The recommendations were made in the Teenage Pregnancy Independent Advisory Group's (TPIAG) annual report, published today. The government's Teenage Pregnancy Strategy, devised in 2000 with the help of TPIAG, is set to miss its target to halve under-18 conception rates by 2010.
According to the TPIAG, more accessible contraception and sexual health services are needed to reduce teen pregnancies. The report has called for more sexual health clinics within schools, more evening and weekend contraception sessions at community health centres and some radical thinking nationally.
"The government needs to try innovative approaches such as looking at how to get personalised advice and support to all young people," said TPIAG chair Gill Frances. "This would ensure they are prepared to take responsibility for a relationship, fully understand the consequences of sex and could get the necessary help and support."
Other recommendations include more training and resources to ensure the children's workforce is meeting the needs of young parents. The group also wants government to ensure that legislation to make personal, social, health and economic education statutory moves swiftly through Parliament, and commit to extending the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy beyond 2010.
