The Pregnancy and Parenthood in Young People Strategy
The 'Pregnancy and Parenthood in Young People (PPYP) Strategy' was published in March 2016 and is the first Scottish strategy focused on pregnancy and parenthood amongst young people.
The Strategy aims to increase opportunities available to young people and, by enabling and empowering them, provide them with a sense of control over their own futures.
The Strategy was developed with the input of colleagues from across Scotland, including those organisations that make up the Parenting Across Scotland partnership.
The PPYP Strategy aims to address the wider determinants of pregnancy and parenthood in young people - and looks at how best to tackle the cycle of deprivation associated with pregnancy in young people aged up to 18. For example, we know that engagement with education and learning are vital for helping young people to plan for their futures. Helping young people remain in education is key for reducing the risk of pregnancy as, equally, is supporting young parents back into school or other learning environments.
Due to the complexity of this area and the multiple areas it covers, the Strategy has been divided into four sections. These are:
- leadership and Accountability
- giving young people more control
- pregnancy in young people
- parenthood in young people
Following its publication at the beginning of this year, we are now focussing on working with our partners across Scotland to deliver the Strategy. This includes setting up strong governance, making links across policy and partnership working with multiple organisations across Scotland in order to achieve the best possible outcomes for young people.
Strand Four of the Strategy looks specifically at the needs of young people in their role as a parent but also as a young person. It examines what young parents need in order to achieve improved outcomes for themselves, and for their children.
Whilst we know that parenthood can be a positive experience for many young people, it is also associated with an increased risk of poor outcomes. As part of the implementation activity, we are continuing to work with young mothers and fathers in order to ensure the aims make a positive impact on young parents' lives. We are keen to work with our partners to determine how best we can implement the aims and actions within the Strategy and would be delighted to make contact with those of you working with young parents
If you would be interested in further information, or if you would like us to link in with the work your organisation is doing, please don't hesitate to contact Felicity Sung on felicity.sung@gov.scot.
- The Pregnancy and Parenthood in Young People Strategy can be accessed at http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0049/00495068.pdf
- If you are interested in the evidence that supports the aims of the PPYP, you might be interested to read the Outcomes Framework and Supporting Evidence, published by NHS Health Scotland.
Felicity Sung
National Lead, Pregnancy and Parenthood in Young People Strategy
Scottish Government
felicity.sung@gov.scot