Current Practice Issues In Child Sexual Abuse (A Level 3
Course)
DATE: 17th October 2008
Course Outline
A one-day course which will look at sexual abuse, current
national and local policies and practice in protecting children.
The course will also look at how sex offenders target children, the
effects of sexual abuse on the individual and family and working
within a multi-agency context.
Aims/Objectives
- To discuss and explore the long-term impact on children and
their families of sexual abuse.
- To discuss developmental perspectives on children’s
communication of abuse including disabled children.
- To provide participants with relevant information on sex
offender behaviour.
- To promote a multi-agency approach to working with and
providing services for children who have been abused.
- To discuss the impact of this area of work on staff.
Learning Outcomes – at the end of this course
participants will:
- Understand the nature and impact of sexual abuse upon children
and their families.
- Be aware of the way in which children are targeted and groomed
for sexual abuse.
- Be aware of the various resources and services available in
BANES for children who have been sexually abused.
Target Staff
This course is designed for staff who provide services for
children including those who are looked after or particularly
vulnerable i.e. disabled children. Participants should ideally have
completed the Child Protection Practice and Procedures course prior
to attending.
Trainers
Jacqui Sayers, Family Therapist and DC Adrian Powell, Dangerous
Offenders Unit, Avon and Somerset Police.
Related Common Core of Knowledge and Skills
Effective communication and engagement with children, young
people, their families and carers
Sources of support
- Know where education and support services for parents and
carers are available locally.
Child and young person development
Be clear about your own job role
- Have a broad knowledge of the laws and key policy areas related
to children.
Know how to reflect and improve
- Be aware that working with children and young people may affect
you emotionally and know some sources of help in dealing with the
impact of this.
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
Relate, Recognise and take considered action
- Understand that signs of abuse can be subtle and be expressed
in play, artwork and the way children and young people approach
relationships with other children and/or adults.
- Understand the key role of parents and carers in safeguarding
and promoting children and young people’s welfare and involve them
accordingly, while recognising factors that can affect parenting
and increase the risk of abuse (for example domestic
violence).
- Understand what is meant by safeguarding and the different ways
in which children and young people can be harmed (including by
other children and young people and through the
internet).
Communication, recording and reporting
- Undertake (formal or informal) assessments and be alert to
concerns about a child or young person’s safety or welfare,
including unexplained changes in behaviour and signs of abuse or
neglect.
Legal and procedural frameworks
- Be aware of national guidance and local procedures, and your
own role and responsibilities within these for safeguarding and
promoting children and young people’s welfare.
Multi-agency working
Know how to make queries
- Have a general knowledge and understanding of the range of
organisations
and individuals working with children, young people and those
caring for them, and be aware of the roles and responsibilities of
other professionals.
