Information sheet for sexually active young people

1. Questions to ask / considering factors • Living arrangements of the YP ( Who is at home including siblings) • Involvement of other agencies? (social services / CAMHS etc) • Current and past substance misuse,?what, (drugs / alcohol) how much, how often , who provides it (partner?) does it influence poor choices regarding sexual activity • Age of first intercourse , number of lifetime partners • Current and previous relationships , age of partner / length of relationship • Relating to the partner; is there an age or power imbalance? Is it an abusive relationship? Is the partner in a position of trust? • Is the person with parental responsibility aware that the young person is sexually active? • Ha the young person ever had non consensual sexual intercourse or been paid for sex? In England and Wales, the legal age for young people to consent to have sex is still 16, whether you are straight, gay or bisexual. Although the age of consent remains at 16, it is not intended that the law should be used to prosecute mutually agreed teenage sexual activity between two young people of a similar age, unless it involves abuse or exploitation.. Information sheet for sexually active young people • Under 13s • A child under 13 is not legally capable of consenting to sexual activity • There is a presumption that all cases of sexually active children under 13 will be referred to social services and the police • Reasons for lack of referral must be clearly documented including discussion with appropriate child protection leads. • 13-15 years • Sexual activity in this age group is still an offence • Use clinical judgement / risk assessment to decide whether referral necessary (see assessment check list above) • If there are concerns discuss with the safeguarding team • 16 -17 years •  Use clinical judgement / risk assessment to decide whether referral to social services is necessary • Young people aged 16 and 17 are deemed not able to give consent if sexual activity with an adult in a position of trust e.g. teacher or a family member Fraser Guidelines: The young person understands information given Parental consent and involvement has been explored with the young person The young person will continue to have SI with or without treatment There is risk to the young person’s physical / mental well being if advice or treatment is withheld It is in the young person’s best interest to give advice or treatment Safeguarding and social care teams in Tower Hamlets: Integrated pathways and support team Tel: 0207 364 5601 / 5606 / 3559 / 2972 Outside Office hours (17:00 – 09:00 , weekends and bank holidays) Tel: 0207 364 4079 Safeguarding concerns or advice:: Dr Owen Hanmer / on call doctor Tel: 0208 9803510 Rob Mills :Tel: 02036882501, mobile 07951 489421 Young persons advice sheet - version 1 - July 2013