Tackling Teenage Pregnancy
The national teenage pregnancy strategy was launched in 1999 following a report to the Government highlighting that England has the highest teenage pregnancy rate in Western Europe. In response to this issue each county has developed its own strategy to reduce the rate of under-18 conceptions and improve outcomes for teenage parents and their children.
The Lincolnshire Tackling Teenage Pregnancy Action Plan forms part of Lincolnshire's Children and Young People's Plan.
Key themes for the plan are to:
- Actively engage all key mainstream delivery partners who have a role in reducing teenage pregnancies
- Ensure the availability of a well publicised contraceptive and sexual health advice service which is centred on young people
- Prioritise development of a comprehensive programme of sex and relationships education (SRE) in all schools
- Ensure availability of SRE training for professionals in partner organisations who work with young people
- Help facilitate open discussion between parents and their children about sex and relationships
- Improve outcomes for teenage parents and their children
- Support delivery of the programme with media campaigns and information aimed at young people to delay early sex and to use contraception when they do become sexually active
For further information about the Lincolnshire teenage pregnancy programme, visit: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/children
If you are a parent and need information on talking to your children about sex and relationships and for general help and advice on parenting, please contact Parentline Plus on their free helpline: 0808 800 2222 or visit www.parentlineplus.org.uk or www.gotateenager.org.uk
