Table 8.

Desirable features of sexual health services for adolescents

• Confidentiality

• Knowledge about the legal framework covering services to adolescents

• Good access (the setting and the approach of staff should be adolescent friendly; services should allow self referral; they should be close to areas used by young people and be accessible by public transport; after-school and/or weekend sessions should be available)

• “Men only” clinics as well as clinics for females

• Non-judgmental attitudes

• Choice of staff by gender where possible

• Awareness of cultural issues (particularly in relation to Asian ethnicities)

• Contraceptive methods appropriate to age of young person

• Free and on-site provision of treatment for sexually transmitted infections

• Counselling services appropriate for young people

• Clear routes of referral to and liaison with specialist services (including genitourinary medicine, child health professionals, and social services)