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Core 3: Parenting and caring

Becoming parents and carers

Circumstances leading to care

There are a variety of circumstances in which individuals at some stage of their lives, may require care. These circumstances may be planned or unplanned. A planned circumstance is one in which people know in advance that they will require care, for example, returning to work after the birth of a child. An unplanned circumstance may occur at the spur of the moment and is not foreseen, for example the sudden death of a parent.

Paid and voluntary carers are available to assist parents and carers in a variety of circumstances. Paid carers receive monetary reimbursement for their labours whereas voluntary carers do not. Examples of voluntary carers may include family, friends and neighbours.

Student activity

In the table below is a list of circumstances that may lead to an individual requiring care. Complete the table by:

stating if the circumstance listed is planned or unplanned.
outlining the implications of the circumstance.
listing options available for the voluntary and paid care.
stating the considerations involved in making decisions about care.

The first circumstance has been done as an example for you.

P = Planned

U= Unplanned

Circumstance	P or U	Implications	Voluntary options available	Paid options available	Considerations in making decisions about care
Working parents or carers with children	P	Dependents need care during working hours and school holidays.	Relatives Friends	Long Day Care Family Day Care Preschools Before and after school care Vacation care	Cost Reliability Safety Availability Hours Location Learning experiences Atmosphere
Psychological problems, domestic violence or abuse
Bereavement
Acute sickness
Chronic injury or illness
Social activity or appointments
Complete breakdown of relationship between parent, or carer and dependent
Elderly person who is unable to care for him or herself
Parent or carer with a dependent with special needs

Click here for a copy of the table to use as a worksheet.

Check your answers.
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