A controversial project that provides additional support to vulnerable mothers if they agree to use contraception is having “encouraging” early success, council bosses have claimed.
Pause Dundee targets women who have had had two or more children taken into care.
Inspired by similar schemes in England, Pause gives dedicated support, tailored to individual women, on the condition they do not fall pregnant.
Several charities branded the scheme “ethically concerning” when it was announced but Dundee City Council stressed women would only sign up to the scheme after an “initial engagement” period if they were comfortable doing so.
Those who do not continue with the Pause Programme will still receive care from other agencies including their GP, substance misuse services and advice on jobs.
And if they do become pregnant, they will be offered support from the local authority’s New Beginnings team.
A report to Dundee City Council’s children and families service committee on Monday says Pause provides “an innovative and intensive service to some of
Dundee’s most vulnerable women”.
Depute committee convener councillor Roisin Smith said: “I am pleased that Pause is already making an impact for women who suffer from multiple challenges in their lives.
“Domestic abuse, sexual exploitation, drug abuse and mental health problems are just a few of the issues that can blight the everyday lives of these women and create risks for their children.
“Pause is proving to be an excellent addition to local services and helps to enhance the support that is available.”
The Lochee SNP councillor added: “I want to see these women have better life chances, to escape the cycles of abuse or addiction that they face and move on to training and employment opportunities and make a contribution to society.”
The committee will hear that independent evaluation has been commissioned by the Robertson Trust.
Pause is also part funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.
Women who have take part in Pause Dundee say it has helped lead to better engagement with health and social work services as well as helping re-establish contact with children who had previously been taken into care .
Pause is delivered by Tayside Council on Alcohol.
Ms Smith said: “The voices of women who have gone through the Pause process are inspiring and we are seeing some of them re-establishing relationships with their families.
“As part of a range of services for vulnerable women, their participation is voluntary and we are all committed to helping them to move on from the traumatic experiences that they have suffered.”
