Assessment and Intervention Services

The safeguarding of children from sexual abuse is our paramount concern. Our expertise in working with male and female, adult and adolescent perpetrators of abuse informs our practice both with them and with child victims and other family members. Within this context, we conduct assessments and provide tailored intervention programmes for all parties.

For further information and a scale of fees contact the Referrals Manager 01527 591922 or email: referrals@lucyfaithfull.org.

Self referrals - click here for more information

Referrals for individual and for family assessment are made by:

To assist with:

	Family court proceedings, such as Care proceedings or adoption hearings, Private law proceedings, such as Residence or Contact disputes
	Child Protection Case Conferences
	Local Authority decision making about the viability of family reconstruction
	Therapeutic work with children, young people and families
	Employers' decision making regarding employees against whom allegations of a sexual nature have been made
	Assessment and treatment of perpetrators, to manage and reduce risk and identify and meet treatment needs
	Management of male and female offenders in prison or under community supervision
	Applications for a Sex Offence Prevention Order
	Placement of children and young people known to pose a risk to other children

In situations where:

	Specialist assessment is needed to inform treatment and case management
	There is concern about behaviour, e.g. viewing abusive images on the Internet
	A known offender or someone suspected of abuse has moved into a household where children are present
	A known offender is due to be released from custody and may have contact with children
	Children have alleged that someone living with them has sexually abused them, but there is insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution
	Someone working in a professional capacity with children, such as a teacher, priest, social worker, carer has been the subject of allegations of sexual abuse or there is concern about conduct
	Children in a household exhibit behaviours consistent with sexual assault
	A child has been born, and it is discovered that a family member has a historical conviction for some form of sexually abusive behaviour
	There is generalised concern about parental 'failure to protect' children

Referral of individual adult family members and of whole families

Whilst we accept individual referrals of any adult or of children within a given family, our preference is for whole family referral, especially in family court cases. One of a team of specialist workers sees each person, liasing closely with colleagues to highlight the dangers, strengths and therapeutic needs within the family. This integrated approach enables us to recommend an appropriate way forward for each person whilst ensuring that the needs of children are always paramount.

We can provide structured evidence-based treatment programmes for adults who abuse. These can be designed to complement statutory interventions. Structured programmes for partners of abusers are available to increase ability to protect and to deal with personal issues.

Referral of children and young people who have been, are suspected of having been, or are felt to be at risk of being sexually abused, includes situations where:

	children are felt to have been placed at risk through the involvement of a known offender or someone suspected of abuse in their household
	a child has been sexually abused, and assessment of therapeutic need is necessary
	family reconstruction is a possibility and the child's wishes are unclear

Following assessment, we can provide individual therapy designed to explore and address the experience of abuse, and facilitate the development of effective means of keeping safe in the future. A routine aspect of any intervention includes liaison with those working with any adults responsible for the abuse of the child, in order that information gleaned from the adult in treatment can be used to aid the child in therapy. We work with other family members as required.

Referral of young people and children who engage in, or are alleged to have engaged in abusive or inappropriate sexual behaviour, includes situations in which a child or young person:

	is believed to have sexually abused a brother or sister, but there is insufficient evidence or willingness to lead to a criminal prosecution
	is engaging in inappropriate sexual behaviour towards or in the presence of adults
	has been sexually abused, and has begun to react by sexually abusing others
	has been charged with a criminal offence involving sexual misconduct, and the local authority or YOT requires assistance in assessing risk and need

Following assessment, intervention explores and addresses the causes of behaviour, and facilitates an effective plan for an abuse-free life. Dependent on the treatment needs identified, a structured programme is designed. This places strong emphasis upon the young person's developmental stage, personal and family context. A routine aspect of intervention includes liaison with those working with child victims, in order that information gleaned can aid that child in therapy. We undertake work with the wider family directly as necessary.

For further information including a full Clinical Services Brochure please contact the Referrals Manager, The Lucy Faithfull Foundation, Bordesley Hall, The Holloway, Alvechurch, Birmingham B48 7QA. Tel: 01527-591922 email: referrals@lucyfaithfull.org.