Guidance for evaluating sexualised behaviour When sexualised behaviour has been observed or, a child or parent has informed staff that such behaviour has taken place, then staff should inform the Senior Designated Person for Child Protection/Safeguarding who will clarify the exact behaviour which has taken place and make a considered assessment of its nature and decide appropriate next steps. This assessment should determine whether the incident is: age appropriate sexual exploration inappropriate sexual behaviour which is not considered to be harmful inappropriate sexual behaviour which when put together with other information might be an indication that the child is experiencing sexual abuse sexual behaviour which constitutes an offence. Please refer to the Sexual Behaviours Traffic Light Tool by the Brook Advisory Service for Pleas the appropriate age group of child. This is accessible on page 12 of this document – Appendix 1 or online at: www.brook.org.uk/our-work/the-sexual-behaviours-traffic-light-tool The resource uses a traffic light tool to categorise the sexual behaviours of children and young people, to help professionals make decisions about safeguarding children and young people; assess and respond appropriately to sexual behaviour; understand healthy sexual development and distinguish it from harmful behaviour. By identifying sexual behaviours as green, amber or red, professionals across different agencies can work to the same criteria when making decisions and protect children and young people with a unified approach. . ***Please note, these indicators are a guide and do not replace, but should assist, the exercise of professional judgement. Sexual development is influenced by many factors. When using the traffic light tool to categorise behaviour, it is necessary to consider the current social, cultural, legal, community and familial context. You can read more about what these factors may mean by downloading the Guidance document within the ‘Sexualised behaviour’ zip file as above. *** Please see next page for advice regarding the required response (in conjunction with the traffic light system.) Telephone number from 1st December 2016 (01992) 555980
Guidance for evaluating sexualised behaviour When sexualised behaviour has been observed or, a child or parent has informed staff that such behaviour has taken place, then staff should inform the Senior Designated Person for Child Protection/Safeguarding who will clarify the exact behaviour which has taken place and make a considered assessment of its nature and decide appropriate next steps. This assessment should determine whether the incident is: age appropriate sexual exploration inappropriate sexual behaviour which is not considered to be harmful inappropriate sexual behaviour which when put together with other information might be an indication that the child is experiencing sexual abuse sexual behaviour which constitutes an offence. Pleas Please refer to the Sexual Behaviours Traffic Light Tool by the Brook Advisory Service for the appropriate age group of child. This is accessible on page 12 of this document – Appendix 1 or online at: www.brook.org.uk/our-work/the-sexual-behaviours-traffic-light-tool The resource uses a traffic light tool to categorise the sexual behaviours of children and young people, to help professionals make decisions about safeguarding children and young people; assess and respond appropriately to sexual behaviour; understand healthy sexual development and distinguish it from harmful behaviour. By identifying sexual behaviours as green, amber or red, professionals across different agencies can work to the same criteria when making decisions and protect children and young people with a unified approach. . ***Please note, these indicators are a guide and do not replace, but should assist, the exercise of professional judgement. Sexual development is influenced by many factors. When using the traffic light tool to categorise behaviour, it is necessary to consider the current social, cultural, legal, community and familial context. You can read more about what these factors may mean by downloading the Guidance document within the ‘Sexualised behaviour’ zip file as above. *** Please see next page for advice regarding the required response (in conjunction with the traffic light system.) Telephone number from 1st December 2016 (01992) 555980
guidance_evaluation_management_of_child_sexual_behaviour_nov16.docx