![[logo] - National Working Group](/images/nwg_logo.gif?1334578339 "[logo] - National Working Group"){kind=logo}
Sexual Exploitation Intervention Diagram
(SERA Model developed by The National Working Group for Sexually Exploited Children and Young People, 2008 from Pearce et al 2002)
The diagram above illustrates the types and levels of risk factors which may be identified during an assessment. It also shows how young people can fluctuate between the different levels within the diagram. Their movement from one level to the next is not necessarily progressive: i.e. a young person deemed to be in Level 1 – the lowest level – may suddenly reveal circumstances and behaviours that might place them within the highest level – 3. However, it is important to recognise that even where the most worrying types of risk factors i.e. Level 3, have been identified, specialist services working with children and young people are able to engage and support them.
Level 1: Where the green triangle overlaps with Level 2, children and young people may have similar needs and risk factors to those in Level 2 and be moving into that level. Conversely the arrow indicates they can also be in transition from Level 2 to 1.
Level 2: Where the amber triangle overlaps with Level 3, children and young people may have similar needs and risk factors to those characteristic of Level 3 and be moving into Level 3. Conversely the arrow indicates some young people can also be in transition from Level 3 to 2.
Level 3: Where the red triangle overlaps with Level 2, the young people may move back from Level 3 to 2. Within the diagram, the overlap between the triangles representing Levels 3 and 1 indicates that in a limited number of cases radical intervention may result in young people moving immediately and successfully to Level 1.
If needed copy of text in diagram above:
Description of young person with identified risk factors in Level 1
Smaller number of risk factors identified or movement from Levels 2 or 3. For example: sexualised risk taking behaviour, beginning to truant from school, occasionally going missing, going to known places of concern, getting into cars, showing signs of gifts or access to resources, early signs of problem alcohol and drug use.
Description of young person with identified risk factors in Level 2
Fewer risk factors or signals (or reduction from Level 3). For example: regularly going missing, ‘swapping sex’ and talking about swapping, truanting regularly from school, going to know places of concern ‘Hot Spots’, involved with other vulnerable peers, experiencing violence, intimidation and fear, developing problem alcohol and drug use.
Description of young person with identified risk factors in Level 3
Multiple risk factors. For example: entrenched in one or more abusive relationships, contact with known perpetrators, going missing and running away from home, problem alcohol and drug use, experience of violence, intimidation and fear.