you are there. She will appreciate it alot. I know I did. My mom and dad is my heros. If you need to talk or have questions I am here. The number for jfs is ###-###-#### and child support is 41-###-###-####. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.