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<p>Making sure that young people and parents or carers can give informed consent is
an important aspect of the work undertaken when young people request a physical intervention
for gender dysphoria. NHS England has published a service specification ‘NHS Standard
Contract for Gender Identity Development Service For Children And Adolescents’ which
refers throughout to the input of parents/carers and families. A copy of this service
specification has been attached.</p><p> </p><p>For young people of 16 and under, consent
to treatment should usually be sought from the child and from one or both parents,
except under exceptional circumstances. For adolescents over 16, if it is concluded
that they have sufficient understanding of what is to be offered (this is known as
‘Gillick’ or ‘Fraser’ competence), they may give their own consent to treatment, although
under most circumstances, it is good practice to seek parental assent too. However,
each assessment is tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of the young person
and their family.</p>
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