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Teen SENSE: Model Sexual Health Care Standards for Youth in State Custody

NCJ Number
240310
Date Published
2012
Length
50 pages
Annotation
The Teen SENSE Model Sexual Health Care Standards reflect the minimum requirements that facilities should meet in order to appropriately address the sexual health care needs of youth in the State's care.
Abstract
These standards focus on sexual health care because youth in State custody are at higher risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, yet services to address this risk typically have been inadequate or nonexistent. Youth in out-of-home care rely on the institutions where they are housed to address these needs. While the length of time that a youth remains in State custody may vary significantly, all State custody facilities should provide information on and medical attention to sexual health issues. According to these standards: Youth in State custody should be given screenings that address both their physical and mental health, as well as examinations that include their sexual histories; providers should provide information and treatment related to sexual abuse, pregnancy, and STI transmission and prevention; all youth should be offered testing for STIs, including HIV, and given proper follow-up counseling even if the tests are negative; youth who are pregnant, gender non-conforming, or LGBTQ should not be treated differently or receive a lesser standard of care simply because they are in State custody; facilities should also offer ongoing care and discharge planning related to sexual health; and all medical care services should be conducted in a confidential, culturally competent, and inclusive manner.