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. 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. 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. 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. This may include:
- Support to the young person and family by a worker from the Multi-Agency Support Teams or Community Youth Teams
- 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
