C/S/90. Preventing Teenage Pregnancy and Social Exclusion

The paper examines the reasons why so many teenagers in the UK become pregnant and socially excluded. The strategies of the Government to combat the problem are described with examples of their implementation at a local level. Problems with this strategy are discussed and examples of how social professionals can tailor their services to meet local conditions are highlighted. Individual experiences of teenagers having become pregnant are described assessing present day attitudes to sexual health. Conclusions are made about the strategies needed by service providers.