4.8.3 Sexual Health and Relationships |
RELATED CHAPTERS AND AMENDMENTS
This Chapter should be read in conjunction with the following relevant Guidance:
‘Lets Talk About Sex’, Robbie Harris, published by Walker Books, and additional guidance can be obtained from Brook Advisory Service.
The London Child Protection Procedures - which contain procedures and guidance in relation to Trafficking and other matters related to sexual health.
LONDON CHILD PROTECTION PROCEDURES
If there are concerns regarding possible child protection issues, please see the following London Child Protection Procedures;
Section 5.39, Sexually Active Children
Section 5.43, Sexually Exploited Children
Section 5.43, Trafficked and Exploited Children
AMENDMENTS
This chapter was significantly updated in March 2011 and should be re read.
Contents
1. Pregnancy and Terminations
If a child is suspected or known to be pregnant the foster carer/manager should normally talk openly to the child about who should be informed and what support the child may require to promote their own and the unborn babies welfare.
Under normal circumstances, the child’s social worker and parent(s) should be informed and should collaborate with the child in drawing up a suitable plan for the promotion of the welfare of the pregnant child and the unborn child.
However, a child who has reached the age of sixteen may request that parent(s) or that the social worker are not informed. A child under the age of sixteen may also request confidentiality if they are of an age and level of understanding to make such an informed decision.
Where a child under sixteen makes such a request, the foster carer/manager should refer the matter to the Supervising Social Worker/Senior Manager and legal advice sought.
In all circumstances, should there be suspicions that the pregnant child or the unborn child are at risk of Significant Harm, the foster carer/manager must discuss it with the child’s social worker with a view to making a child protection referral.
Any decision to terminate a pregnancy should be reached by the pregnant child. Advice, counselling and support in making the decision must only be given by suitably qualified independent counsellors.
If the pregnant child decides to terminate the pregnancy, the manager, social worker or foster carer must ensure that adequate support is given throughout and afterwards to ensure the child’s privacy is protected and any physical or emotional needs are addressed sensitively.
2. Sexually Transmitted Diseases
It is the absolute right of children to have information and advice on safer sex, HIV, AIDS, hepatitis and other sexually transmitted infections. HIV and Chlamydia are currently on the increase. In providing such advice and guidance to children, it is important that they are made aware that there are many safer and pleasurable alternatives to penetrative sex, for example, stroking, exploration of erogenous zones, sucking, kissing, licking, or mutual masturbation.
Children should be encouraged and supported to take responsibility for their own sexual well being, acknowledging cultural diversity. The opportunity to discuss this with carers and a variety of health professionals should be available.
With regard to sexually transmitted infections including HIV, children should be advised of clinics where anonymity and appropriate pre and post testing counselling are available. They should be made aware that, if they are tested by their GP, then the results of this will be recorded in their medical notes and these may be available to prospective employers, mortgage companies etc. in the future. There is, however, complete confidentiality at Genito-Urinary Medicine (G.U.M.) clinics.
If it is known or suspected that a child has a sexually transmitted disease the manager and social worker must be informed and decide what measures to take.
On principle, the child should be referred, with the parents Consent if possible, to the local Genito-Urinary Medicine Clinic, who will provide the child and carer with advice, counselling, testing and other support.
Only those immediate carers of the child who need to know will be informed of any suspicion or the outcome of any tests and Strategies or measures to be adopted.
Other children in the home should only be informed if there is a direct risk to them; for example if the infected child deliberately attempts to infect them.
The only other individuals who will be told are the child’s GP and Health Visitor.
Before disclosing to any other agency or individual, the following criteria must be satisfied:
- The child (where appropriate) and the parents have given their written consent to the disclosure
- The disclosure would be in the best interests of the child
- Those receiving the information are aware of its confidential nature
Consent to testing
The permission of the child aged 16 or over must be given before testing.
If a child under 16 has sufficient age and understanding, his or her permission must be given before testing.
Wherever possible, the consent of the parents should be obtained. In order for parents to be able to participate in decision-making, they must be provided with adequate information and given appropriate support including access to counselling both before the test and in the event of a positive diagnosis.
Where parental consent is not forthcoming but there is a clear medical recommendation that testing is in the child’s best interests, legal advice should be obtained as to whether the test can proceed.
End