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Social Solihull > Solihull Youth Offending Service > Harmful Sexual Behaviour

Harmful Sexual Behaviour

Solihull YOS provide support for young people displaying harmful sexual behaviours of concern these may include [NSPCC]:

  • Inappropriate touching
  • Using language that is sexually explicit
  • Sexually threatening or violent acts
  • Penetrative sex

Request for support is made by completing a referral form.

We offer a service to young people aged 12 and over following a court order or referral from social care.

YOS Officers will assess each case that meets the criteria. An assessment is undertaken using the AIM 2 framework to help identify risk and plan the right level of intervention.

What are Harmful Sexual Behaviours?

Sexually harmful behaviours can be considered as:

Sexually abusive behaviour has been defined as any sexual interaction with, person(s) of any age which is perpetrated:

  • Against the victim’s will
  • Without informed consent
  • In an aggressive, exploitative, manipulative or threatening manner

(Ryan & Lane “Juvenile Sexual Offending” 1997)

The Criteria?

The Solihull Youth Offending will offer AIM assessment and Intervention for young people in the following categories:-

Any young person who is subject to Court order for a sexual offence will be seen by the YOS.

Any young person that is referred by Social Services following their assessment and the identification of abusive behaviour (rather than healthy and problematic behaviours

Two Tier Approach

A two tier pathway has been designed to ensure the right  services are provided to young people at the right level. , as we acknowledge that some children and young people will require support at a more intense level than others.

Tier One

Tier one is a multi agency approach where professionals can seek guidance on the types of interventions that may be suitable for the young person.  This includes:

Interventions focus around health and positive relationships

Self esteem and personal space

Victim empathy or

A programme devised by the YOS to address sexually inappropriate behaviours

Tier Two

Thorough assessment of the young person using AIM and AssetPlus

Targeted plan

Focused Interventions

Referrals to other appropriate services where relevant

See the link below for the Brooks traffic light tool, this categorises sexual behaviours of young people and helps professionals understand healthy sexual behaviour from harmful behaviour. It also helps when making decisions about safeguarding children and young people and assess and respond appropriately to sexual behaviour in children and young people.                                                                                                          https://www.brook.org.uk/our-work/category/sexual-behaviours-traffic-light-tool

See the link below for the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) referral form. When reporting a concern please provide as much information as you can. https://eservices.solihull.gov.uk/ChildrensSocialWorkServiceReferral/