Assignment (Doc) | Reproductive and Sexual Health

Running head: ASSESSMENT 2
Assessment 2
Subject: Reproductive and Sexual Health
Name of the Student
Name of University
Author’s note

1ASSESSMENT 2
Introduction
Reproductive and sexual health (RSH) is regarded as the principal components of the
human life (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW] 2018). Even before a decade, the
discussing reproductive and the sexual health was a taboo and people used to refuse to avail
healthcare access even if they are suffering from reproductive problems or complications
associated with their sexual life (AIHW 2018). The following assignment will review the
RSHrelated services provided by an organization and the selected organization of choice will be
Sexual Health Information Networking and Education (SHINE) South Australia (SA). The
assignment will highlight the facilities provided by SHINE SA with a special focus to the
services for the indigenous population residing in the remote and in the rural areas. At the end,
the paper will evaluate the quality of services offered by SHINE SA and subsequent
recommendations in order to improve the healthcare services further.
Overview of the Organisation and alignment with national and state policy
SHINE SA was established as the principal Family planning Association in SA and at
present it has expanded beyond the traditional family planning services. It is leading non-profit
organisation that provides clinical services (testing for sexually transmitted infections and
contraception), sexual health counselling and promotion of gender well-being.SHINE SA has
Sexual Healthline in order to discuss RSH related problems with nurses confidentially. SHINE
SA works in association with the Department for Education and Child Development in order to
increase awareness about the sexual health among the students studying in SA schools (SHINE
2019).SHINE SA works in alignment with the national and state level policy and is registered
under the Government of SA as sexual health service providers. The main policies include SA

2ASSESSMENT 2
Sexually Transmissible Infection Implementation Plan (2016 to 2018) proposed by the SA
Department of Health and Ageing (2016) and Sexual Healthcare Programs as designed by the
Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia Ltd (2019). It providers for clinical services to the
clients who are below 30 years of age or have Medicare card (Government of South Australia
2019).
Services and programs for Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders
SHINE SA has special services for the Aboriginal communities that aim to foster a safe
and inclusive environment for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population in order to
access services related to the RSH. SHINE SAhas Aboriginal focus Schools Programs that is
aimed towards increasing the overall capacity of the teachers and Aboriginal Community
Educators in the school communities so that they can increase the reproductive health literacy
among the Aboriginal children (age group of 5 to 10 years) (SHINE 2019).
Services for people with disability
The services that are provided for the people with disability include therapeutic
counselling provided by professional sexual health counsellors in order to increase the healthcare
access and awareness about RSH. SHINE SA also seeks to promote empowerment among the
people who are living with disability so that they are participate in their own RSH developed in a
comprehensive manner and also achieve health relationships with both their own sexuality and
with other groups of people. Empowerment is given by peer support program for people who are
12 years old and above, counselling service and other gender well-being services like therapeutic
counselling (SHINE SA).

3ASSESSMENT 2
Services for the LGBTIQ people
SHINE SA provides a free service named gender wellbeing service for LBGTIQ people
who are constantly questioning their gender or people who identify themselves as Trans or
gender diverse. Not only LGBTIQ community people, but also the family members and friends
of LGBTIQ people are also included in the gender wellbeing services. The gender wellbeing
service is supportive, individually focused service that provides peer group support. This service
is mainly available in the Metropolitan area of Adelaide (SHINE SA 2019). SHINE SA also has
Peer Support Program for the gender diverse and Trans people. It is driven by Peer Support
Coordinator along with a group of volunteers who have lived experience in gender diversity. The
support programs are customised for the people 12 years and above. Peer Support Program is
however, not a replacement of professional counselling (SHINE SA). SHINE SA also has a
special program known as SAMESH. This program provides support, education and training to
men who have sex with men and people living with HIV along with services for broader
LGBTQI community in SA. SAMESH was created in the year 2015 and is located in 57 Hyde
Street Adelaide.
Evaluation of specific services/ programs for priority population group in relation to
research evidence
Meeting the RSH needs of each group
Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders (ATSI)
The services provided for the Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders (ATSI) includes
indigenous healthcare workers working specifically for the promotion of RSH and hygiene.
According to the Australian Medical Association (AMA) (2017), indigenous population in