Children and young people experience the challenges of growing up in different ways and their sexual development is one important aspect of this. Sexual behaviour lies on a continuum which ranges from being healthy/appropriate to problematic/inappropriate to abusive/harmful. Some children and young people can display inappropriate, problematic or harmful sexual behaviour; understanding contextual issues underpinning the behaviour as well as the individual developmental needs of the child are crucial for both assessment and meaningful intervention.

In this one-day workshop participants will ….

• develop their understanding of the differences between healthy, problematic and harmful sexual behaviours
• understand the needs that some children are trying to meet when behaving in sexually harmful ways
• challenge some of the myths and stereotypes regarding children and young people who display harmful sexual behaviour
• feel more confident about engaging and working with children with problematic or harmful sexual behaviours
• have the opportunity to discuss practitioner experiences and anxieties.

Having attended the workshop, participants should have:

• improved knowledge of evidence based frameworks in assessing and working with children and young people with harmful sexual behaviours
• an understanding of relevant research to inform practice
• learning about communication and activities to engage children and young people
  opportunities to practice, participate and learn in a safe environment

The workshop will be positive fun and interactive.