Young people in care at risk of sex at earlier age

A new study has indicated that young people in care are more likely to engage in sexual activity at a younger age, and that the risk is greater again among those in residential care.

The research also indicates that many care providers, including foster carers, have been wary of helping young people to access contraception for fear of being seen to encourage underage sex.

The study is entitled Sexual Health and Sexuality Education Needs Assessment of Young People in Care in Ireland (SENYPIC) and was put together by a research team led by Prof Abbey Hyde, associate professor at the school of nursing, midwifery and health systems at University College Dublin.