Child Protection Guidance 2021

Part 4: Specific support needs and concerns 170 National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 Version 1.0 September 2021 4.221 Some children sexually abuse other children . This may include harmful sexual behaviour: • between similar-age children in the context of intimate relationships • in the context of gangs • between children within the same family • between older and younger children • online and/or face-to-face • including abuse that falls within the definition of child sexual exploitation 4.222 Children may be involved in sexual discussions or acts, whether directly or through the use of digital technology. This may include the sharing of images that are harmful to self and/or others, given their age or stage of development (Hollis et al., 2017). 4.223 Behaviours vary in nature, degree of force, motivation, context, level of intent, level of sexual arousal, and the age and gender of victims. Just as there is a continuum of behaviour, there needs to be a continuum of potential responses, ranging from broad educational input on consent and relationships, through to multi-agency public protection arrangements for serious sexual offences. 4.224 Those children who harm may have been harmed themselves. Many will have unmet emotional needs, use coercion and aggression as coping strategies, have poor emotional regulation, have experienced pre-adolescent sexualisation, and/or have unresolved trauma. Some may have developmental delay, intellectual impairment or be affected by autism. 4.225 Whether an immediate response to harmful sexual behaviour is required depends on interacting considerations relating to risk, age and context. In all actions and decisions the primary professional consideration must be to safeguard and promote the wellbeing of the children involved. 4.226 In all cases where a child or young person displays sexual behaviour that may cause significant harm, immediate consideration should be given as to whether action should be taken under child protection procedures, in order both to protect children harmed or at risk of harm by the behaviour and to address any child protection concerns that may at least in part explain why the child/young person has behaved in such a way. 4.227 A risk assessment should be carried out to determine whether the child or young person should remain within the family home and, if necessary, to inform the decision as to what might be an appropriate alternative placement. In the event that an alternative placement is needed, residential staff or foster carers need to be fully informed about the harmful or problematic sexual behaviour, and a risk management plan drawn up to support the placement. Teamwork between all involved is the key to safety. 4.228 Where concerns are below the threshold of significant harm towards or caused by a child, there may still be a need for co‑ordinated assessment and support to address the needs underpinning troubled or troubling behaviour.