SAME-SEX YOUTH SERVICES

In reply to the Hon. T.A. FRANKS (4 April 2012).

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations): The Minister for Health and Ageing has been advised:

The Second Story, through the Women's and Children's Health Network, provides a comprehensive, youth health service for young people between the ages of 12-25 years, who are:

under the Guardianship of the Minister (or who have been under the Guardianship of the Minister and are now 18-25 years of age)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

vulnerable due to complex social and environmental factors impacting on their health and wellbeing, inclusive of vulnerability related to sexual identity

Services available for same sex attracted young people include:

medical and nursing services, including health assessment and treatment, health education about safe sex, and sexual health screening for young gay men and men who have sex with men

group programs to explore issues identified by young people, including sexual identity, coming out, understanding health issues and sexual health and same sex attraction in greater depth, and learning strategies to effectively manage social and emotional issues

one-to-one counselling

peer training and peer education programs for young people to be trained as peer leaders or volunteers to work with other young people