Pregnancy and parenthood in young people: second progress report

Introduction

The Pregnancy and Parenthood in Young People Strategy was published in March 2016 and is the first Scottish strategy focussing specifically on this agenda.

Although parenthood is a positive experience for many young people, it is associated with increased risk of a range of poor social, economic and health outcomes for some. The Pregnancy and Parenthood in Young People (PPYP) Strategy aims to drive actions that will decrease the cycle of deprivation associated with pregnancy in young people under 18 and provide extra support for all of Scotland's young parents.

Some young people require little or no additional support, whereas others will need intense, targeted support. It is essential we continue to take a holistic approach and put the young person at the centre of action to help them achieve their potential both as individuals and as parents.

This is the second progress report for the Pregnancy and Parenthood in Young People Strategy and provides an update on the priorities identified by the PPYP Steering Group up to the end of 2018/19, as well as actions within the Strategy itself. It also provides information on activity taking place across Scottish Government more widely that supports young people around pregnancy and parenthood.

PPYP Strategy Priority Work streams

The PPYP Strategy Steering Group prioritised two topics of focus for this second period of delivery. Progress against these is set out in the report.

The topics are;

Supporting Positive Relationships and Sexual Wellbeing

Supporting young people with learning disabilities and other significant communication difficulties around healthy and safe relationships.

Education and Employment

Increasing education and learning through encouraging and supporting school attendance as an intervention for reducing the risk of pregnancy and enabling young people to engage in education during pregnancy and following delivery in their role as young parents (mother and fathers).