Creating youth friendly clinics: Findings from California case studies

To meet the reproductive health needs of youth, many methods have been employed to determine: what is youth friendly? The answer is significant as clinics that are youth friendly provide an entry point into the reproductive health care system and can build life long health-seeking behaviors. California's Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) programs partner with clinical providers to meet the reproductive health care needs of youth. This is a mutually beneficial relationship in which clinics provide health care and programs refer and prepare youth for visits.

In 2006, site visits were conducted with twenty-seven California TPP programs. Site visits consisted of 70 program staff interviews, focus groups with 184 youth, and tours of partnering clinics. Information was gathered regarding the barriers and enablers to clinic use and how programs and clinics define youth friendly services.

Clinics and TPP programs reported using techniques such as secret shoppers and youth advisory boards to assess youth friendliness of clinics. Findings also revealed that youth expressed the importance of free or low-cost confidential services, and clinic staff that are welcoming and provide clear explanations of services. Youth suggested clinic hours just prior to or following school; and having youth oriented magazines, posters, brochures and video entertainment at the clinic.

Additionally, staff and youth noted that prevention programs play a vital role by referring youth to clinics, explaining how to make appointments and complete clinic intake forms. Clinics and youth-serving organizations can use these findings to attract and serve diverse youth populations with quality clinical services.