Interprofessional and interagency training for working with young people with harmful sexual behaviours: An evaluation of outcomes

Abstract

This study evaluates the outcomes of short interagency training courses provided by six Local Safeguarding Children Boards in England. The aim was to develop practical skills in recognising and responding to the needs of children with harmful sexual behaviour in an interagency context. The courses all employed interactive learning and teaching methods as well as presentations of case studies, research findings and statutory guidance. Professionals (n=147) from a range of agencies participated in the evaluation. Their attitudes, knowledge and self-confidence were assessed using a specially designed 20-item self-report scale. Scores at registration 6 weeks in advance and at the start and end of the course were compared in a double-baseline, time–series design. There was strong evidence of overall improvements in scores on most of the scale items, which are attributable to the course. However, concerns are also raised about the small numbers of criminal justice professionals participating compared to child welfare professionals.

Keywords:

• Young people with harmful sexual behaviours
• juvenile sexual offenders
• adolescent sexual offenders
• training evaluation
• interprofessional education
• outcomes

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the training coordinators and administrators in the study sites who made this evaluation possible.

The research was commissioned jointly by the then Department for Children, Schools and Families (now the Department for Education) and the Department of Health in England, under the previous Labour government in England. Since it was undertaken, a new UK government has taken office and the content may not reflect current government policy. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the respective government departments.