Characteristics of Adolescent-Friendly Services

1. Provider Attributes: These relate to the qualities and skills of the individuals delivering the services.

• Specially Trained Personnel: Services should be delivered by knowledgeable and well-trained staff who are consistently available and accessible to adolescents. This ensures competent care is always on hand.

• Respect for Rights: Providers must demonstrate a clear respect for the sexual and reproductive health rights of all young people. This is fundamental to building trust and ensuring ethical service delivery.

• Sufficient Consultation Time: Adequate time should be allocated for meaningful interactions between service providers and adolescent clients. This allows for thorough discussions and personalized care.

• Availability of Peer Support: The presence of trained peer counsellors can offer valuable additional support and understanding for adolescents. Peers can often connect with adolescents in ways that professionals may not.

• Positive and Supportive Attitudes: Providers should exhibit positive attitudes, enthusiasm, and genuine dedication to serving young people. A welcoming and encouraging demeanor is crucial.

• Non-Judgmental Approach: Services must be delivered in a non-judgmental manner, creating a safe, open, and accepting environment. This encourages adolescents to seek help without fear of stigma.

• Efficient Referral System: A quick and effective referral mechanism is essential for directing adolescents to specialized services when necessary. This ensures access to a full range of care beyond what is immediately available.

• Active School Engagement: Providers should actively participate in school health initiatives where applicable. This allows for integration of services within educational settings.

• Outreach Program Implementation: Organizing specialized services as outreach programs is vital to reach young people in underserved or remote areas. This expands access beyond facility-based services.

• Strong Interpersonal Abilities: Providers should possess excellent interpersonal skills to foster strong and trusting relationships with adolescent clients. Good communication is key to effective service delivery.

• Respect for Autonomy: Providers must demonstrate respect for the independence and dignity of young people. This acknowledges adolescents as individuals with their own agency.

2. Health Facility Features: These are related to the physical environment and operational aspects of the service delivery point.

• Service Integration: Youth-friendly services should be integrated within existing general health services. This normalizes access and reduces stigma.

• Convenient Accessibility: Facilities should be strategically located to ensure easy access for young people. Location is a key factor in service utilization.

• Adequate Physical Space: Sufficient space should be available within the facility to appropriately accommodate the needs of young clients. Privacy and comfort require adequate space.

• Prompt Service Delivery: Young people should experience timely engagement in service delivery without unnecessary delays. Minimizing waiting times improves service experience.

• Comfortable and Private Setting: Facilities should offer visual and auditory privacy, gender-sensitive restroom facilities, and handwashing stations. Privacy and hygiene are essential for comfort and dignity.

• Daily Service Availability: Integrated services should be provided daily to ensure consistent and comprehensive adolescent health care. Regular access is important for ongoing support.

• Informative Educational Resources: Information materials should cover key topics such as body changes, personal hygiene, nutrition, substance misuse, reproductive health, life planning, and the ABC (Abstinence, Be faithful, Condom use) strategy. Comprehensive information empowers informed decision-making.

• Engaging Visual Aids: Posters and other visuals should be relevant, appealing in size, language, and colour to effectively engage young people. Visual communication should be tailored to the target audience.

• Clear Case Management Protocols: Facilities should have established and clear case management guidelines to ensure standardized and effective service delivery. Guidelines ensure quality and consistency of care.

• Simplified Data Collection: Simple data recording systems are needed to allow for anonymous data analysis for continuous service improvement. Data helps in monitoring and enhancing service effectiveness.

• Provider Job Aids: Service providers should have access to job aids to support them in delivering services effectively and consistently. Job aids serve as quick reference tools.

• Strong Referral Networks: Facilities should develop strong connections with schools and other health facilities to facilitate efficient referrals. Collaboration strengthens the overall health system.

• Availability of Sexuality Education Materials: Educational resources such as brochures, pamphlets, radio programs, and TV shows for sexuality education should be readily available. Diverse media ensures information reaches a wider audience.

• Youth-Friendly Spaces: Attractive recreation materials and discussion rooms with engaging activities should be provided for adolescents. Creating a welcoming and engaging space encourages utilization.

Adolescent-Friendly Services Should Be:

• Affordable, Accessible, and Appropriate: Services should be economically feasible, geographically reachable, and tailored to the specific needs of young people.

• Attractive and Welcoming: Facilities should be designed to be visually appealing and inviting to encourage adolescents to use them.

• Rights-Based: Services must prioritize and uphold the rights of young people, including their health and autonomy rights.

• Confidential: Facilities must maintain strict confidentiality in all aspects of service provision to build trust and encourage open communication.

Key Points:

1. Counselling for Informed Decisions: To maximize the effectiveness of adolescent health services, all adolescents should receive comprehensive information about available reproductive health services. Discussions between adolescents and providers must be private and confidential to empower young people to make well-informed decisions. Counselling should aim to promote and support the ongoing use of adolescent reproductive health services. Empowerment through information and privacy is crucial.

2. Prompt Referral for Comprehensive Care: To ensure access to a complete range of adolescent reproductive health services, timely and appropriate referrals/linkages to other services should be made whenever needed for issues such as:

   • Alcohol and substance abuse

   • Rape and sexual assault (defilement)

   • Early and unintended pregnancies

   • Unsafe abortion

   • Female genital mutilation

   • Referral ensures adolescents receive holistic support beyond immediate service capacity.