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Chapter E: Guidance for Professionals Working with Young People displaying Sexually Harmful Behaviour

This guidance was endorsed by Peterborough Safeguarding Children Board on 19 December 2007 and revised December 2008.

It will continue to be monitored and reviewed by the PSCB as required.


Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Procedures
  3. Child Protection
  4. A.I.M (Assessment, Intervention and Moving On) Assessment
  5. Criminal Justice System
  6. Management Assessment and Planning Meeting
  7. Youth Offending Service Procedures for Working with Young People who Sexually Harm/Offend
  8. AIM protocol, Policy and Procedure for Peterborough
  9. AIM Training
  10. AIM Assessment Protocol between Agencies
  11. Undertaking AIM Assessments
  12. AIM Assessment Co-ordination


1. Introduction

1.1 Statistics have shown that young people account for up to 45% of all Final warnings/reprimands for sexual offences.  It is clear that there is very low reporting of sexually harmful behaviour and additionally it should be noted that the above statistics do not include young people under the age of criminal responsibility or those young people who by nature of their learning disability are excluded from the criminal justice system.
1.2 Peterborough has adopted the AIM assessment model for children and young people who display sexually harmful behaviour.
1.3 The AIM assessment model has four clearly defined assessment models for children under the age of 10, adolescents, young people with learning difficulties and the parents/carers of young people/children who display sexually problematic behaviour.
1.4 The assessment framework for an Initial Assessment, for under 10’s is in line with the Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need (Department of Health (DOH), 2000).  
1.5 The assessment for adolescents incorporates both ASSET (Home Office, 2000) and Children in need (DOH, 2000). This is so that both the criminogenic factors and the developmental features are factored into the assessment of the young person and their family/carers.
1.6 The fourth assessment model is geared to young people in the mild to moderate range of learning difficulty, which roughly equates to an IQ range between 60 and 80.


2. Procedures

2.1 Where a concern exists about sexualised behaviour in children or young people it is important that this is looked at within a holistic context and that staff are able to access appropriate interventions quickly and efficiently.
2.2 Concerns should be discussed with line managers in the first instance and advice may be sought from the MAPS (Management Assessment Planning Service) Co-ordinator.
2.3

There is a need to define the behaviour within correct boundaries i.e.

Is the behaviour:

  • Inappropriate?
  • Harmful?
  • Likely to become harmful?
2.4 In considering the question of harm, staff must consider harm to the young person themselves as well as to the “victim”. If there is felt to be a significant risk to the young person themselves from their own behaviour then consideration should be given to Peterborough Safeguarding Board Procedures and to the requirement for Child Protection Conference – see in particular, Action to be taken where a Child is at Risk of Significant Harm Procedure.
2.5 Where it is felt that behaviour is inappropriate and not harmful, if it is deemed to be likely to become harmful without intervention a referral should be made to the MAPS Co-ordinator for a multi agency planning meeting (MAP) or support with risk management. In this way a multi-agency planned approach can be co-ordinated and then maintained to ensure the needs of the young person, their family and the wider environment are protected and met.
2.6 Where it is felt that behaviour is inappropriate and not harmful, but is not likely to become harmful, consultation about appropriate interventions may be sought from the Co-ordinator and if necessary a MAP meeting convened. Alternatively the decision should be recorded on the case file and appropriate supports put in place.
2.7 Where it is deemed that harmful sexual behaviour has taken place this will usually be determined through one of 2 routes: through the Section 47 Enquiry process (see Action to be taken where a Child is at Risk of Significant Harm Procedure) or via the criminal justice system.


3. Child Protection

3.1 Strategy Discussion

Points to consider in planning the Section 47 Enquiry are:

  • Whilst it would be appropriate in most cases for the same police officer to interview both the alleged victim and perpetrator, a social worker, who has interviewed the victim, should not act as an appropriate adult at the interview of the alleged perpetrator, as set out in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (1984). The Youth Offending Service should undertake this role where the parent cannot or will not.
  • Consider the benefit of involvement of the MAPS Co-ordinator in the Strategy Discussion.
  • Identify who is to provide support for the children/young people involved (both victim and perpetrator)
  • Consider the safety of other children with whom the alleged perpetrator is in contact, and whether any immediate action is necessary to protect them.

3.2 Outcome of the Child Protection Enquiries

If the alleged sexually harmful behaviour is substantiated by the child protection enquiries, the following decisions for local agencies (according to the responsibility of each) need to be made:

  • The most appropriate course of action within the criminal justice system, if the child is at or above the age of criminal responsibility.
  • Whether the child or young person exhibiting sexually harmful behaviour or any child or young person identified at risk from that person, should be the subject of a Child Protection Conference.
  • Where a conference is held, the procedures set out in Child Protection Conference Procedure will apply. Any Child Protection Plan must address the young person's harmful behaviour and identify work to reduce the risk.
  • The MAPS Co-ordinator should be invited to attend the Child Protection Conference.
  • Where the decision is taken not to hold a Child Protection Conference on the child exhibiting the sexually harmful behaviour, the MAPS Co-ordinator must be invited to the conference held on those identified as at risk where one is deemed necessary. The Child Protection Co-ordinators may hold discussion with the MAPS Co-ordinator in making this decision and the young person should still be considered as a Child in Need.


4. A.I.M (Assessment, Intervention and Moving On) Assessment

4.1

In all cases where the concerns are substantiated, an AIM assessment should proceed, in addition to the Core Assessment. 

  • The MAPS Co-ordinator should be contacted to identify co-workers to undertake the AIM assessment. Where there has been previous Children's Services, voluntary sector or Child and Adolescent Mental Heath Services (CAMHS) involvement with the child or young person, the worker from the appropriate service will be invited to co-work the assessment.
  • AIM assessments will be commissioned and co-ordinated by the service co-ordinator and must be carried out by two professionals from different agencies. The lead assessor must have satisfactorily completed AIM assessment training and must be registered with the service administrator. 
  • The child or young person and their parent/carers will be asked by the assessors to participate in the assessment. If participation is refused but concerns remain an assessment can still be undertaken drawing on existing information held by any relevant agencies.
  • A copy of the AIM assessment must be forwarded to the MAPS Co-ordinator upon completion and after gate-keeping (in case of YOS).  
  • The social worker will contact the MAPS Co-ordinator to arrange for a MAP (multi agency planning) meeting to be convened at the earliest point after concerns arise.


5. Criminal Justice System

5.1

For those young people who admit to an allegation of sexually harmful behaviour against them, the investigating officer, in consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service will bail the young person for 20 working days, to allow for an AIM assessment to be undertaken.  The AIM assessment will inform the police decision regarding the appropriate course of action for the young person.

  • The police officer will contact the Youth Offending Service on the same day wherever possible, with the young person's details and request an AIM assessment.
  • The Youth Offending Service worker will take the lead responsibility for the AIM assessment. They will contact the MAPS Co-ordinator to identify a co-worker with whom to undertake the AIM assessment. Where there has been previous Children's Services, voluntary sector or CAMHS involvement with the child or young person, the worker from the appropriate service will be invited to co-work the assessment. This is in line with best practice.
  • The child or young person and their parent/carers will be asked by the assessors to participate in the assessment. If participation is refused but concerns remain, an assessment can still be undertaken drawing on existing information held by relevant agencies.
  • A copy of the completed AIM assessment must be sent to the MAPS Co-ordinator immediately upon completion and after gate-keeping.
  • The Youth Offending Service worker will contact the MAPS Co-ordinator to arrange for a MAP meeting to be convened.
  • For those young people who are charged, the AIM assessment will be triggered by their admission of guilt or by them having been found guilty in court. At this point a request for an adjournment should be made in order to prepare court reports and to carry out assessments, including the AIM assessment.
  • If the child/young person is found not guilty in court or the case is discontinued, a further Strategy Meeting should be held to consider any outstanding risks. This should be convened by Children's Services (specifically YOS) and the MAPS Co-ordinator should be invited.


6. Management Assessment and Planning Meeting

6.1 The aim of the MAP meeting is to ensure that children and young people whose sexual behaviour is inappropriate, abusive or aggressive are responded to in a way that most effectively meets their needs, and is commensurate with the protection of the public.
6.2 These children/young people should be the subject of a MAP meeting unless there are other children/young people in the household who may be at risk from the sexually harmful behaviour. In which case a Child Protection Conference will be held and the MAPS Co-ordinator will be invited to attend.
6.3 The MAP meeting is chaired by the MAPS Co-ordinator. The meeting involves the child/young person (if they are of sufficient age and understanding), their parents/carers and all professionals who are involved with the child/young person and their family.
6.4

The objectives of MAP meetings are to:

  • ensure that children and young people referred  by agencies for sexually inappropriate, abusive or offending behaviour are assessed, their needs are identified and appropriate services provided
  • make informed decisions about appropriate interventions to prevent future inappropriate/offending/abusive behaviour
  • provide a consistent and coherent multi-agency approach, which can be monitored and evaluated.
6.5

Review MAP meetings will be held at no more than 6 monthly intervals and the plan reviewed and developed until one of the following criteria are met:

  • The multi-agency assessment considers that the risk is reduced to a manageable level
  • The agreed action plan is running smoothly and addresses relevant issues
  • The child/young person reaches the age of 18 years


7. Youth Offending Service Procedures for Working with Young People who Sexually Harm/Offend

7.1 When a young person is referred to the Youth Offending Service in relation to sexual offending, sexually harmful or sexually inappropriate behaviour the following procedures should be followed.
7.2 These procedures should be read and followed, alongside Protecting Children in Specific Circumstances Procedure: Children and young people who display sexually harmful behaviour (paragraph 7.22).
7.3 Young people who are interviewed by the police with a representative of the Youth Offending Service acting as an appropriate adult should be discussed with the Co-ordinator of Services for Young People who Sexually Harm. This will enable the co-ordinator to 'track' the case and a MAP meeting to be convened as necessary.
7.4 Young people who have admitted to sexual offences should be assessed using the AIM model of assessment. The assessment should be completed within the agreed timescale of 20 days unless good reason is documented and agreed by all parties.
7.5 Young people whose case is adjourned from court for a Pre-sentence Report (PSR) or Referral Order Report should also be assessed using the AIM model of assessment.
7.6 A young person who is admits guilt or is found guilty in court should be referred to the Co-ordinator of Services for Young People who Sexually Harm. The Co-ordinator will discuss the circumstances of the case with the case holder and arrange for a MAP meeting to be held.
7.7 Where a youth offending worker is involved with a young person and become aware of harmful sexual behaviour they should contact the MAPS co-ordinator and the Children’s’ Champion (Peterborough Safeguarding Children Board).


8. AIM protocol, Policy and Procedure for Peterborough

8.1

Preamble

The level and extent of problematic sexual behaviour can cause some anxiety and concern for professionals and carers, it is important that research and clinical experience guide assessments and support practice to enable workers to distinguish between sexual exploration and harmful behaviours. The AIM (Assessment, Implementation and Moving on) assessment tool provides a framework for initial assessment and is designed to guide further assessment and to identify risk and protective processes. The process works on a partnership emphasis and enables organisation of information to aid analysis, decision making and planning.
8.2 Peterborough has adopted the AIM assessment tool as part of its service for young people who sexually harm with the objective of providing a consistent common assessment model in line with the Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and the Asset Assessment framework incorporated by the Youth Offending Service.


9. AIM Training

9.1 AIM training is organised through the Peterborough Safeguarding Children Board (PSCB).
9.2 Aim training will be available to all agencies including the Voluntary sector on an annual basis.
9.3

AIM training will be targeted to staff in a variety of agencies and managers will be contacted to nominate staff to ensure a spread of skill and experience. It is planned that staff will be targeted in particular from the following:

  • Youth Offending Service
  • Looked After Children Team
  • Children In Need teams
  • Family Support and Intervention Team
  • Referral and Assessment Team
  • Residential Children’s Homes
  • Child and Adolescent Mental Health service
  • Education Attendance service
  • Early Years
  • School Nursing Service
  • Health Visiting Service
  • Children with Disabilities Teams
  • Connexions - Young People's Service


10. AIM Assessment Protocol between Agencies

10.1

Peterborough Safeguarding Children Board and affiliated partners have adopted the AIM approach to assessment of young people and their families where there are concerns over sexualised behaviour.

The co-ordination of these assessments will be the role of the Management Assessment Planning Service for young people who sexually harm; this is located within the Youth Offending Service.

Partner agencies have agreed that where an AIM assessment is required; any worker who is AIM trained may be asked to undertake the assessment. This is irrespective of any knowledge or affiliation they may have with the case as a professional. In other words, workers do not simply conduct assessments on young people they are working with or whom are referred to their own service.

This is the premise under which workers undertake the AIM training, and that managers nominate staff for the training and is an accepted protocol endorsed by the Peterborough Safeguarding Children Board.


11. Undertaking AIM Assessments

11.1

The AIM assessment must be completed by two professionals from different agencies wherever possible. In addition it is preferable, although not mandatory for both to have undertaken AIM training. At least one assessor must be AIM trained and they must take a lead role.

It is advisable for the agency with the closest involvement with the family to undertake the lead role where this is feasible.

Both assessors should sign the AIM report and both should undertake the scoring process. A copy of the AIM assessment report should be sent to the Co-ordinator of MAPS (Management Assessment Planning Service) once completed and the outcome discussed at an Assessment Management and Planning meeting.

Assessors should wherever possible:

  1. Read the victim statement or view the video interview.
  2. Read or listen to the investigative interview
  3. Read any materials available such as case file evidence, reports etc.
  4. At this point a formative impression may have been formed on the 4 domains of the assessment matrix and an interview plan can be formed to gather the remaining required information
  5. Interviews with the young person and carers
  6. Draw conclusions and use the matrix score to place the assessment on the continuum.
  7. Collate report, share with relevant parties (including young person and carer where appropriate) and copy to Co-ordinator.


12. AIM Assessment Co-ordination

12.1
  • AIM assessments will be co-ordinated by the MAPS Co-ordinator with the assistance of the MAPS administrator.
  • Each person who has completed the AIM training will be held on a list which is maintained by the MAPS administrator; this list will be reviewed and updated annually each September.
  • There will be 2 concurrent lists. Those able to lead on an AIM assessment due to experience and confidence, and those able to act as a second.
  • Persons who have not completed the AIM training may act as a second with an experienced trained lead with the consent of their manager and the co-ordinator.
  • Those people who act as a second will be asked to act as a lead after completion of three assessments, where assessors continue to feel unable to lead this will be discussed with the co-ordinator and a support development process put in place.
  • There will be bi-monthly support meetings held for assessors and practitioners working with cases of sexual harmful behaviour in children and young people.
  • Aim assessors should expect to undertake three assessments per year.
  • Requests for AIM assessments must be made directly via the co-ordinator and reports copied to the co-ordinator on completion.
  • AIM training will be offered annually on a targeted basis as well as open training through the LSCB. The Co-ordinator will discuss the appropriateness of candidates prior to training and a signed pre-training agreement is required from the candidate line management.

End