Work with young people who display sexually harmful behaviour
Children and young people who behave sexually in a way that is inappropriate for their age harm themselves and others. Â Often, it is a form of abuse committed against another child or young person.
In Sheffield there is a single referral process for children and young people where there is a concern about sexually harmful behaviour. Â All agencies has received training in using the Brook 'traffic light' tool, which gives guidance about what is safe and healthy behaviour, and what is potentially or definitely concerning.
Where a worker from any agency has concerns about sexually harmful behaviour, or where the police are investigating a sexual offence, they should refer this to the social care screening team for the young person's home area. Â A social care assessment will follow, the results of which are discussed at a multi-agency group to agree what is the form of support to give next. Â This may include:
- Support to the young person and family by a worker from the Multi-Agency Support Teams or Community Youth TeamsÂ
- Ongoing social work intervention
- Specialist sexually harmful behaviour (AIM2) assessment and intervention
- Where mental and emotional health are a significant concern, referral to the Forensic Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
