Sexual Health and Sexuality Education Needs Assessment of Young People in Care in Ireland (SENYPIC). The Perspectives of Care Leavers: A Qualitative Analysis. Report No. 5

This report clearly identifies the particular vulnerabilities associated with young people in care (YPIC). Although YPIC are not a homogenous group and arrive in State care for a multiplicity of reasons, engaging in risky behaviours, including drugs, alcohol and early sexual behaviour when in care, was commonly reported by the participants. Almost all of the participants reported having had first sex before the age of 17. What is particularly concerning is that virtually none of the descriptions of early sexual experiences involved sexual competence on their part – that is, use of contraception; autonomy in decision-making; being equally willing as partner at the time of sex; and absence of regret following sex. With regard to relationships and sexuality education (RSE), care-leavers reported that different people played different roles in their lives and the level and quality of RSE delivery varied considerably.