A Case Study Approach to Reducing the Risks of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

ABSTRACT

The risk of child sexual exploitation is a growing concern, both within community and child care settings. Within community services working with vulnerable young people, the risks of exploitation are pervasive and present a constant management problem for professionals. This makes the need for focused educational interventions within such settings all the more vital. This case study aims to describe the assessment, formulation, intervention, and outcomes of a young female considered to be at risk of sexual exploitation. It was hypothesised that, after completion of a psychoeducational group designed to enhance knowledge and skills around child sexual exploitation, positive outcomes would be seen in psychometric assessment, risk-taking behavior, and risk awareness. Results demonstrated no clinically significant change for measures of impulsivity, resourcefulness, or self-reported difficulties. A significant increase was seen for self-reported self-esteem, and all outcomes revealed a positive direction of change. Observational accounts of behavioral and attitudinal change produced more positive results, revealing an increase in prosocial behaviors and a reduction in risk-taking behaviors. Outcomes are discussed in relation to the individual’s history and the residential care environment. Implications for future research and practice are outlined, and the study limitations are considered.

KEYWORDS:

• abuse
• case study
• child sexual exploitation
• psychoeducation
• treatment

Acknowledgements

We wish to thank the staff at Footsteps to Futures for their support and cooperation with this study.

Conflict of Interest

This article was originally written as part of the Doctorate in Forensic Psychology (DForenPsy) at the University of Nottingham. All authors declared no potential conflict of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Notes on contributors

Lauren Janine Berry

Lauren Janine Berry is a trainee forensic Psychologist at the Centre for Forensic and Family Psychology, Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.

Ruth J. Tully

Ruth J. Tully is an assistant professor at the Centre for Forensic and Family Psychology, Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham UK and Clinical Lead of Tully Forensic Psychology Ltd, Nottingham, UK.

Vincent Egan

Vincent Egan is an associate professor at the Centre for Forensic and Family Psychology, Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.