Working with families affected by sibling sexual abuse 23/24

Target group

This training is targeted at professionals in direct contact with children and those who undertake or contribute to risk assessments and multi-agency meetings including social workers, family support workers, foster carers, health professionals, children’s centre staff, schools, police and others who work with children at risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation.    

Group Level 2 (regular contact with children, young people and/or parent/carer) or Level 3 (predominately working with children) or above (including strategic leads) as set out in the Competence Still Matters training framework published by the London Safeguarding Children Board. Inter-Collegiate Standards 2 and above for health professionals.

Aims 

The aim of this training is to provide a ‘road map’ for those supporting families that is collaborative and tackles concerns in proportionate, child centred and evidence-based ways, promoting safety and healing for everyone in the family when it is most needed. The training covers:
Key findings from up-to date research into sibling sexual abuse
Differentiating between normative sibling sexual interactions and behaviours that are problematic or abusive
Factors to consider when responding to sibling sexual behaviour
Key considerations when constructing robust family safety plans and completing comprehensive assessments
Best practice in therapeutic intervention with children and families affected by sibling sexual abuse
The principles of family reunification and key steps in helping families move on. 

Learning objectives

By attending this course, participants will acquire:
Greater awareness of the prevalence, causes and impact of sibling sexual abuse
Improved confidence in identifying harmful sibling sexual behaviour and responding proportionately
Improved knowledge and practical skills to contribute to or complete comprehensive safety planning and assessments with families affected by sibling sexual abuse
Improved understanding of best practice in therapeutic intervention with children and families where sibling sexual abuse has occurred
Greater awareness of the importance of family reunification and how this can be prioritised in our work
Improved awareness of the importance of survivor centred perspectives in working with families affected by sibling sexual abuse.