A 12-year-old girl just gave birth at a hospital in Perth after getting pregnant at only 11.
She became one of the youngest mothers in the country’s history.
She told hospital staff she had no idea she was pregnant when she was brought to the Peel Health Campus.
The Department of Communities wouldn’t give remarks on the case but confirmed that it needed a joint support effort.
“A coordinated response is required from a range of State Government and external support agencies both in the short and long term in order to make a lasting difference to the wellbeing of all affected parties,” the department told the Midland Reporter.
“The Department of Communities, the WA Police and Department of Health work together intensively in the best interests of all concerned.”
It has been revealed that a 14-year-old fathered the baby with the 12-year-old girl. The revelation in the case that shocked people has led to calls for more sex education to be given to children.
Sharyn Burns of Curtin University said the case showed the importance of detailed sexual education. “Having good relationship and sexuality education in schools is always going to be a positive, because some kids may not get that experience from their parents,” he said to The West.
It also emerged that both the boy and the girl could face charges.
Youth Legal Service WA solicitor Sally Dechow said the charges could be brought against them because the conception was considered illegal under the law.
“Legally they could both be charged, but in practice we’ve found it’s usually the boy who is charged.
“You have to look at the welfare of these kids and whether it’s in the public interest to prosecute children of this age.”
Forces have the ability not to prosecute after considering support and supervision options. The WA department also said they’re working with the Department of Health and Department of Communities and the girl’s family.
“There are complex social issues, which are being managed by all agencies, and the current priority is to ensure appropriate support is provided to the family,” said a police spokesperson.
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