NCJ Number
240309
Date Published
2012
Length
29 pages
Annotation
The Teen SENSE Model Sexual Health Education Standards reflect the minimum requirements of curricula that meet the sexual health knowledge needs of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transsexual, queer/questioning (LGBTQ), and heterosexual youth in out-of-home custody.
Abstract
The Model Sexual Health Education Standards include: content goals (divided according to the time a youth spends at a State facility), instructional characteristics (standards to which classroom environments and practices should adhere), and instructor characteristics (which set forth competencies that teachers of sexual health education should possess). Under these standards, youth in State custody should receive at least basic information on sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV transmission in addition to a list of community resources related to pregnancy, STI prevention, sexual violence, and LGBTQ discrimination, regardless of whether a youth is in custody for 24 hours or for over 2 months. As a youth's time in State custody increases, so should his or her access to information on topics including contraception, reproductive choice, anatomy, and drug use/harm reduction skills. Classroom environments and teachers themselves should demonstrate non-judgmental, inclusive attitudes that create a comfortable space for youth of any sexual orientation and gender identity to learn about all points on the spectrum of sexual orientation, adopt safer sex practices, and develop levels of understanding and skills that increase sexual health into adulthood while reducing the incidence and tolerance of sexual abuse.