Sexual Health Services for Young People Cathy Courtney Team Leader Sexual Health Service 12 Feb 2009

YP Sexual Health Service Why YP specific services needed? Partnership Working Evaluation of current services Way Forward

Young Persons Rights The client can independently consent to and refuse medical treatment provided the doctor or nurse feels the client is competent. Competence – assessment by a qualified medical practitioner of whether the client understands the nature and possible consequences of the advice and or treatment including contraception and T.O.P. Age of Legal Capacity Scotland Act 1991 Breach of confidentiality may only be considered in certain circumstances. It is preferable for young people to have parental support.

Management of Sexually Active YP < 16 All health care workers (HCW) have a statutory responsibility to protect a child and inform relevant authorities e.g. Social Work if a young person is being harmed or is at risk of harm; (from sexual, physical or emotional abuse) The Children (Scotland) Act 1995.

Risk factors for Teenage Pregnancy Socioeconomic deprivation Limited involvement in education Low educational attainment Limited access to consistent positive adult support Child of a teenage mother Low self esteem Experience of sexual abuse

Entire Page Chlamydia tests

Partnership working Health cannot do alone Parents- speakeasy project Education-SHRE Social work Voluntary Sector-Landed project

Evaluation of Current Services Is the correct service being provided Helps inform ongoing service provision Financial Issues Staffing

Way Forward? How do we develop YP specific services? Lanarkshire needs-urban v rural Mainstream ? Review meeting – Friday 6 th Mar 09

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