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If your document has structure then you should add a skip navigation link to make it easier for accessible users to get to the page's content. To ensure detection, skip navigation links should point to a <main> element, or an element with role='main'. See Understanding 2.4.1, and Skip Navigation. <!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN"
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2 P967 [WCAG21 3.1.1 (A)] Use the 'lang' attribute to denote the primary language of the document:
You should always identify the primary natural language of a document using a 'lang' attribute on the <html> element. See WCAG 2.1 HTML Technique H57. <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
3 <head>
4 E604 The matching end tag appears to be missing:
According to the HTML specification being tested against, the tag must have an end tag. Sometimes this error is caused by improperly nested tags where the end tag exists but cannot be matched with the corresponding start tag. See XHTML 1.0. <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
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8 <title>
8 Relationships and Sex | Haringey Foster Carer Handbook
8 </title>
9 W605 Duplicate tag found: See matching tag on line: 13
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10 W605 Duplicate tag found: See matching tag on line: 14
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href="https://www.proceduresonline.com/resources/logos/procedures/apple-touch-icon-57x57-precomposed.png" />
11 W605 Duplicate tag found: See matching tag on line: 15
A duplicate tag has been found with the same attributes. Although this should not affect the page, it indicates that a mistake may have been made. <link rel="apple-touch-icon"
href="https://www.proceduresonline.com/resources/logos/procedures/apple-touch-icon-72x72-precomposed.png" />
12 W605 Duplicate tag found: See matching tag on line: 16
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href="https://www.proceduresonline.com/resources/logos/procedures/apple-touch-icon-114x114-precomposed.png
" />
13 W605 Duplicate tag found: See matching tag on line: 9
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type='image/x-icon'/>
14 W605 Duplicate tag found: See matching tag on line: 10
A duplicate tag has been found with the same attributes. Although this should not affect the page, it indicates that a mistake may have been made. <link rel="apple-touch-icon"
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15 W605 Duplicate tag found: See matching tag on line: 11
A duplicate tag has been found with the same attributes. Although this should not affect the page, it indicates that a mistake may have been made. <link rel="apple-touch-icon"
href="https://www.proceduresonline.com/resources/logos/procedures/apple-touch-icon-72x72-precomposed.png" />
16 W605 Duplicate tag found: See matching tag on line: 12
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href="https://www.proceduresonline.com/resources/logos/procedures/apple-touch-icon-114x114-precomposed.png
" />
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41 <body onload="MM_preloadImages('images/contact_us_button_hover.png'); highlight();">
42 <script type="text/javascript" src="scripts/tooltip.js">
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43 <div class="banner">
44 </div>
45 <div id="topper">
45 </div>
46 <div id="container">
47 <div id="content_frame_overflow">
47 <div class="content_text">
48 <h1>
48 Relationships and Sex
48 </h1>
49 <div class="scope_box_blue">
50 <p style="font-weight:500; font-size: 140%;">
50 Standards & Regulations
50 </p>
51 <p>
51 Fostering Services National Minimum Standards (England) 2011:
51 </p>
52 <ul>
53 <li>
53 <a href="http://www.minimumstandards.org/fost_one.html" target="_blank">
53 Standard 1 - The child’s wishes and feelings and those significant to them
53 </a>
53 .
53 </li>
54 <li>
54 <a href="http://www.minimumstandards.org/fost_six.html" target="_blank">
54 Standard 6 - Promoting Health and Well-being.
54 </a>
54 </li>
55 <li>
55 <a href="http://www.minimumstandards.org/fost_eight.html" target="_blank">
55 Standard 8 - Promoting Educational Attainment
55 </a>
55 .
55 </li>
56 </ul>
57 <p>
57 Training, Support and Development Standards for Foster Care:
57 </p>
58 <ul>
59 <li>
59 <a href="files/foster_care_tsd_standards_guidance.pdf" target="_blank">
59 Standard 2 - Understand your role as a foster carer
59 </a>
59 .
59 </li>
60 <li>
60 <a href="files/foster_care_tsd_standards_guidance.pdf" target="_blank">
60 Standard 3 - Understand health and safety, and healthy care
60 </a>
60 .
60 </li>
61 <li>
61 <a href="files/foster_care_tsd_standards_guidance.pdf" target="_blank">
61 Standard 5 - Understand the development of children and young people
61 </a>
61 .
61 </li>
62 </ul>
63 <p>
63 See also:
63 </p>
64 <ul>
65 <li>
65 <a href="http://www.brook.org.uk" target="_blank">
65 www.brook.org.uk
65 </a>
65 - information, facts, games and advice on contraception and sexual health.
65 </li>
66 <li>
66 <a href="http://www.nhs.uk" target="_blank">
66 www.nhs.uk
66 </a>
66 - general health information and signposting to local health services.
66 </li>
67 <li>
67 <a href="http://www.parentlineplus.org.uk" target="_blank">
67 www.parentlineplus.org.uk
67 </a>
67 - information and advice for parents/carers.
67 </li>
68 </ul>
69 </div>
70 <p>
70 <br />
71 </p>
72 <h2 class="h2_underlined">
72 Contents
72 </h2>
73 <ol>
74 <li>
74 <a href="#intro">
74 Introduction
74 </a>
74 </li>
75 <li>
75 <a href="#talking">
75 Talking About Relationships and Sex
75 </a>
75 </li>
76 <li>
76 <a href="#tips">
76 Useful Tips
76 </a>
76 </li>
77 <li>
77 <a href="#baby">
77 My Foster Child Thinks They Want a Baby
77 </a>
77 </li>
78 <li>
78 <a href="#contraception">
78 Contraception and Pregnancy
78 </a>
78 </li>
79 <li>
79 <a href="#local_health">
79 Local Sexual Health Services
79 </a>
79 </li>
80 </ol>
81 <h2 class="h2_underlined">
81 <br />
82 1.
82 <a name="intro" id="intro">
82 </a>
82 Introduction
82 </h2>
83 <p>
83 When we talk about relationships and sex it can often feel like quite a difficult subject. What
you need to remember is that this subject covers many things including friendships, body parts and
body changes.
83 </p>
84 <p>
84 Figures show that
84 <a href="http://trixresources.proceduresonline.com/nat_key/keywords/looked_after_child.html"
target="_blank">
84 Looked After Children
84 </a>
84 are at high risk of becoming a teenage parent because of sometimes being out of education or being
moved from placements so it is vital that you feel able to deal with this subject.
84 </p>
85 <p>
85 You should ensure that as part of the
85 <a href="http://trixresources.proceduresonline.com/nat_key/keywords/placement_plan.html"
target="_blank">
85 Placement Plan
85 </a>
85 you are clear of any family values or religious beliefs that underpin this subject. A parent may
express wishes about their child’s sex education, which should be taken into account, but your
over-riding aim must be to safeguard a young person’s health and well-being.
85 </p>
86 <h2 class="h2_underlined">
86 <br />
87 2.
87 <a name="talking" id="talking">
87 </a>
87 Talking About Relationships and Sex
87 </h2>
88 <p>
88 Age-appropriate conversations about relationships should begin early in a child’s life and
continue as they grow up. But if a young person is placed with you as an older teenager,
it’s never too late to talk about sex. All children need communication, guidance, and information
about these issues, even if they sometimes don’t appear to be interested in what you have to
say. They may come across a lot of inappropriate information on the TV, radio or internet so
they need to be able to check what is right and what is wrong.
88 </p>
89 <p>
89 Remember to talk to both girls and boys and don’t assume if there are two carers’ the other is
doing it. Both carers’ should be involved in these conversations.
89 </p>
90 <p>
90 You must adopt the same approach to children who explore or are confused about their sexual
identity or who have decided to follow a particular lifestyle so long as it is not abusive or
illegal.
90 </p>
91 <p>
91 Discussing relationships and sex can be more complex if the child/young person has been sexually
abused. They may blame themselves and have confused feelings about the purpose of sex. You may
need to work closely with other professionals including the child’s social worker to ensure they
are clear on appropriate relationships and sexual behaviour, and to rebuild self esteem and
develop trusting relationships.
91 </p>
92 <p>
92 You should try to not to project how you feel about the subject onto the child, so if you cringe
when asked a question, the child may also shut down or be unsure what this means.
92 </p>
93 <p>
93 Research says that if parents/carers talk to children about this subject they are more likely to
delay having sex and use contraception when they do.
93 </p>
94 <p>
94 Effective relationship and sex education at home and at school is essential if young people are to
make responsible and well informed decisions about their lives and resist peer pressure.
94 </p>
95 <p>
95 Schools are required to provide relationships and sex education as part of the curriculum for all
children and young people. School programmes are based on national and local guidelines and take
place both at primary and secondary level. Sometimes you will be automatically notified by a
child’s school of what they are planning to deliver, if not you should try to find out when
programmes are being introduced so that you are prepared for any questions they may have.
95 </p>
96 <h2 class="h2_underlined">
96 <br />
97 3.
97 <a name="tips" id="tips">
97 </a>
97 Useful Tips
97 </h2>
98 <p>
98 Some useful tips:
98 </p>
99 <ul>
100 <li>
100 Start early, don’t feel you need to know it all, but if the child asks you a question and you
don’t know the answer say you will get back to them and make sure you do. Answer questions
simply if asked - e.g. what is a condom? It stops ladies from having babies.
100 </li>
101 <li>
101 It is always best to check out what a child/young people know, so if they ask you a question,
ask them what they think it means.
101 </li>
102 <li>
102 Do not wait for them to raise the subject. You could talk to a young person about something that
has been on the television or in the news to get their views. This should also cover topics such
as friendships, respect and trust.
102 </li>
103 <li>
103 Find books, leaflets or appropriate websites dependent on age for the child to look at, or look
at them together.
103 </li>
104 <li>
104 Find out where local services are that can help. Contact local youth services or look on-line
for more information.
104 </li>
105 <li>
105 Try to be truthful as stories about storks can be confusing and will need to be changed later.
105 </li>
106 </ul>
107 <h2 class="h2_underlined">
107 <br />
108 4.
108 <a name="baby" id="baby">
108 </a>
108 My Foster Child Thinks They Want a Baby
108 </h2>
109 <p>
109 Some young people may have a strong desire to have a baby. They may think by doing this they can
create their own family which could offer love and stability. It may be useful to seek support
from their social worker or your Supervising Social worker about how to deal with this. They could
help you identify possible agencies that may be able to advise you. They may look at exercises
such as:
109 </p>
110 <ul>
111 <li>
111 How they plan to support a baby emotionally and financially.
111 </li>
112 <li>
112 What are the day to day costs needed to care for a baby.
112 </li>
113 <li>
113 Experiencing what it is like to care for a baby.
113 </li>
114 <li>
114 What do they want for their children?
114 </li>
115 </ul>
116 <p>
116 You should talk to the young person about waiting to have children until they finish school, have
a job, and a committed partner. Encourage them to aspire to something before they have a
child so they can provide appropriately for all their futures.
116 </p>
117 <h2 class="h2_underlined">
117 <br />
118 5.
118 <a name="contraception" id="contraception">
118 </a>
118 Contraception and Pregnancy
118 </h2>
119 <p>
119 Whilst not encouraging it, it is understood that young people may engage in sexual activity; some
before they reach the age of consent which is 16. You should speak to your Supervising Social
Worker and the child’s social worker to agree what steps to take to reduce the risk of pregnancy
or infection, including contact with a sexual health services. As a foster carer you should not
give advice on contraceptive choices, the sexual health services are trained to do this. Any child
under the age of 16 years can ask for contraceptive advice without the consent of a parent or
guardian.
119 </p>
120 <p>
120 If a young person is suspected or known to be pregnant or have a sexually transmitted infection,
you should speak to your Supervising Social Worker, who should consult the child’s social worker
to decide on the actions that should be taken as soon as possible.
120 </p>
121 <p>
121 Children under the age of 13 are deemed unable to give consent to any sexual activity. If you are
concerned that a child placed with you has engaged in sexual activity, this must be referred to
the local authority’s Children’s Social Care Services under the Local Safeguarding Children
Partnership Procedures (as a Child Protection Referral).
121 </p>
122 <p>
122 Issues of confidentiality are vital in promoting positive relationships and sex education. The
main principle regarding confidentiality is that you should not tell anybody someone’s personal
information, unless failure to do so would put them at risk or suspected risk. Young people have a
right to expect that those who work with or care for them respect their privacy.
122 </p>
123 <p>
123 If you are concerned that a young person is being abused, exploited or at risk of
123 <a href="http://trixresources.proceduresonline.com/nat_key/keywords/significant_harm.html"
target="_blank">
123 Significant Harm
123 </a>
123 , you should encourage them to agree for you to do something that will protect them.
123 </p>
124 <p>
124 If they do not agree, and you are still concerned, then you should share the information without
their consent. The Local Safeguarding Children Partnership Procedure must be followed.
124 </p>
125 <h2 class="h2_underlined">
125 <br />
126 6.
126 <a name="local_health" id="local_health">
126 </a>
126 Local Sexual Health Services
126 </h2>
127 <h3 class="h3">
127 Sexual Health Services in Haringey
127 </h3>
128 <p>
128 Haringey has a range of comprehensive sexual health services which aim to promote sexual
well-being through early diagnosis, treatment and control of sexually transmitted infections
(STIs), including HIV. You will receive free and confidential sexual health advice and information
in a non-judgmental way from a team of competent staff.
128 </p>
129 <ul>
130 <li>
130 Whittington Health's Contraception and Sexual Health Services in Haringey provides a sexual
health telephone helpline available Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm. A range of walk-in and
appointment only clinics are available at St Ann's Hospital and other health centres across the
borough, Monday to Saturday. Clinic details can be found on the website
130 <a href="http://shharingey.co.uk/" target="_blank">
130 Shhout! Lets talk about sex
130 </a>
130 . They also have information on
130 <a
href="https://www.haringey.gov.uk/children-and-families/schools-and-education/services-pupils/te
enage-pregnancy-prevention-and-support" target="_blank">
130 4YP Haringey
130 </a>
130 ,
130 <a href="http://www.comecorrect.org.uk/" target="_blank">
130 Come Correct C-Card Scheme
130 </a>
130 (free condoms for under 25s), Emergency Contraception, Long Acting Reversible Contraception and
Abortion Services.
130 </li>
130 </ul>
131 <p>
131 Your GP also provides contraception services and sexual health advice.
131 </p>
132 <h3 class="h3">
132 Useful External Links
132 </h3>
133 <ul>
134 <li>
134 <a href="http://shharingey.co.uk/" target="_blank">
134 Shhout! Lets talk about sex
134 </a>
134 - Local advice and support on sexual health, sex and relationships.
134 </li>
135 <li>
135 <a href="http://www.fpa.org.uk/" target="_blank">
135 Family Planning Association
135 </a>
135 - Advice and support on sexual health, sex and relationships to everyone in the UK.
135 </li>
136 <li>
136 <a href="http://www.brook.org.uk/" target="_blank">
136 Brook Website
136 </a>
136 - Free and confidential information for under 25 year olds.
136 </li>
137 <li>
137 Pace - Promoting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender health and well-being.
137 </li>
138 <li>
138 <a href="http://www.tht.org.uk/" target="_blank">
138 Terrance Higgins Trust
138 </a>
138 - Promoting better sexual health and reducing HIV.
138 </li>
139 </ul>
140 </div>
141 </div>
143 <div id="navigation_frame">
143 <div id="navigation_frame_inner">
146 <div align="center">
146 W884 [WCAG21 2.1.1/2.1.3 (A/AAA)] Mouse/Pointer event handlers require keyboard equivalents:
When using mouse/pointer event handlers on elements that can be accessed by keyboard, ensure that you provide an equivalent keyboard handler. See WCAG 2.1 Failure F54. <a href="contact_us.html" onmouseout="MM_swapImgRestore()"
onmouseover="MM_swapImage('contact_us','','images/contact_us_button_hover.png',1)">
146 <img src="images/contact_us_button.png" alt="Useful Contacts and Suggestions"
name="contact_us" width="196" height="58" border="0" id="contact_us" />
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146 <br />
147 W884 [WCAG21 2.1.1/2.1.3 (A/AAA)] Mouse/Pointer event handlers require keyboard equivalents:
When using mouse/pointer event handlers on elements that can be accessed by keyboard, ensure that you provide an equivalent keyboard handler. See WCAG 2.1 Failure F54. <a href="http://www.haringey.gov.uk/children-and-families/childrens-social-care/fostering" target="_blank"
onmouseout="MM_swapImgRestore()"
onmouseover="MM_swapImage('contact_us21','','images/foster_carer_hov.png',1)">
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147 <br />
148 W884 [WCAG21 2.1.1/2.1.3 (A/AAA)] Mouse/Pointer event handlers require keyboard equivalents:
When using mouse/pointer event handlers on elements that can be accessed by keyboard, ensure that you provide an equivalent keyboard handler. See WCAG 2.1 Failure F54. <a href="http://www.proceduresonline.com/haringey/childcare/" target="_blank"
onmouseout="MM_swapImgRestore()"
onmouseover="MM_swapImage('contact_us22','','images/proc_buttons_hov.png',1)">
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148 <br />
149 <br />
150 </div>
151 <div class="subsections_frame">
151 <div class="subsections">
152 <h2 class="h3_boxed">
152 Subsections
152 </h2>
153 <ul>
154 <li>
154 <a href="index.html">
154 Home
154 </a>
154 </li>
155 <li>
155 <a href="about_us.html">
155 About Us
155 </a>
155 </li>
156 <li>
156 <a href="being_foster.html">
156 Being a Foster Carer
156 </a>
156 </li>
157 <li>
157 <a href="safeguarding.html">
157 Safeguarding Everyone in our Household
157 </a>
157 </li>
158 <li>
158 <a href="placement.html">
158 The Placement
158 </a>
158 </li>
159 <li>
159 <a href="caring_children.html">
159 Caring for Children
159 </a>
159 </li>
160 <li>
160 <a href="http://www.haringey.gov.uk/fostering" target="_blank">
160 Want to become a Foster Carer
160 </a>
160 </li>
161 <li>
161 <a href="http://www.londoncp.co.uk/" target="_blank">
161 London Child Protection Procedures
161 </a>
161 </li>
162 <li>
162 <a href="http://haringeychildcare.proceduresonline.com/contents.html#fostering_adopt"
target="_blank">
162 Haringey Children's Services Fostering Procedures
162 </a>
162 </li>
163 <li>
163 <a href="fam_friend_carer_pol.html">
163 Family and Friends Carers Policy
163 </a>
163 </li>
164 <li>
164 <a href="guidance.html">
164 Useful Resources
164 </a>
164 </li>
165 <li>
165 </li>
166 <li>
166 <a href="forms.html">
166 Forms and Records
166 </a>
166 </li>
167 <li>
167 <a href="training.html">
167 Training & Support
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169 Keywords
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170 <li>
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173 <div class="text-size">
174 <h2 class="h3_boxed">
174 Search
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176 E885 [WCAG21 1.1.1/1.3.1/3.3.2/4.1.2 (A)] User interface controls should have a label or an accessible
name:
Associate form controls with <label> tags, or use the 'aria-label' or 'aria-labelledby' attributes to label controls where it might be confusing or not possible to use a label. See WCAG 2.1 Failure F68. <input type="text" name="zoom_query" class="search_input" size="20" id="zoom_searchbox" />
177 <input type="submit" name="button" id="button" value="go" />
178 </form>
179 <h2 class="h3_boxed" style="margin-top:25px;">
179 Text-size
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