Understanding child sexual exploitation: Policy and practice implications

Wednesday 22 April 2025 12:00pm-1:00pm AEST , online via MS Teams

Hosted by Family and Community Services Insights, Analysis and Research (FACSIAR)

Details

In this webinar, Dr Sophie Hallett from Cardiff University will present her research on caseworker perspectives on child sexual exploitation based on interviews with Australian caseworkers. The study aimed to fill a gap in Australian research and improve understanding of child sexual exploitation to help shape better policies and practices for effective prevention and intervention. Dr Hallett will stress the importance of having a clear, shared definition of child sexual exploitation that accounts for various forms of victimisation. She will also emphasise the need for outreach and intensive support for young people in out-of-home care, focusing on strengthening connections, identifying and addressing unmet needs, and ensuring safety through consideration of placements and living circumstances. This includes allowing for the existence of multiple models of child sexual exploitation; using a shared language across different agencies; and improving existing systems to better support affected children.

The webinar will also include a panel of experts from DCJ who will discuss the research findings and lessons for policy and/or practice. They will consider challenges and opportunities, emphasising the importance of child-centred, wellbeing-oriented approaches.

The webinar will be chaired by Matthew Fusarelli, Acting Executive Director, FACSIAR, Department of Communities and Justice

Join us to learn more about:

Understanding child sexual exploitation: Policy and practice implications

Dr Sophie Hallett, Reader, School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, UK

Panel members:

- Gregory Hall, Director Community Services, Mid North Coast, Northern Child Protection, Permanency and Youth Justice, DCJ

- Paul Bains, Manager Client Services, Metro Intensive Support Services - Statewide Services, DCJ

- Dana Cooper, Senior Specialist Psychologist, Psychological & Specialist Services, Office of the Senior Practitioner, DCJ

Questions or comments?

Contact: ResearchPartnerships@dcj.nsw.gov.au