UPDATE, January 25: Police have confirmed that the father of a child born to a 12-year-old girl is a child himself.
In a statement, they said he is known to the young mother and that there is no danger to any other children.
Police said their investigation into the incident is ongoing but they are working with the child and families involved.
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READ NOWEARLIER: A 12-year-old girl has given birth at a Perth hospital sparking a coordinated response from a range of State Government and external support agencies.
The girl, who became pregnant at the age of 11, gave birth earlier this month.
Police have described it as a “complex” situation.
Department of Communities assistant director of general service delivery in the metropolitan area, Jackie Tang, said while the department would not comment on an individual case in order to protect the privacy of children and families, it worked closely with multiple agencies when a young mother gave birth.
“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,” she said.
“The Department of Communities, the WA Police and Department of Health work together intensively in the best interests of all concerned.
“If there are concerns that a child may have been sexually abused or is likely to be sexually abused, Communities undertakes a thorough assessment of the situation.
“Where necessary, the matter will be referred to the WA Police for further investigation and referrals to appropriate supports are provided.”
WA Health Department statistics show that since 1980, there have been 12 registered births to girls aged 12, the youngest registered age of a birth mother in WA.
In 2017 there were three registered births to girls aged 13 or younger, seven registered births to 14-years-olds and 21 registered births to 15-year-olds.
Births, Deaths and Marriages said last year the youngest mum registered as giving birth was 14-years-old.
