The purpose of the consultation was to better understand the underlying issues, gaps and barriers encountered by newcomer youth in accessing primary, sexual and reproductive health information and services in Toronto. [...] Other differences noted include the prevalence of sex and sexuality in the media, the availability of condoms, non-abstinence based education, legal abortion and birth control, the acceptance of sex before marriage, and the acceptance and recognition of homosexuality. [...] Therefore, if their community living here is not connected to the mainstream organization or if the source of the community referral (settlement worker, community leader, teacher, social worker) does not agree with the mandate of the organization, it is unlikely that the newcomer will become aware of the organization and use the services. [...] While newcomer youth share many of the same issues as mainstream “Canadian” youth related to relationships, pregnancy and STIs, this report reinforces that different groups of newcomer youth experience of sexual health issues is related, to varying degrees, to factors such as cultural and religious beliefs and values, experiences of discrimination and exclusion among peers, parental conflict, and [...] Therefore, the need to develop and expand health services and programming for newcomer youth that address the social, political and environmental determinants of health is strongly needed.
- Pages
- 33
- Published in
- Canada
