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Preventing and Responding to Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation: Evidence review
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https://www.unicef.org/protection/files/Evidence_Review_SEA_(Radford_et_al).pdf
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... Tertiary prevention theoretically also includes interventions for people who have already offended. However, the importance and usefulness of risk assessments and of interventions aimed at preventing recidivism is addressed in only three references: two of them, published by WHO (Krug et al., 2002) and UNICEF (Radford et al., 2015a), simply cite recidivism prevention without elaboration; while the third reference, also published by UNICEF (Radford et al., 2015b) adopts a repressive perspective by referring only to punishment and coercion. This is in line with the demand to fight impunity for the benefit of victims but does not provide any answer as to the evolution of the perpetrator's behavior or how to prevent re-offending. ...
... Finally, it's worth noting that all the papers meet and/or promote the quality criteria set out above, i.e. (i) being non-dogmatic and evidence-based, and (ii) combined, meaning multi-approach in order to adapt to the specificities of different populations. Indeed, we were able to identify several indicators of scientific soundness in the drafting of reports and declarations: use of proven consensus methods (UN Women, 1995, 2020bUNESCO, 2011UNESCO, , 2015bUNICEF, 2015b) use of rigorous and explicit research methodologies (WHO, 2014b(WHO, , 2015(WHO, , 2021Fuentes et al., 2022;UNESCO, 2011;UNICEF, 2014;Radford et al., 2015a), presentation of results of device evaluation (UN Women, 2016;UNESCO, 2015aUNESCO, , 2015bUNESCO, , 2016aUNESCO, , 2016bUNESCO, , 2018UNESCO, , 2021UNICEF, 2020), systematic bibliographical referencing in support of scientific work. We have also identified in guide-type texts the systematic promotion of system evaluation as an essential step in the deployment of prevention (Radford et al., 2020;WHO, 2006aWHO, , 2006bWHO, , 2010aWHO, , 2019WHO, , 2019b, with methodological guidance (list of indicators, choice of data sources) (UNESCO, 2015b;WHO, 2007WHO, , 2010bWHO, , 2013b, or the provision of fact-checking (UNESCO, 2019) and review of evidence (Krug et al., 2002;WHO, 2010bWHO, , 2013aRadford et al., 2015a). ...
... Indeed, we were able to identify several indicators of scientific soundness in the drafting of reports and declarations: use of proven consensus methods (UN Women, 1995, 2020bUNESCO, 2011UNESCO, , 2015bUNICEF, 2015b) use of rigorous and explicit research methodologies (WHO, 2014b(WHO, , 2015(WHO, , 2021Fuentes et al., 2022;UNESCO, 2011;UNICEF, 2014;Radford et al., 2015a), presentation of results of device evaluation (UN Women, 2016;UNESCO, 2015aUNESCO, , 2015bUNESCO, , 2016aUNESCO, , 2016bUNESCO, , 2018UNESCO, , 2021UNICEF, 2020), systematic bibliographical referencing in support of scientific work. We have also identified in guide-type texts the systematic promotion of system evaluation as an essential step in the deployment of prevention (Radford et al., 2020;WHO, 2006aWHO, , 2006bWHO, , 2010aWHO, , 2019WHO, , 2019b, with methodological guidance (list of indicators, choice of data sources) (UNESCO, 2015b;WHO, 2007WHO, , 2010bWHO, , 2013b, or the provision of fact-checking (UNESCO, 2019) and review of evidence (Krug et al., 2002;WHO, 2010bWHO, , 2013aRadford et al., 2015a). With regard to the criterion of diversity of approaches, we have also noted and detailed above the diversity of determinants, target populations, examples of programs and target environments, even if some fields, which we will develop further, are not yet covered. ...
Background
Sexual violence is a major public health issue worldwide, with a high prevalence and extensive human and financial costs. Implementing prevention programs is complex, requiring not only evidence-based practices and high ethical standards, but also close collaboration with local governments and non-governmental organizations. In order to guide and support all stakeholders necessary to achieve large-scale prevention (e.g., politicians, decision-makers, in-field professionals), it is essential to establish international benchmarks for the prevention of sexual violence.
Objective
The main goal of this collaborative study was to conduct a systematic review of the frameworks adopted by WHO, UN Women, UNESCO, and UNICEF to help prevent sexual violence worldwide, according to the PRISMA methodology. A secondary objective was to highlight the levels of prevention and determinants of health targeted by these organizations.
Results
Overall, 1008 references were identified, of which 50 met the inclusion criteria. All international guidelines were limited to primary or tertiary prevention, and they were not specifically dedicated to sexual violence. In addition, each organization had developed idiosyncratic prevention strategies. Common primary prevention determinants of health were still found across organizations, including education, socio-economic inequalities, and life skills training. Tertiary prevention was poorly developed and polarized between victims and perpetrators. Secondary prevention was never addressed, however, despite the effectiveness of approaches such as helplines for people sexually attracted to children.
Discussion
Given these results, an international French-speaking consortium of professional teams, all involved in the secondary prevention of sexual violence, was recently formed with a ratified charter presented here.
... 1 It occurs when an adult coerces, manipulates or deceives a person under age 19 into sexual activity for material or non-material benefit. 2 Sexual exploitation is distinguished from other forms of sexual abuse by the element of sexual exchange; for example, sex in return for money, gifts, or status. 3 SECA can have severe, long-term health consequences for those who experience it, including trauma, depression, suicidal tendencies, drug and alcohol abuse, sexual risk taking, HIV and early pregnancy. 4 SECA is widely underreported, and accurate prevalence figures remain unknown. 4 ...
... 4 SECA is widely underreported, and accurate prevalence figures remain unknown. 4 ...
This brief presents key findings from a systematic review that summarises the existing evidence on harmful social norms linked to SECA worldwide, and identifies gaps in
the literature.
... Evidence affirms that victims of CSE are subjected to performing sexual acts that are harmful to their short and long-term wellbeing (Notar, 2006). Other legal provisions are the Children's Act, 1998 (Act 560) (Republic of Ghana, 1998), Domestic Violence Act, 2007(Act 732) (Republic of Ghana, 2007), Criminal Code, 1960 and Criminal Offences (Amendment), 2012 (Act 849) (Republic of Ghana, 2012) and the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) (Republic of Ghana, 2020). The cybersecurity law addresses child sexual exploitation in different manifestations. ...
... We also combined in-school and community-based surveys. Some evidence suggests that interviewing children and adolescents on sexual violence generally in school settings increase response rate especially if the questionnaires are self-administered regardless of whether it is based on paper or computerized (Burton et al., 2015;Radford et al., 2015). On the other hand, community-based surveys are helpful in reaching out to children and young people out of school. ...
Purpose
Roughly 40 million children experience adversities every year and this has potential to impact the well-being of children. Short and long-term consequences include sexual abuse and exploitation, self-harm, excessive use of alcohol and harmful drugs. This paper discusses the association between childhood adversity and child sexual exploitation (CSE) in Ghana.
Methods
This study utilized data collected on CSE from mining, oil and gas, fishing, agricultural, construction and e-waste enclaves of Ghana. We surveyed children aged 13–17 years and young people aged 18–24 (N = 1,272) from schools and households in randomly selected enumeration areas in seven administrative districts in Ghana. A battery of questions was used to develop measures of adversity and CSE experiences. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.
Results
Around 39% and 35% of survey participants had a record of moderate to high adversity respectively. The overall prevalence of CSE was 27% and disaggregated by sex, the prevalence was slightly higher in females (28.5%) than in males (24.3%), but this was not significant. In our bivariate logistic models, we found significant a effect of adversity on CSE experiences of girls and young women. The effect remains in the multivariate model for girls but not for boys.
Conclusions
Childhood adversity is a predictor of CSE and girls with histories of adversity remain most vulnerable regardless of other personal and household characteristics. There is a need for collaborative efforts among child protection stakeholders in enhancing social welfare interventions that minimizes adversity in childhood and its impacts on the safety of children.
... The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act was passed by India in 2012 in reaction to the rising concern over child sexual abuse 8 . This historic law signalled a dramatic change in the nation's strategy against criminal offences. ...
The abuse of children sexually is a terrible worldwide problem that leaves victims with lifelong scars. In order to ensure justice and deter similar acts, legislative frameworks are essential. Balancing this objective with the evolving rights and autonomy of teenagers poses a significant challenge. With an emphasis on India's Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, this study examines the human rights consequences of minimum age requirements for criminal liability laws pertaining to sexual offences. POCSO establishes 18 as the minimum age of consent for all sexual activities, which has raised concerns about the possible infringement of teenage rights, such as the freedom from unjustified arrest and imprisonment, privacy, bodily autonomy, and access to knowledge about sexual and reproductive health. The conflict between teenage rights and child protection is examined in the paper. This study examines how teenagers' ability to give consent is developing, as well as how criminalising any sexual behaviour under the age of 18 may violate their right to autonomy. International comparisons show how different countries handle this complicated topic and how their minimum age regulations vary. A human rights-based strategy for POCSO reform is put out in this study. In order to distinguish between consensual sexual behaviour between adolescents of similar ages and exploitative abuse, this study involves investigating the possibility of a tiered age of consent system. Furthermore, it is suggested to prioritise preventive interventions through detailed sexual education programmes for setting explicit rules for assessing capacity to consent. The necessity of open communication, stakeholder participation, and ongoing legislative revision is emphasised in the conclusion of the paper. India may develop a more effective framework for preventing child sexual abuse while defending the rights and welfare of all young people by giving human rights a higher priority.
... Providing these comprehensive support services is crucial in assisting victims to rebuild their lives. Governments often establish child protection agencies and hotlines to receive and respond to reports of neglect and exploitation (Radford et al., 2015). These services act as the initial point of contact for concerns about at-risk children, coordinating responses and providing assistance through social services or law enforcement. ...
Exploitation of children, encompassing various forms of abuse, neglect, and violence, is a grave issue that demands urgent attention. This comprehensive research delves into the multifaceted dimensions of child exploitation, focusing on the experiences of neglected children and victims of exploitation, ethical considerations, and policy implications. The research employs a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative data analysis and qualitative interviews with survivors, advocates, and experts in the field. Findings reveal alarming prevalence rates, patterns of exploitation, and the profound impact on victims. The research underscores the need for policy reforms, better resource allocation, survivor empowerment, collaboration among stakeholders, and a survivor-centered approach. The ethical considerations involved in dealing with these sensitive cases emphasize the importance of informed consent, cultural sensitivity, and safeguarding the well-being and dignity of affected individuals. The implications of this research extend to global discussions on child protection and human rights, advocating for universal measures to safeguard children. In conclusion, this research serves as a clarion call for transformative changes in policies and interventions, aiming to create a more protective and supportive environment for neglected children and victims of exploitation.
... The concept of childhood has socio-cultural origins and attracts the attention of various disciplines like education and philosophy (Köksal, 2008). Child abuse, a grave violation of children's rights, represents a global menace with medical, legal, and psychosocial dimensions, affecting children's lives almost universally (Nathanson, 2000;Radford et al., 2015). Within this context, intra-familial sexual abuse, commonly known as incest, stands as the most severe form of sexual abuse, being both illegal and socially condemned (Polat, 2007). ...
Recent growth in the public’s awareness of child sex trafficking has been accompanied by the spread of misinformation about the nature of this and related offenses. This chapter places trafficking within the larger context of child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSA/CSE) and highlights the ways that many of the crimes underneath this umbrella are connected. The author begins with the definition and clarification of terms that are central to understanding these issues, including grooming, trafficking, sextortion, and child sexual abuse material. Research is presented on prevalence rates of CSA/CSE, factors associated with children’s vulnerability to becoming a victim, and common psychological consequences for those who do. The chapter concludes with information on recognizing and responding to CSA/CSE along with descriptions of approaches currently being utilized to prevent these crimes.
Background: Child abuse in South Africa is a significant public health concern with severe negative outcomes for children; however, little is known about risk and protective factors for child abuse victimisation. This thesis investigates prevalence rates, perpetrators, and locations as well as predictors of physical, emotional and sexual child abuse victimisation. It also examines the influence of potential mediating and moderating variables on the relationships between risk factors and child abuse.
Methods: In the first study, a systematic review of correlates of physical, emotional and sexual child abuse victimisation in Africa was conducted. The review synthesised evidence from 23 quantitative studies and was used to inform the epidemiological study. For study two to four, anonymous self-report questionnaires were completed by children aged 10-17 (n=3515, 57% female) using random door-to-door sampling in rural and urban areas in two provinces in South Africa. Children were followed-up a year later (97% retention rate). Abuse was measured using internationally recognised scales. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, multivariate logistic regressions, and mediator and moderator analyses.
Results: The first study, the systematic review, identified high prevalence rates of abuse across all African countries. It identified a number of correlates which were further examined using the study data from South Africa. The second study found lifetime prevalence of abuse to be 54.5% for physical abuse, 35.5% for emotional abuse, 14% for sexual harassment and 9% for contact sexual abuse. Past year prevalence of abuse was found to be 37.9% for physical abuse, 31.6% for emotional abuse, 12% for sexual harassment and 5.9% for contact sexual abuse. A large number of children experienced frequent (monthly or more regular) abuse victimisation with 16% for physical abuse, 22% for emotional abuse, 8.1% for sexual harassment and 2.8% for contact sexual abuse. Incidence for frequent abuse victimisation at follow-up was 12% for physical abuse, 10% for emotional abuse and 3% for contact sexual abuse. Perpetrators of physical and emotional abuse were mostly caregivers; perpetrators of sexual abuse were mostly girlfriends/boyfriends or other peers.
The third study found a direct effect of baseline household AIDS-illness on physical and emotional abuse at follow-up. This relationship was mediated by poverty. Poverty and the ill-person’s disability fully mediated the relationship between household other chronic illnesses and physical and emotional abuse, therefore placing children in families with chronic illnesses and high levels of poverty and disability at higher risk of abuse.
The fourth study found that contact sexual abuse in girls at follow-up was predicted by baseline school drop-out, physical assault in the community and prior sexual abuse victimisation. Peer social support acted as a protective factor. It also moderated the relationship between baseline physical assault in the community and sexual abuse at follow-up, lowering the risk for sexual abuse victimisation in girls who had been physically assaulted from 2.5/1000 to 1/1000.
Conclusion: This thesis shows clear evidence of high levels of physical, emotional and sexual child abuse victimisation in South Africa. It also identified risk and protective factors for child abuse victimisation which can be used to inform evidence-based child abuse prevention interventions.
Relationship and dating violence is a significant problem among adolescents and young adults. Relationship violence includes a range of violent behaviours, from verbal abuse to physical and sexual assault, and from threats to rape and murder. Currently there are many programmes in schools and universities and within community settings that aim to prevent relationship violence. It is important to establish whether these programmes work and whether they result in long‐term reductions in relationship violence.
This review looked at the results of 38 studies. The results showed no convincing evidence that the programmes decreased relationship violence, or that they improved participants' attitudes, behaviours and skills related to relationship violence. The results showed that participants' knowledge about relationships improved slightly following the programmes.
These results should be interpreted with caution, as individual studies differed in the types of participants and interventions that they used and the ways in which changes were measured. None of the studies looked at the effect of the programmes on physical and mental health. Further studies, which follow participants for a longer period of time and which look at the relationship between attitudes, knowledge, behaviour, skills and the number of times relationship violence occurs, are required to improve our understanding of how well these programmes work.
Synopsis/Abstract
BACKGROUND
Educational and skills‐based interventions are often used to prevent relationship and dating violence among young people.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the efficacy of educational and skills‐based interventions designed to prevent relationship and dating violence in adolescents and young adults.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, six other databases and a trials register on 7 May 2012. We handsearched the references lists of key articles and two journals (Journal of Interpersonal Violence and Child Abuse and Neglect). We also contacted researchers in the field.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised, cluster‐randomised and quasi‐randomised studies comparing an educational or skills‐based intervention to prevent relationship or dating violence among adolescents and young adults with a control.
DATA COLLECT ION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed study eligibility and risk of bias. For each study included in the meta‐analysis, data were extracted independently by GF and one other review author (either CH, JN, SH or DS). We conducted meta‐analyses for the following outcomes: episodes of relationship violence, behaviours, attitudes, knowledge and skills.
RESULTS
We included 38 studies (15,903 participants) in this review, 18 of which were cluster‐randomised trials (11,995 participants) and two were quasi‐randomised trials (399 participants). We included 33 studies in the meta‐analyses. We included eight studies (3405 participants) in the meta‐analysis assessing episodes of relationship violence. There was substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 57%) for this outcome. The risk ratio was 0.77 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53 to 1.13). We included 22 studies (5256 participants) in the meta‐analysis assessing attitudes towards relationship violence. The standardised mean difference (SMD) was 0.06 (95% CI ‐0.01 to 0.15). We included four studies (887 participants) in the meta‐analysis assessing behaviour related to relationship violence; the SMD was ‐0.07 (95% CI ‐0.31 to 0.16). We included 10 studies (6206 participants) in the meta‐analysis assessing knowledge related to relationship violence; the results showed an increase in knowledge in favour of the intervention (SMD 0.44, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.60) but there was substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 52%). We included seven studies (1369 participants) in the meta‐analysis assessing skills related to relationship violence. The SMD was 0.03 (95% CI ‐0.11 to 0.17). None of the included studies assessed physical health, psychosocial health or adverse outcomes. Subgroup analyses showed no statistically significant differences by intervention setting or type of participants. The quality of evidence for all outcomes included in our meta‐analysis was moderate due to an unclear risk of selection and detection bias and a high risk of performance bias in most studies.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Studies included in this review showed no evidence of effectiveness of interventions on episodes of relationship violence or on attitudes, behaviours and skills related to relationship violence. We found a small increase in knowledge but there was evidence of substantial heterogeneity among studies. Further studies with longer‐term follow‐up are required, and study authors should use standardised and validated measurement instruments to maximise comparability of results.
Plain language summary
INTERVENTIONS TO PREVENT RELATIONSHIP AND DATING VIOLENCE IN ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Relationship and dating violence is a significant problem among adolescents and young adults. Relationship violence includes a range of violent behaviours, from verbal abuse to physical and sexual assault, and from threats to rape and murder. Currently there are many programmes in schools and universities and within community settings that aim to prevent relationship violence. It is important to establish whether these programmes work and whether they result in long‐term reductions in relationship violence. This review looked at the results of 38 studies. The results showed no convincing evidence that the programmes decreased relationship violence, or that they improved participants' attitudes, behaviours and skills related to relationship violence. The results showed that participants' knowledge about relationships improved slightly following the programmes. These results should be interpreted with caution, as individual studies differed in the types of participants and interventions that they used and the ways in which changes were measured. None of the studies looked at the effect of the programmes on physical and mental health. Further studies, which follow participants for a longer period of time and which look at the relationship between attitudes, knowledge, behaviour, skills and the number of times relationship violence occurs, are required to improve our understanding of how well these programmes work.
This article reports the findings of research conducted with a randomly selected sample of men aged 18–49 years from the general population of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, who were asked in an anonymously conducted survey about their rape perpetration practices, motivations, and consequences thereof. Overall 27,6 per cent (466/1686) of men had forced a woman to have sex with them against her will, whether an intimate partner, stranger or acquaintance. Some perpetrated alone, others with accomplices. Most men who had raped had done so more than once, started as teenagers, and often had different types of victims. Asked about motivations, men indicated that rape most commonly stemmed from a sense of sexual entitlement, and it was often an act of bored men (alone or in groups) seeking entertainment. Rape was often also a punishment directed against girlfriends and other women, and alcohol was often part of the context. A third of men had experienced no consequences from their acts, not even feelings of guilt. More commonly there was remorse and worry about consequences, and in a third of cases there had been action against them from their family, that of the victims, or respected community members, and about one in five had been arrested for rape. This research confirms that rape is highly prevalent in South Africa, with only a small proportion of incidents reported to the police. Many of the roots of the problem lie in our accentuated gender hierarchy. This highlights the importance of interventions and policies that start in childhood and seek to change the way in which boys are socialised into men, building ideas of gender equity and respect for women.
This Campbell systematic review searched for studies which examined the effectiveness of anti‐trafficking measures (policies and interventions) to prevent or suppress cross‐border trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
Studies were not limited in terms of the population being studied (perpetrators, policy makers or victims) or where the intervention was implemented. Of 20 studies which examined anti‐trafficking interventions, none fit the criteria of being effect studies of potential sufficient quality i.e. experimental or quasi‐experimental.
This review found that due to a lack of high quality evaluation studies on antitrafficking measures no conclusions can currently be made regarding the effectiveness of these policies and interventions.
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Over the years, growing attention has been given to the phenomenon of trafficking in human beings (THB). Sexual exploitation was until recently by far the most commonly identified feature of THB, followed by forced labour. Many activities to combat trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation have been initiated by numerous supranational, international as well as national organizations. Much is written about these initiatives, but some areas have been neglected. Knowledge on ‘what works’ is in particular limited. The growing attention to THB entails a demand for more information. The severity of the crime and the impact on its victims makes it of utmost importance to gain more insight into the working and effectiveness of anti‐trafficking strategies and interventions.
OBJECTIVES
The main objective of this review was to assess the presently available evidence on the effects of interventions that aim to prevent and suppress trafficking in human beings.
The following questions were central to the systematic review: What types of anti‐THB strategies and interventions can be identified that have been accompanied by some form of empirical analysis?
Which of these studies incorporate (quasi‐)experimental evaluations that are rigorous enough to determine the effect of these anti‐THB strategies on preventing and suppressing THB?
What are the outcomes of these (quasi‐)experimental studies?
SELECTION CRITERIA
In this review only studies that focused on cross‐border trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation were included. The focus is on cross‐border trafficking, because internal trafficking is not (yet) or just recently recognized in many countries. Furthermore, this review was limited to trafficking for prostitution or sexual exploitation, in any form there is. Trafficking for forced labour or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs were kept out of consideration. In addition, included were only studies on anti‐trafficking measures that involved evaluations of strategies ‐ policies and interventions ‐ to prevent or suppress cross border trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation with at least a level 3 research method of the Maryland Scientific Methods Scale (SMS).
DATA COLLECTION
An extensive search strategy was used to identify studies for inclusion, consisting of a search in electronic databases, a search in the library of the Bureau of the (Dutch) National Rapporteur on Trafficking in Human Beings (BNRM), and an Internet search. Furthermore, we contacted relevant members of the professional network. Among the over 19.000 titles we came across, 144 studies were found, of which around 20 studies seemed possibly eligible and were coded by the authors.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION
No studies were found that met all criteria (prevention and suppression strategies, cross‐border trafficking, sexual exploitation and a design of at least level 3 of the Maryland Scientific Methods Scale (SMS), i.e. a controlled design with both pretest and posttest measures and comparable control conditions.). Consequently, no conclusions could be drawn on the effectiveness of anti‐THB intervention strategies for preventing and reducing sexual exploitation. Some studies had employed other evaluation designs. We decided to include a narrative review presenting these studies since they sketch the landscape of anti‐THB interventions, and are informative of the current state of evaluations of these interventions. However, since these are non‐controlled studies, they do not provide a basis for drawing conclusions about actual outcomes and impacts.
SUMMARY
Policies or interventions to prevent or suppress cross border trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation have not been evaluated rigorously enough to determine their effect. Using different search strategies and key words in nine different languages, the authors identified 19.000 studies on trafficking that came out between January 2000 and June 2009. They examined and coded the full text of the 20 studies that contained a combination of the relevant key words in their title, subtitle and/or abstract. None of these were controlled and most did not even use pre‐ and posttest measures.
An accessible resource to help those in organisational settings ensure that they have taken all possible steps to safeguard the children and young people they are responsible for. Draws on up to date research with people who have committed sexual offences against children in organisational settings, and new developments in interviewing approaches Details recent cases to illustrate points about institutional failures in protecting children Highlights the fact that those who sexually offend against children are a diverse and heterogeneous population, and the approaches taken to protect children must address the range of possible risks Makes a firm commitment to the importance of multi-agency and inter-disciplinary collaboration and is relevant in both community and residential settings Offers clear and practical messages and measures for organisations to act on.
'...the most comprehensive account to date of the discovery and identification of child abuse and its consolidation in Britain as a social problem ...informative and compelling ...an important study not only of child abuse but also of the sociology of a social problem.' The Times Higher Education Supplement
This report presents the results of one piece of research conducted as a part of the Victims of Violence and Abuse Prevention Programme (VVAPP) in the UK, namely a three round Delphi consultation. This Delphi consultation was undertaken to identify where there is and is not consensus among experts about what is known and what works in the treatment and care of people affected by child sexual abuse, domestic violence and abuse, and rape and sexual assault. It enables the identification of areas of agreement and disagreement about effective mental health service responses, and thereby contributes to the evidence base in this area. <br /
“These two authors are always worth reading for their breadth and originality. Their new book offers a timely and stimulating analysis of modern children's services.” -David Berridge, Professor of Child and Family Welfare, University of Bristol “Clear yet thorough; practical yet politically insightful; complicated yet coherent … this book will appeal to those who want to get an overview of the territory, but also to those who wish to drill down deeper and understand the theoretical underpinning of government policies.” - Martin C. Calder, Honorary Research Fellow, Sheffield Hallam University Understanding Children's Social Care is the first book to provide a comprehensive overview and critical analysis of children's social care in England following the introduction of Every Child Matters and the 2007 Children's Plan. The book examines the key issues surrounding child care policy and legislation, and the implications these have for practice. Authors Nick Frost and Nigel Parton draw upon sociological theory and debate to help the reader understand the future direction of policy and practice, presenting seemingly complex theoretical ideas in an accessible and coherent manner. The book begins by examining theories and explanations of social change, and goes on to relate these ideologies to social care policy initiatives in the UK. The final part of the book evaluates the implementation of these across a range of practice areas. Key Features Bridges the gaps between theory, policy and practice; Includes comprehensive content and a discussion of a variety of legal and policy contexts; Encourages a critical engagement with key developments of policy and practice; Relates to the current issues in social work and social care education Understanding Children's Social Care is essential reading for those studying child social care on programs in social work, childhood studies, and social policy, and will also interest practitioners in child care.