An analysis of the psychosocial backgrounds of Youths (13–18) Who-Pose-Sexual-Risk to children

Abstract

Summary: Social workers had expressed concern to their Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) about male Youths (13-18)-Who-Pose-Sexual-Risk (YWPSR) to children, leading to this study of 36 social-history protocols, completed by the youths' social workers, that identified the presence of research-based factors of YWPSR who then go on to become adult child sex offenders.To ensure total confidentiality, no actual case-record data were available to the authors, ensuring the LSCB, social workers and their clients remain totally anonymous.While a small sample poses methodological difficulties, the authors believe the data is worthy of consideration as a pilot study for a larger project that might highlight the potential areas for early intervention.Findings: Key findings were: Twenty-nine (80%) of thirty-six YWPSR were <14 when first showing inappropriate sexual behaviour, whilst 25% were known to have been sexually abused themselves, mostly <11yrs and 47% were either currently or had been, LookedAfter-Children, with 42% having been Excluded-from-School of who 36% had learning difficulties. Their level of disturbance is shown by 11% having made a suicide attempt and they being formally charges for sex offences against children, which was significantly higher than that found in the adult general population. Finally 66% suffered from low self-esteem, were socially isolated and had poor peer relationships; reflected in the high level of problems at school. Application:Such young people pose a challenge for all concerned and an evidence-based debate is required to explore how to prevent further unacceptable behaviour and thereby protect vulnerable children. 2 Key words: Social Work Risk Sexual Abuse Early Intervention ChildrenResearch Ethics: The Local Safeguarding Children's Board gave ethical approval for the study. The authors had no access or knowledge of clients of the social workers supervising the cases. Permission to submit the study for publication was on the understanding that the LSCB remains anonymous to ensure total confidentiality of clients and social workers Declaration: The authors have not vested or conflict of interests in this study. There was no external funding for the project. Acknowledgements:We are indebted to those social workers who raised their concerns to the LSCB and amidst the many pressures, took time to complete the questionnaires on their charges.