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Contents

1. Provision of Information and Advice
2. Puberty and Sexual Identity
3. Pornography
4. Under Age Sexual Relationships
5. Sexual Activity in Homes
6. Contraception
7. Pregnancy and Termination
8. Working with Young Fathers
9. Prostitution and Sexual Exploitation
10. Sexually Transmitted Diseases
11. Masturbation
12. Peer Group Abuse

1. Provision of Information and Advice

Those responsible for the care and planning of Looked After Children must make sure that they are provided with appropriate, accurate and up to date information and advice on matters relating to sexual health and relationships.

The information provided must be discussed with a Team Manager and/or a specialist in the field of sexual health and must be provided in a manner appropriate to children’s age and understanding and which is provided in a creative, child friendly manner.

Before providing such information and advice, relevant Social Workers must be consulted and, if possible, Parents or those to ensure it is provided in the context of children’s backgrounds and needs; and any specific arrangements must be incorporated into the Placement Information Records. 

2. Puberty and Sexual Identity

Social Workers and Carers must adopt a non-judgemental attitude toward children, particularly as they mature and develop an awareness of their bodies and sexuality.

Social Workers and Carers must adopt the same approach to children who explore or are confused about their sexual identity or who have decided to embrace a particular lifestyle so long as it is not abusive or illegal.

Children who are confused about their sexual identity or indicate they have a preference must be afforded equal access to accurate information, education and support to enable them to move forward positively.

As necessary this must be addressed in Placement Information Records.

3. Pornography

All materials published, circulated or available to children must promote and encourage healthy lifestyles and images of men and women that are positive and encouraging. 

Children must be positively discouraged from obtaining material that is potentially offensive or pornographic. 

If they obtain such material that is suspected to be illegal it must be confiscated and in extreme circumstances consideration must be given to reporting the matter to the Police. 

4. Under Age Sexual Relationships

Children under the age of 13 are deemed to be incapable of giving consent to sexual activity.  Therefore, children of this age who engage in sexual activity must be referred under safeguarding children procedures (as a Child Protection Referral) as potentially suffering from Significant Harm. 

Managers must be alert to such relationships when considering the placement of children under 13.  Children of this age who are likely to be at risk from each other (or from older children) should not be placed together.

When considering the placement (or ongoing placement) of children over the age of 13, Managers must assess the risk of sexual relationships developing and should ensure strategies are in place to reduce or prevent these risks if they are likely to be exploitative or abusive. 

Where children aged 13 - 18 are placed together with no identified risk of exploitative or abusive behaviour, Carers, Managers and Staff must monitor any developing relationships, sensitively but positively discouraging children from engaging under aged sexual relationships. 

Overall, Staff should be mindful of their duty to consider the overall welfare of children and this may mean recognising that illegal activity is taking place and working to minimise risks and consequences.  If there is any suspicion that a child is engaging in illegal behaviour it must be discussed with the Social Worker and consideration given to consulting the Child Protection Agencies.

Any actions taken in this respect will be subject to consultation and must be addressed in Placement Information Records.

Should Staff suspect children are engaging in sexual relationships, they should:

1. Ensure the basic safety of all the children concerned.
2. Notify the Manager, who should notify/consult relevant Social Workers and the Line Manager for the Home.
3. Record all events, distinguishing between fact and opinion.

Should Staff discover children engaging in sexual relationships, they should:

1. Ensure the basic safety of all children  concerned (if necessary Staff may consider removal of one or more child).
2. Inform the Manager, who should notify/consult relevant Social Workers and the Line Manager for the Home.
3. Record all events, distinguishing between fact and opinion.

5. Sexual Activity in Homes

This section must be read in conjunction with Section 4, Underage Sexual Relationships.

Children under the age of 13 are deemed to be incapable of giving consent to sexual activity, but it is understood that older children may develop relationships with each other that they will wish to express themselves sexually and explore their views, attitudes and behaviours.

This may be acceptable so long as their behaviour is respectful of the wishes and feelings of everyone they live with including Staff and other children.  However Staff may not condone or permit unhealthy, exploitative, abusive or illegal behaviour and must take all reasonable steps to reduce or prevent it.

If Staff are seriously concerned about children’s behaviour they must draw this to the attention of the Manager who may invoke Strategies to reduce or prevent the behaviours from escalating.  Such strategies must be developed in consultation with relevant Social Workers and consideration given to consulting the Child Protection Agencies.

6. Contraception

This section should be read in conjunction with Enabling young people to access contraceptive and sexual health information and advice please see the Department for Education website.

Staff/Carers should identify local sources of professional help and information for children and can accompany them to clinics if requested to do so.

There are a variety of forms of contraception available for young women, for example, the pill, implant or injections.  These should be used with condoms to protect against Sexually Transmitted Diseases (See Section 10, Sexually Transmitted Diseases)

Condoms are the most easily available, non-prescribed form of contraception.  They also protect against many sexually transmitted infections.  Young men and women should learn how to use them correctly - this will require practice!  It is important that girls are equally confident in using them.  Condoms and condom demonstrations are available for this purpose.

Before a decision is taken to make condoms available, Social Workers Staff/Carers should ensure that the supply of condoms:

• Forms part of a broader sex and relationship education programme which includes helping children resist any pressure to have early sex
• Is supported by clear protocols which have been agreed with management and are understood by young people
• Complements local service arrangements for the distribution of free condoms
• Only supply condoms with the British Kite Mark and EC standard
• Is always accompanied by verbal and written advice about using condoms correctly, information about sexually transmitted infections and services and where to access emergency contraception if the condom breaks or is not used

Condoms and Under 16s

Staff/Carers can advise and provide condoms where it is clear that a child under 16 intends to engage in sexual activity and the provision of condoms would protect the sexual health of the child.  Provision of these would be seen as an act of protection and not facilitation of sexual activity; however, such advice/provision should be subject to consultation with the child’s Social Worker. 

Emergency Contraception

Children need to know about the use and availability of emergency contraception.

In the event of contraception failure or it not being used, emergency contraception is available from G.P.’s, family planning clinics.

The emergency pill can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex and the coil (IUD) fitted up to 5 days after.

7. Pregnancy and Termination

If a child is suspected or known to be pregnant the 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 is 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.  Where 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 Manager should seek legal advice before agreeing.  Also see Consents Guidance.

In all circumstances, should there be suspicions that the pregnant child or the unborn child are at risk of Significant Harm, the 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 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.

8. Working with Young Fathers

This can be a difficult area of work because the choice and responsibility in decisions relating to the baby lies with the mother. Regardless of how the mother’s views the situation, young fathers still need to be supported. The following points should be addressed:

• What does the young man want his role to be?
• Does this conflict with what the young woman wants? If so, how will this be managed?
• How will you support him to deal with his thoughts, feelings, hopes and fears?
• How can he play an active role in the child’s life?
• Is the young man clear about his legal rights, choices and responsibilities in relation to his child?

9. Prostitution and Sexual Exploitation

Children of any sexual orientation and ability may be abused through prostitution or sexual exploitation.  This can involve more than payment of money in exchange for sexual services; it includes remuneration of any kind, given to the child, for example mobile phones, alcohol, new clothes and other ‘treats’.

Children abused through prostitution are regarded as Children in Need, and should benefit from multi-agency planning and services that ensure the child’s immediate protection, and through a longer term strategy, that encourage and support his/her exit from prostitution. 

Children can no longer be charged or cautioned by the Police for soliciting.  When all efforts to support an exit from prostitution are deemed to have been ineffective, the Police and Youth Offending Service may become involved - this would still be part of a multi-agency plan.

Staff/Carers need to be alert to any behaviour that might indicate that the child is involved in prostitution or at risk of becoming involved.  This should be discussed in supervision and a response strategy agreed.  Concerns should be shared with the child.

• Look out for warning signs - changes in appearance, getting lifts Home from strangers, coming Home having eaten yet not having had to pay for food, having credit on mobile phones that can’t be accounted for or updated mobile phones, mood changes,  different language, new style of dress, new possessions, starting to visit Red Light areas, truanting from school, losing touch with old friends, telling lies, drug use, a new name, staying out at night.
• Go slowly - don’t rush in. Befriend and form the beginnings of a trusting relationship before mentioning your concerns (unless you think the child is at immediate risk).
• Remember that some children are controlled by pimps and involvement of professionals needs to be handled sensitively in order that the young person’s safety is not put at further risk.
• Children may need you to act as their advocate regarding liaison with other agencies.
• Children often have immediate practical support needs upon which you can build a relationship.
• Be supportive and non-judgmental.

Everything that is offered will be developed in co-operation with the child. You need to understand that the plan may fail and the child may drift back into their former life. Do not feel you have failed or are being rejected. Your role is to give support on every occasion it is needed.

It has taken a powerful and abusive process to get this person into prostitution and leaving an abusive lifestyle can take years.

Where there is any suspicion that a child is engaged in such behaviour it should be addressed in the child’s Placement Information Records together with Strategies to be adopted to help the child find alternative lifestyles.  In addressing these behaviours consideration must be given to the extent to which the child is suffering significant harm - and whether it is necessary to refer the child under Safeguarding Children Board Procedures in the area where the child is living.  If a child is engaged or suspected to be engaged in prostitution, the Regulatory Authority and Local Authority and Police , where the child is placed, must be informed. 

10. Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Also see HIV and AIDS Procedures

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 (a common sexually transmitted disease or urinary tract infection caused by a bacteria-like organism in the urethra and reproductive system) 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 G.P, 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 (other than HIV and AIDS, 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

Also see HIV and AIDS Procedures

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.

11. Masturbation

It is accepted that masturbation is part of normal sexual behaviour but children must be positively encouraged to undertake such activities in private and in a manner that is not harmful to themselves or other people.

12. Peer Group Abuse

The possibility of peer abuse will always be taken seriously but we recognise it is equally important not to label or stigmatise normal sexual exploration and experimentation between children.  Behaviour is not a cause for concern unless it is compulsive, coercive, age- inappropriate or between children of significantly different ages, maturity or mental abilities.

If at any time Carers suspect children are engaged in abusive sexual relationships

End