RESOURCE GUIDE
THEOLOGY
All staff within the Niagara Catholic District School Board must support students in understanding the Catholic teaching of respect for life from the time of conception. The three most important positions to establish with regard to human life in the context of pregnancy are:
· The humanity of the embryo/foetus.
Most students will agree that a child in the womb at term has rights equal to those of a child after birth, but there is more difficulty convincing students that an embryo has the same rights in the first trimester. Discussion of the issue should not be based simply on physical features such as cell structure, heartbeat, development of limbs, and movement. Rather, the issue is the essence of the embryo in the womb. If the child is a human being at birth, it is also a human being three months, six months, and nine months before birth.
· The value of the foetus' life over other values.
Even when students agree that the foetus is a human being, they may still think that there are reasons good enough to justify ending the life of the child in the womb. Our Catholic tradition is convinced that no reason justifies the ending of a human life before birth. In the case of teenage pregnancy, the profound distress of the students involved and of their families is not an adequate reason for ending the life of the child in the womb. Further, we must face the reality that abortion, especially when the pregnant person is young, may entail medical and psychological risks. Abortion may not end the student's profound distress, but may indeed increase it.
· The value of the pregnant woman's life. Motherhood involves a special communion with the mystery of life as it develops in the womb. In light of the "beginning", the mother accepts and loves as a person the child she is carrying within her womb. The unique contact with the new human developing within her gives rise to an attitude towards human beings - not only towards her child, but every human being - which marks the woman's personality. (John Paul II, Mulieris Dignitatem)
DISCLOSURE
Board personnel most likely to be involved in dealing with a student disclosure of a pregnancy or a possible pregnancy are: chaplaincy leaders, teachers, school nurses, support staff and administrators.
In such situations, staff members have a responsibility to:
· The student who has made the disclosure, female or male. Staff members must strive to provide an environment that is confidential, supportive, affirming and accepting. The role of the staff member is to provide assistance in the way of information, insight, support and possible referral.
· The child in the womb.
Staff must uphold the Catholic Church's teaching regarding human life. This includes respect for the sacredness of life from conception.
· The student's family.
Staff, in consultation with the Principal, School Administration and the school support team will make a concerted effort to assist the student in informing family members as soon as possible after it has been ascertained that a student has conceived or fathered a child. When the student's health is in immediate danger, a family member or a guardian must be told.
Members of the Niagara Catholic District School Board are therefore encouraged to respond compassionately, as Jesus would in such situations. We are grateful for the support of the trusted person who responds to the needs of a student in accordance with the principles outlined in this Resource Guide.
ISSUES OF CONFIDENTIALITY
A student's right to privacy should be safeguarded whenever possible. In all cases, the staff member's first efforts will be directed toward encouraging the student to involve a family member. When the student's health is in immediate danger, a family member or guardian must be told. Staff must be cognizant of their responsibilities where a student expresses his/her fear about parental rejection or potential self-destructive behaviour.
It is imperative that a staff member not exceed the limits of his/her own competence. If a person is unsure about the psychological state of a student or about the Catholic Church's teachings he/she will consult the school Principal or another professional in guidance, student services, the school chaplaincy leader, or Public Health nurse while continuing to preserve the student's right to confidentiality.
· After it has been ascertained that a student is pregnant, and after the student and family have made some initial decisions about dealing with the situation, it is appropriate for the staff member to encourage the student and the family to inform the school Principal once the situation has stabilized. The identity of the student must be protected even if the staff member needs guidance from the Principal regarding the Board's Parenting Policy.
The Principal requires similar respect for confidentiality if he/she chooses to seek the guidance of senior administration.
THE ROLE OF STAFF
For a Student Who Discloses
Confirm the situation. Ask, "Has it been confirmed?"
Assess feelings. It is important to know his/her physical and emotional state.
"How are you feeling?" would be a good question to draw this out.
Confirm her/his network of support. "Who else knows that you've come here today?"
Support for a Student who is Pregnant or has Fathered a Child
Create a loving and affirming environment (i.e. be welcoming and non-judgemental).
Allow the student to express their feelings (i.e. towards the relationship and responsibilities. Feelings may vary from remorse and fear to exuberance.... remember feelings are neither positive nor negative, they just are).
Discuss the issues involved (i.e. possibility of adoption, support systems, prenatal care, financial planning, continuation of education, attitude of the other parent, day-care considerations etc.).
Support for Student who has had a Miscarriage/Stillbirth
Confirm situation. Ask, "What have you experienced?" "Have you sought medical attention?"
Assess feelings. It is important to know her physical and emotional state. "How are you feeling?" would be a good question to draw this out.
Assess her existing network of support. Ask, "Who else is helping you with your loss?"
Continue to offer the student your on-going support.
Inform the student of the availability of other support systems.
Support for a Student who becomes Pregnant as a result of an assault
For a student who is under the age of 16, the pregnancy and assault should be referred to the Family and Children Services Department in the presence of the student.
For a student who is 16 years of age or older, the assault and pregnancy, with consent of the student, should be reported to the Niagara Regional Police.
Support for a Student who is Giving Birth or who has Given Birth
Encourage the student to continue her education by providing options (i.e. resuming classes, home study or on-line learning).
Provide student with available information about support services (See Appendix III Support Agencies within the Niagara Region).
Encourage the student to seek support from her faith community in order for the student and her child to experience a sense of belonging.
Encourage the student to maintain relationships within her family and extended family.
With student permission, refer the student to the Child/Youth nurse for support with parenting issues.
Up to five hours per week of Home Instruction will be provided to the student, before, during or after the pregnancy, for as long as the student for either medical or emotional reasons requires it.
Support for a Student who has Fathered a Child
Provide a loving, affirming environment and psychological and religious guidance.
Encourage the student to accept his responsibility - in taking part in the decision-making process, providing financial support and caring for the child.
Encourage the student to seek counselling if he needs to deal with feelings of anger, helplessness or remorse.
Appendix II
Support is available.
Appendix III
Community Resources to Support a Student Who is Pregnant or Has Given Birth
The student should be encouraged to seek the counsel of their parish priest.
Pre-Natal Care Information
Housing Information
i) Bethlehem Housing Project 905-641-1660
ii) Elisha House 905-735-9934
Pregnancy and Family Support Centre After Hours Crisis Line: 289-823-2424
48 Burgar Street, Welland
iii) Hannah House Maternity Home 905 353-8552
4761 Chrysler Ave Niagara Falls
Emergency Shelters
Pre-Natal Housing
Emergency Crisis Service
(Pathstone Mental Health)
ii) Distress Centre of Niagara
St. Catharines 905-688-3711
Grimsby/West Lincoln 905-563-6674
Fort Erie 905-382-0689
Welland 905-734-1212
Adoption Counseling Services
Financial Assistance
To Help You be a Good Parent
vi) Family Counselling Centre 1-888-937-7731
Day Care Services
Information about Continuing your Education
Information Regarding Sexual Assault

Niagara Catholic District School Board

Student Parenting Policy Resource Guide

We are all children of the one God. We are brothers and sisters to each other. Our respect for each person’s human dignity is the basic principle of Catholic Social Teaching. Our human rights flow from our dignity as human persons. The right to life from conception to natural death is the basic human right

– Fundamental Principles of Catholic Social Teaching - Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario January, 2013

RESOURCE GUIDE

THEOLOGY

All staff within the Niagara Catholic District School Board must support students in understanding the Catholic teaching of respect for life from the time of conception. The three most important positions to establish with regard to human life in the context of pregnancy are:

· The humanity of the embryo/foetus.

Most students will agree that a child in the womb at term has rights equal to those of a child after birth, but there is more difficulty convincing students that an embryo has the same rights in the first trimester. Discussion of the issue should not be based simply on physical features such as cell structure, heartbeat, development of limbs, and movement. Rather, the issue is the essence of the embryo in the womb. If the child is a human being at birth, it is also a human being three months, six months, and nine months before birth.

· The value of the foetus' life over other values.

Even when students agree that the foetus is a human being, they may still think that there are reasons good enough to justify ending the life of the child in the womb. Our Catholic tradition is convinced that no reason justifies the ending of a human life before birth. In the case of teenage pregnancy, the profound distress of the students involved and of their families is not an adequate reason for ending the life of the child in the womb. Further, we must face the reality that abortion, especially when the pregnant person is young, may entail medical and psychological risks. Abortion may not end the student's profound distress, but may indeed increase it.

· The value of the pregnant woman's life. Motherhood involves a special communion with the mystery of life as it develops in the womb. In light of the "beginning", the mother accepts and loves as a person the child she is carrying within her womb. The unique contact with the new human developing within her gives rise to an attitude towards human beings - not only towards her child, but every human being - which marks the woman's personality. (John Paul II, Mulieris Dignitatem)

DISCLOSURE

Board personnel most likely to be involved in dealing with a student disclosure of a pregnancy or a possible pregnancy are: chaplaincy leaders, teachers, school nurses, support staff and administrators.

In such situations, staff members have a responsibility to:

· The student who has made the disclosure, female or male. Staff members must strive to provide an environment that is confidential, supportive, affirming and accepting. The role of the staff member is to provide assistance in the way of information, insight, support and possible referral.

· The child in the womb.

Staff must uphold the Catholic Church's teaching regarding human life. This includes respect for the sacredness of life from conception.

· The student's family.

Staff, in consultation with the Principal, School Administration and the school support team will make a concerted effort to assist the student in informing family members as soon as possible after it has been ascertained that a student has conceived or fathered a child. When the student's health is in immediate danger, a family member or a guardian must be told.

Members of the Niagara Catholic District School Board are therefore encouraged to respond compassionately, as Jesus would in such situations. We are grateful for the support of the trusted person who responds to the needs of a student in accordance with the principles outlined in this Resource Guide.

ISSUES OF CONFIDENTIALITY

A student's right to privacy should be safeguarded whenever possible. In all cases, the staff member's first efforts will be directed toward encouraging the student to involve a family member. When the student's health is in immediate danger, a family member or guardian must be told. Staff must be cognizant of their responsibilities where a student expresses his/her fear about parental rejection or potential self-destructive behaviour.

It is imperative that a staff member not exceed the limits of his/her own competence. If a person is unsure about the psychological state of a student or about the Catholic Church's teachings he/she will consult the school Principal or another professional in guidance, student services, the school chaplaincy leader, or Public Health nurse while continuing to preserve the student's right to confidentiality.

· After it has been ascertained that a student is pregnant, and after the student and family have made some initial decisions about dealing with the situation, it is appropriate for the staff member to encourage the student and the family to inform the school Principal once the situation has stabilized. The identity of the student must be protected even if the staff member needs guidance from the Principal regarding the Board's Parenting Policy.

The Principal requires similar respect for confidentiality if he/she chooses to seek the guidance of senior administration.

THE ROLE OF STAFF

For a Student Who Discloses

Confirm the situation. Ask, "Has it been confirmed?"

Assess feelings. It is important to know his/her physical and emotional state.

"How are you feeling?" would be a good question to draw this out.

Confirm her/his network of support. "Who else knows that you've come here today?"

Support for a Student who is Pregnant or has Fathered a Child

Create a loving and affirming environment (i.e. be welcoming and non-judgemental).

Allow the student to express their feelings (i.e. towards the relationship and responsibilities. Feelings may vary from remorse and fear to exuberance.... remember feelings are neither positive nor negative, they just are).

Discuss the issues involved (i.e. possibility of adoption, support systems, prenatal care, financial planning, continuation of education, attitude of the other parent, day-care considerations etc.).

Support for Student who has had a Miscarriage/Stillbirth

Confirm situation. Ask, "What have you experienced?" "Have you sought medical attention?"

Assess feelings. It is important to know her physical and emotional state. "How are you feeling?" would be a good question to draw this out.

Assess her existing network of support. Ask, "Who else is helping you with your loss?"

Continue to offer the student your on-going support.

Inform the student of the availability of other support systems.

Support for a Student who becomes Pregnant as a result of an assault

For a student who is under the age of 16, the pregnancy and assault should be referred to the Family and Children Services Department in the presence of the student.

For a student who is 16 years of age or older, the assault and pregnancy, with consent of the student, should be reported to the Niagara Regional Police.

Support for a Student who is Giving Birth or who has Given Birth

Encourage the student to continue her education by providing options (i.e. resuming classes, home study or on-line learning).

Provide student with available information about support services (See Appendix III Support Agencies within the Niagara Region).

Encourage the student to seek support from her faith community in order for the student and her child to experience a sense of belonging.

Encourage the student to maintain relationships within her family and extended family.

With student permission, refer the student to the Child/Youth nurse for support with parenting issues.

Up to five hours per week of Home Instruction will be provided to the student, before, during or after the pregnancy, for as long as the student for either medical or emotional reasons requires it.

Support for a Student who has Fathered a Child

Provide a loving, affirming environment and psychological and religious guidance.

Encourage the student to accept his responsibility - in taking part in the decision-making process, providing financial support and caring for the child.

Encourage the student to seek counselling if he needs to deal with feelings of anger, helplessness or remorse.

Appendix II

Support is available.

Psychological Support

Family and Children Services (FACS)

Board CYW

Local Hospital

Parent's/Guardian's Employee Assistance Program

Pathstone Mental Health

Medical Support

School Nurse

Health Services DepartmentPre-Natal (Outreach)

Family Doctor

Religious Support

School Chaplaincy Leader

Parish Priest

Appendix III

Community Resources to Support a Student Who is Pregnant or Has Given Birth

The student should be encouraged to seek the counsel of their parish priest.

i) Birthright of Niagara – 905-685-1913
ii) Niagara Life Centres
St. Catharines Welland Grimsby Toll Free	905-934-0021 905-735-9934 905-309-0944 1-800-263-3630
iii) Regional Niagara Public Health Department - Sexual Health Program
St. Catharines Niagara Falls Welland Port Colborne Toll Free	905-688-3762 905-356-1538 905-735-5697 905-871-6513 1-800-263-7248

Pre-Natal Care Information

i) Regional Niagara Public Health Department - Healthy Babies, Healthy Children
St. Catharines Niagara Falls Welland/Port Colborne Fort Erie Toll Free	905-688-3762 905-356-1538 905-735-5697 905-871-6513 1-800-263-7248

Housing Information

i) Bethlehem Housing Project 905-641-1660

ii) Elisha House 905-735-9934

Pregnancy and Family Support Centre After Hours Crisis Line: 289-823-2424

48 Burgar Street, Welland

iii) Hannah House Maternity Home 905 353-8552

4761 Chrysler Ave Niagara Falls

iv) Niagara Homeless Initiative	905-980-6000
Will co-ordinate access to emergency housing throughout the Niagara Region.
v) Niagara Regional Housing
Main office: St. Catharines	905-682-9201
vi) YWCA of Niagara Falls	905-357-9191 ext. 4025

Emergency Shelters

i) Gillian’s Place of St. Catharines	905-684-8331 (can call collect)
ii) Women's Place of South Niagara Welland	905-356-5800 (can call collect) 905-788-0113 (can call collect)
All shelters provide emergency shelter for abused women with or without children.

Pre-Natal Housing

i) Bethlehem Place	905-641-1660
ii) St. Martin's Manor (Hamilton)	905-575-7500 ext. 311
iii) Salvation Army Grace Haven (Hamilton)	905-522-7336

Emergency Crisis Service

i) Rapid Response

1-800-263-4944

(Pathstone Mental Health)

ii) Distress Centre of Niagara

St. Catharines 905-688-3711

Grimsby/West Lincoln 905-563-6674

Fort Erie 905-382-0689

Welland 905-734-1212

Adoption Counseling Services

i) Family and Children's Services

St. Catharines Toll Free

905-937-7731

1-888-937-7731

Financial Assistance

i) Community Services Department	905-980-6000
Social Assistance and Employment Opportunities DivisionAll inquires for financial assistance, pre and post delivery are directed through the above number.

To Help You be a Good Parent

i) Family and Children's Services St. Catharines Toll Free	905-937-7731 1-800-937-7731
ii) Parent Direct Niagara- online parent directory www.parentdirectniagara.ca iii) Parent Talk Information Line 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7555 iv) Regional Niagara Public Health Department-Healthy Babies, Healthy Children
St. Catharines Niagara Falls Welland/Port Colborne Fort Erie Toll Free	905-688-3762 905-356-1538 905-735-5697 905-871-6513 1-800-263-7248
v) Port Cares (Port Colborne)	905-834-3629

vi) Family Counselling Centre 1-888-937-7731

Day Care Services

i) Adolescent’s Family Support Services of Niagara
Strive Niagara St. Catharines Welland	905-646-1146 905-735-1465
ii) Regional Municipality of Niagara
Social Services Department Toll Free	905-980-6000 1-800-263-7215

Information about Continuing your Education

i) Please contact your school Principal or Guidance Department regarding your options.
ii) Adolescent Family Support Services 905-646-1146

Information Regarding Sexual Assault

i) Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre (CARSA)

905-682-4584 (24 hr.)