Safe Connections – A resource kit to support young people in care at risk of child sexual exploitation – Practice guide

Child sexual exploitation
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Apr 2021

Written by Janise Mitchell Cyra Fernandes Noel Macnamara

The Safe Connections resource kit has been designed for use with young people at risk of or experiencing child sexual exploitation in care. Child sexual exploitation is a form of sexual abuse that can have long-lasting effects on a young person’s physical, emotional, mental and educational outcomes and well-being. It contains seven modules that can be used with young people either individually or in a group setting. The seven modules aim to help young people better understand child sexual exploitation, distinguish between healthy and unhealthy relationships, including the importance of consent, identify risky situations, learn strategies to stay safe, and finally get help, including engaging with the Police and courts.

 

The modules include

  1. Introduction to child sexual exploitation
  2. Strengthening protective factors
  3. Healthy relationships
  4. Consent, risk, responsibility and safety planning
  5. Self-care and sexual health
  6. Staying safe online
  7. Getting help

The modules can be used flexibly according to the needs of the young person/people you are working with. You do not have to use all the modules or use them in any particular order. Tailor the modules you use to the needs of the young person/people.

It is essential that out of home care workers using these modules with young people have a sound understanding of:

  • child sexual exploitation
  • assessing risk and safety
  • the importance of developing relationships with young people so they can be effectively supported
  • working collaboratively
  • vicarious trauma and self-care.

Out-of-home care workers should have completed the online course entitled: Responding to Child Sexual Exploitation, accessible through the Centre for Excellence in Therapeutic Care.

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