Internet Child Abuse:Detection, Assessment And Management Of Sex Offenders And Future Risk (A Level 3 Course) 

Course Outline

A one day course focussing issues relating to detection. assessment and management of sex offenders and child abuse images. This includes discussion of risk indicators and assessment relating to men who access child abuse images and potential risk to children in their environment i.e. their own children or relatives

Aims and Objectives

• To assist participants in understanding how child abuse images are accessed, stored and how they facilitate the abuse of children
• To discuss assumptions and facts relating to sex offenders and the internet
• To discuss the role of the police and other agencies in assessing ongoing risk to children, both within and outside of the perpetrators family
• To increase participants understanding of models used in assessing risk, and cycles of abusing
• To provide participants with some tools for assessing potential risk
• To discuss how and when agencies come together to consider risk and develop action plans

Learning Outcomes – at the end of this course participants will:

• Understand the nature and impact of internet child abuse on children, offenders and the community
• Consider risk factors to children within the offenders family and the community
• Consider ways to assess and manage risk across agencies for children within the offenders family/community
• Be aware of the models of abuse and tools for assessing risk

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 be involved with child protection as part of their work and must have completed the Child Protection Practice and Procedures course prior to attending.

Trainers

Tony Domaille, 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  when and how to refer to sources of information, advice or support from different agencies or professionals

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.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

Relate, Recognise and take considered action

• 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).
• 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).

Legal and procedural frameworks

• Know about Government and local guidance and procedure and how they apply to the wider working environment.

Self-knowledge

• Know that assumptions, values and discrimination can influence practice and prevent some children and young people from having equality of opportunity and equal protection from harm.

Multi-agency working

Procedures and working methods

• Know what to do in given cases e.g. for referrals or raising concerns.