Teenage Pregnancy - Strategy and Practice

The Teenage Pregnancy Strategy responds to the Social Exclusion Unit's report in 1999 which set two key targets:

To halve the under 18 conception rate and establish a fim downward trend in the under 16 conception rate by 2010.
To increase the proportion of teenage parents in education, training and employment to reduce their long-term risk of social exclusion.

It is a young person’s right to expect that:

Help, support & up-to-date information is readily available in a way that respects religious beliefs, ethnic background, culture, gender, sexual orientation and age.
All unwanted teenage conceptions are prevented as much as possible by different agencies working together for the benefit of the young person in the most effective way.
Good quality, user friendly services are in place to support those who choose to have their child.
A range of good quality, easily known and accessible contraception, sexual health, counselling and advice services are available all under one roof.
They are treated as an individual without being patronised, so that they can make informed life, health and sexual decisions.
They are listened to and a co-ordinated effort is being made by all to meet their needs.
They are involved and consulted in any planning and decisions that will have an impact on services for them.
Quality sex and relationships education is available both in and out of schools, in a style that it is relevant and matched to their current lives and starts from an early age.
Their safety is paramount and that child protection is an integral part of any service.
Those young people who are more at risk to receive more input and support in a way that is acceptable to them.

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