To demonstrate the need for assessment and treatment services to assist children and young people presenting harmful sexual behaviours

O'Callaghan, Emily

To demonstrate the need for assessment and treatment services to assist children and young people presenting harmful sexual behaviours

Files

EmilyOCallaghanCARLReport2017.pdf(1.74 MB)

Published Version

Date

2017-08-31

Authors

O'Callaghan, Emily

Publisher

Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork

Abstract

The issues surrounding harmful sexual behaviours in children and young people is a relatively new issue facing health services in Ireland. This present study was designed to highlight the need for treatment and assessment services for children and young people presenting harmful sexual behaviours in the Southern Region (Cork/Kerry). The Action Learning Group Cork through the CARL initiative proposed this research, with the sole purpose to demonstrate the need for these services. Minimal research existed within this area, therefore minimal resources were available. Information and evidence for this research study was gathered by a literature review and qualitative research, in the form of an interview process with professionals working in the field of harmful sexual behaviour with children and young people. In total 4 professionals shared their views and experiences in dealing with these behaviours. Upon examination of the findings, the research and evidence from the interviews were supportive in demonstrating the need for these services. Additionally, this research highlighted the uncertainty that remains around this area within Ireland and what other factors such as digital natives, intellectual disabilities and resilience played in these behaviours. This research allows for future investigations into this area that will benefit these services.

Keywords

Assessment and treatment services , Harmful sexual behaviour , Children and young people , Action Learning Group Cork , Digital natives , Intellectual disabilities

Citation

O'Callaghan, E. (2017) To demonstrate the need for assessment and treatment services to assist children and young people presenting harmful sexual behaviours. Cork: Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork.