Giving sexual health and contraceptive advice to young people

Young people under the age of 16 can be provided with advice and treatment in relation to contraceptive and/or sexual health, without the need for parental consent, provided they meet the following criteria: 

1. Young person will understand the advice given 

2. Young person cannot be persuaded to inform their parents, or be persuaded to allow staff to inform their parents on their behalf 

3. Young person is very likely to continue to engage in sexual activity, with or without contraceptive treatment 

4. Young person’s physical or mental health (or both) is likely to suffer if they do not receive contraceptive advice and/or treatment 

5. It is in the young person’s best interests for them to be given contraceptive advice and/or treatment, without parental consent