Youth Health Centres
Approximately 38 youth health centres (YHCs) across Nova Scotia provide health education, health promotion, information and referral, follow-up and support, as well as some clinical services. The majority are located in schools. The Blueprint contains a commitment to “increase the number of Teen Health Centres across the province”
In September 2003, the Department of Health-commissioned report, An Evaluation of Youth Health Centres in Nova Scotia Phase III, was received. This report reviewed the structure, operations, and outcomes of the 23 YHCs that existed at that time. One of the key recommendations from the evaluation was that the province take the lead in developing province wide youth health centre standards. In partnership with key stakeholders these standards were developed.
Spring 2004, Standards for YHCs were approved and disseminated for use for the YHCs. The Department of Health Promotion and Protection is the lead department for YHC standards and the Department of Education is the lead department for the infrastructure requirements for schools.
The Youth Health Centre standards are the first of their kind in Canada. Further to the development of these standards, guidelines in the area of informed consent and privacy, partnership agreements, orientation and continuing education and policies and procedures have been developed under the direction of the provincial advisory committee.