Agenda and minutes

None.

The Chair will consider the admission of any late items of urgent business. (Late items will be considered under the agenda item where they appear. New items will be dealt with at item 8 below. New items of exempt business will be dealt with at item 9 below).

None.

A member with a personal interest in a matter who attends a meeting of the authority at which the matter is considered must disclose to that meeting the existence and nature of that interest at the commencement of that consideration, or when the interest becomes apparent.

A member with a personal interest in a matter also has a prejudicial interest in that matter if the interest is one which a member of the public with knowledge of the relevant facts would reasonably regard as so significant that it is likely to prejudice the member's judgement of the public interest.

None received.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting of the Teenage Pregnancy Scrutiny Review Panel on 10^th October 2005 and 31^st October 2005.

AGREED:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Teenage Pregnancy Scrutiny Review Panel on 10^th October 2005 and 31^st October 2005 be signed by the Chair as a correct record. 

To consider any requestsreceived in accordance with Standing Orders.

None.

A report of the Director of the Children’s Service to present the targeted strategies and programmes addressing neighbourhood “hot spots” and the needs of high-risk groups, including refugees and asylum seekers and children leaving care.

Members received a report of the Director of the Children’s Service to present the targeted strategies and programmes addressing neighbourhood “hot spots” and the needs of high-risk groups, including refugees and asylum seekers and children leaving care.

The need to target the strategies towards some community groups requires better knowledge and understanding of how sex and relationships are discussed within those communities. Some examples from a national study were given.  It was noted that abduction of teenage girls is a real fear within the Roma community. 

The Connexions Service also needs to target particular “high risk” groups of teenagers and a post has been funded by them within the 'Stepping Up' project. A report from Connexions on their targets was received.

It was asked how teenagers are targeted and how they can access advice services.  Targeting provides access to services around areas where young people congregate.  Teenagers can also access services through a free telephone number and through the 4YP website.  There is a link to the 4YP website on the Haringey Council website, through “Community and Leisure” and “Recreation” links. 

The implications of a high amount of asylum seekers in the borough were discussed.  It was noted that other London boroughs and NASS (National Asylum Support Service)do not always notify Haringey Council of the number of asylum seekers they have placed in Haringey and better information sharing between boroughs would help to inform service needs for community services by this group.  The Chair noted this point and said that he may take this issue up with the Leader of the Council. 

It was noted that this could be improved by applying the protocols we already have agreed with other boroughs on information sharing. 

RECOMMENDED:

• That better data be collated and analysed to identify the nature and level of sexual and reproductive health needs of unaccompanied minors, teenage refugees/asylum-seekers and those leaving care.
• That current sexual health, family planning and young people’s service provision be made more accessible and appropriate in light of the data analysis findings.

A representative from Education for Choice gave a presentation to Members on sex education and choice in educational settings, with a particular focus upon pregnancy and abortion.  She explained the role of Education for Choice and the kind of work it carries out.  This includes:

•Direct work with young people

•Resources

•Training and consultancy

•Advocacy

Education for Choice (EFC) is currently working with 2 schools in Haringey.  Nationally they work directly with approximately 6000 young people every year and their services are available to all “Inner London” schools.  Currently EFC are working with Southwark and Lewisham.  Both girls and boys tend to prefer to get advice from outside of the regular school staff and delivery by external agencies takes a lot of pressure off teachers.  EFC receive funding from a range of agencies, including the Teenage Pregnancy Unit. 

She discussed the reason why engaging young people on the subject of sexuality and abortion is important.  Many teenagers think about the issue for the first time only when faced with this crisis in their lives. Often this is not a good time to be forced to make critical decisions.  Effective sex education can enable young people to make better choices.  It was pointed out that young people are in any case increasingly discussing the subject in non educational settings, such as on television, in newspapers and magazines, gossip, although these can be a less reliable source of information and allows misguiding myths to prevail.  It is also a part of the National School Curriculum. 

It was asked at what age a teenager has the legal right to have an abortion in the UK.  It is over 16 years of age.  One quarter to one third of women aged under 45 has reported as having had an abortion at some point in their lives. 

Engaging young men on the subject of sexuality and abortion young men about abortion was discussed. In some areas only a tiny proportion of sexual health clinic users are men.

The importance of engaging the local community on the subject of sexuality and abortion young men about abortion was discussed.  Key points were:

•Women of every community have abortions

•Everyone is entitled to information

•Silence is bad for women’s health

The issue of sex and contraception to young people under the age of 16 was discussed.  Doctors can legally prescribe the contraceptive pill to girls under the age of 16.  Sexual intercourse with someone under the age of 13 is classed as statutory rape. 

The issue of confidentiality was discussed.  Confidentiality is the biggest concern that young people have when making decisions about sex and abortion.  Young people may be concerned about disclosure, including to their GP, their parents or their partner. 

Key issues that we need to be aware of are:

•What different religious communities have to say about abortion

•How culture affects people’s attitudes to abortion

•How people’s feelings about abortion impact on their choices

Education  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

report of Haringey Teaching Primary Care Trust Director of Public Health to report on current and planned arrangements for multi-agency working, describe key agencies involved in the strategy, report on current and planned arrangements for central administration of the strategy, report on current and planned Information Sharing Mechanisms and report on joint Council and PCT Action plans and performance targets. 

Members received a report ofHaringey Teaching Primary Care Trust Director of Public Health to report on current and planned arrangements for multi-agency working, describe key agencies involved in the strategy, report on current and planned arrangements for central administration of the strategy, report on current and planned Information Sharing Mechanisms and report on joint Council and PCT Action plans and performance targets. 

AGREED:

• To note the proposed changes in arrangements for the coordination of the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy
• To note the joint action plan 2005/06 for progress towards meeting 2010 targets

·      To note the end of the ring fenced Local Implementation Grant and NRF funding in March 2006

• To note the fact that Teenage Pregnancy and Parenting projects need to be embedded in mainstream services by March 2006

Members received a presentation on the 4YP Service in Haringey, which provides outreach sex education targeted at young people, in particular neighbourhoods and in other community settings. 

It was noted that 4YP has contact with over 200 young people.  The 4YP website www.4yp.co.uk has approximately 1500 hits a month.  The service is also accessible via a free phone number, which puts people through to a recorded message to leave their contact details. 

4YP publicity material aimed at young people was distributed, it was noted that this is in the process of being updated.  There is also some 4YP promotional publicity aimed at young people on some community radio stations. 

The 4YP Bus is a mobile unit that moves around to different locations at different times to target “high risk” groups of teenagers.  Members of the Review have already visited the bus to see what it is like. 

It was asked if the Youth Service is able to access free condoms for distribution to teenagers.  The feasibility of this is being discussed.  It was noted that young men tend to prefer not to access condoms in clinical settings. 

AGREED: To note the presentation as evidence to the Review. 

To consider any items admitted at item 2 above.

To consider any new items of exempt urgent business admitted at item 2 above.