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CONFIDENTIAL SHS |
See also SHS news updated 15/03/07 | ||
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‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ has now been published. The full version can be downloaded from: http://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/resources-and-practice/IG00060/ We welcome the fact that ‘Working Together’ does not include a requirement for mandatory reporting of young people who are in sexual relationships, and are pleased that it respects the freedom of professionals to make decisions based on the best interests of each young person in order to ensure that they receive the advice and treatment they need. Research has repeatedly shown that young people who access sexual health services require and expect confidentiality, and it is essential that practitioners can continue to assure them of this. Practitioners are already alert to possible child protection concerns when they work with young people, and follow the guidance issued by the Department of Health in 2004. During the coming months it will be important to monitor the way in which Local Safeguarding Children Boards implement ‘Working Together’. We hope that they will follow this guidance in developing local protocols that include clear recognition of the importance of confidentiality in sexual health services. We have received a number of enquiries from health practitioners asking for clarification of the new ‘Working Together’. A list of Q & As from the Teenage Pregnancy Unit can be viewed by clicking here. See also: Working Together: Q&A on sexual activity of under 16s and under 13s Threats to Confidential Sexual Health Services for under-18s Confidentiality of adolescent sexual health services: joint statement |
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