Page 59 - Getting it Right for Vulnerable Children and Young People in North Ayrshire

Children and young people who are sexually active Definition This section relates to children and young people who are sexually active, with a particular emphasis on young people engaging in sexual activity below the age of consent (16 years), also referred to as under-age sexual activity. The text below provides a summary position in relation to the guidance in this area. For current multi-agency guidance for staff responding to young people engaging in 29 sexual activity click below :- Brief Overview Guidance seeks to strike a balance between assuring the freedom of young people to make decisions about their own lives, and protecting them from activity which could give rise to immediate harm and/or longer term adverse consequences to one or both of them. The law continues to make clear that society does not encourage sexual intercourse in young people under 16, as it can be a cause of concern for their welfare. It does not follow that every case has child protection concerns and it is important to ensure that a proportionate response is made and that only appropriate cases are brought to the attention of social work and the police. However, even if there are no child protection concerns, the young person may still have worries or be in need of support in relation to their sexual development and relationships, which will require to be addressed either on a single agency or multiagency basis. When a professional becomes aware that a young person is sexually active, or is likely to become sexually active, the professional has a duty of care to ensure that the young person’s health and emotional needs are addressed and to assess whether the sexual activity is of an abusive or exploitative nature. The Scottish Government's strategy for sexual health – Respect and Responsibility: Strategy and Action Plan for Improving Sexual Health – places particular emphasis on respectful relationships and encouraging young people to delay engaging in sexual activity. 29 http://www.childprotectionnorthayrshire.info/download/1137 Getting It Right For Vulnerable Children and Young People in North Ayrshire DRAFT V1.1 March 2014 Page No:59