A Sexual Exploitation Risk Assessment Framework

This risk assessment framework indicates when intervention, support and action are required for children and young people at any given time. The assessment should be made on the basis of known risk indicators or immediate vulnerability factors, as well as a recognition of a history of disadvantage or background vulnerability factors. This framework has been developed by the national working group for sexually exploited children and young people and is recommended as a guide in the DCSF Guidance (2009) Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation.

The risk assessment diagram can be used to enable all professionals to be aware of the types of indicators of harm likely to be present when a child or young person is being or is likely to be sexually exploited. Indentifying the presence of these risk factors can help professionals decide what level and types of interventions may be appropriate.

The needs of children and young people who are being or are likely to be sexually exploited will change over time. Service responses need to be flexible to respond to these changes. Early intervention is essential to prevent escalation of harm. While most interventions with those young people whose needs are in Level 1 will be preventative work in schools, through youth services and children’s services providers, emergency crisis intervention might be required. Interventions with young people who have been identified as having in their lives risk factors in Levels 2 and 3 should be coordinated by the lead professional. Assertive and therapeutic outreach is likely to be required by specialist trained sexual exploitation workers when a young person has been identified as having risk factors in Level 2 and it is recommended as being necessary for those categorised as having Level 3 risk factors present.

An exit from sexual exploitation is possible from any of the stages. Experience has shown that young people can be supported away from sexual exploitation where LSCBs have an active protocol, a group of professionals have allocated responsibility for monitoring young people’s progress and a dedicated service is provided within the area.

The risk assessment diagram is intended to assist professionals decide what types of intervention and supportive action will be required for children and young people at any given time. These decisions will follow an assessment of the needs of the young person and, in particular, the impact of the sexual exploitation they are experiencing on their welfare. The types of evidence based interventions offered should be appropriate to the child’s needs, taking full account of the identified risk factors of sexual exploitation. These decisions about services provision should also address relevant information relating to the young person’s personal and family history including:

• Social exclusion (exclusion/truancy from school, from health services)
• Poverty and deprivation
• Prior experience of sexual, physical and/or emotional abuse
• Prevalence of informal economies
• Familial and community offending patterns
• Prevalence of undiagnosed mental health problems

The risk assessment diagram