Understanding and Responding to Harmful Sexual Behaviours in Children and Young People

Hosted by the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare (the Centre) and the Australian Centre for Child Protection (ACCP), in collaboration with Laurel House and Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS), this session invites practitioners and leaders working with children, young people, and families to deepen their knowledge and skills in recognising and responding to harmful sexual behaviours (HSB).

The recent Tasmanian Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government's responses to child sexual abuse in institutional settings highlighted HSB as an area of concern requiring urgent attention. HSB can be potentially harmful not only to children and young people, but also to their families, carers, and the wider Tasmanian community.

Session Overview:
This program, designed by the ACCP in collaboration with the Centre, will cover:

• What are harmful sexual behaviours
• Factors to consider in determining how worried to be about a behaviour
• Practical examples and opportunity for discussion and interaction

The session has been developed for professionals working with children and young people, across a range of sectors (e.g., child and family services, disability, education, justice), though we warmly welcome any professionals from across the community sector and government who feel this workshop could benefit them to attend and actively engage.

Presenters:

• Professor Leah Bromfield – Director and Chair, Australian Centre for Child Protection, University of South Australia
• Amanda Paton – Clinical Psychologist, Deputy Director - Practice, Australian Centre for Child Protection, University of South Australia
• Professor Simon Hackett – Director of Research, Department of Sociology, Durham University and Adjunct Professor, Australian Centre for Child Protection, University of South Australia