Building an integrated support system for young people’s sexual health and wellbeing

The findings show that non-government organisations play a central role in supporting young people’s sexual health and wellbeing through delivery of a wide range of programs and services, including school-based education, parent and community education, clinical care, health promotion, advocacy, capacity building and resource development. However, this work takes place in a challenging landscape. Responsibility for young people’s sexual health is dispersed across multiple sectors and government departments, with no national strategy or framework to set direction, define objectives or establish accountability. This potentially results in gaps in services and programs or missed opportunities for greater efficiency.

The project leads to a recommendation for improving national co-ordination and efficiency of responses to improve young people’s sexual health and wellbeing via a national action plan.

Report

Funding

This is project funded by the Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

Researchers

Alexandra James, Jennifer Power, Bridie Duffus, Samantha Read (Sexual Health Victoria), Sheena Callaghan (True QLD), Laurianne Reinsborough (SHINA SA), Adrian Farrugia, Andrea Waling, Adam Bourne