Residential Care Practitioners’ Knowledge, Training and Insights into Child Sexual Exploitation
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Queensland University of Technology
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Queensland University of Technology Australia
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Integrated Family and Youth Service, Inc Australia
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Queensland University of Technology Australia
Abstract
This article considers practitioner training, knowledge, and perceptions in relation to child sexual exploitation (CSE) of young people in residential care. CSE is a complex phenomenon, and frontline practitioners need and deserve adequate education and training about its nature, characteristics and impacts, in order to identify and manage incidents, act in the best interests of the young people in their care and engage with criminal justice and other social systems. Internationally, little research has been conducted into CSE and professional practice generally, including in this context of heightened risk. We report the results of a quantitative survey of residential care practitioners from Queensland, Australia. Key findings include: the lack of pre-service and in-service training; the desire for further training; priority areas for development of accurate knowledge; and insights into systemic features that facilitate and impede optimal responses to CSE. Results have implications for diverse settings in Australia and elsewhere internationally.
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Author Biographies
An experienced social work practitioner, Emma Rees conceptualised a PhD project from practice, which involved listening to the voices of adults who experienced child sexual abuse. Broadly focusing on child sexual abuse, Emma has maintained an interest in systemic responses to child sexual exploitation as a research assistant.
Ben Mathews is a Distinguished Professor in the School of Law at Queensland University of Technology. For 25 years he has conducted multidisciplinary research into child maltreatment, and especially into child sexual abuse. He has led 12 major funded projects and published 30 government reports, 50 law reform submissions, and over 150 refereed works. His research has influenced reforms in Australia and overseas to improve ways of preventing, identifying and responding to child maltreatment.
Conrad is Principal Advisor on Child Exploitation at IFYS Ltd where he oversees a national programme aimed at addressing the issue of child exploitation and trafficking in Australia. His career as a practitioner, manager and advisor has focused primarily on child exploitation, missing children, harmful sexual behaviours and therapeutic intervention.
Parvin is a Statistician at the Queensland University of Technology, with over 10 years of experience in quantitative research. She has been working to address violence against children in Bangladesh and Australia, with particular focus on mental health outcomes.