This easy-to-follow manual presents techniques for working with groups of children who have been sexually abused. It begins with an overview of the theory and literature of group therapy with children and then offers seven sections on psycho-social skill building techniques, trust building, self esteem, identifying and expressing feelings, healing the inner child, relationships, boundary setting, and prevention skills.

First published in 2003. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

The issue of child sexual exploitation (CSE) has received intense scrutiny in recent years, following a number of high profile legal cases, serious case reviews and inquiries. This has resulted in increasing expectations that those working in the field will know how to appropriately manage and respond to this form of abuse. Of course, this is no easy task given the widely acknowledged difficulties of identifying and responding to sexual abuse and the particular complexities associated with the gain dynamic within CSE and the predominantly older age of children affected by it. This edited collection draws on the latest research evidence and academic thinking around CSE to consider issues of understanding and response. Written by researchers from ‘The International Centre: Researching child sexual exploitation, violence and trafficking’ at the University of Bedfordshire, Part I considers issues of understanding and conceptualisation. Part II considers the practical implications of some of this thinking, sharing learning from research and evaluation on prevention, identification and response. Understanding and Responding to Child Exploitation presents critical learning for academics and students, and for those working in the fields of policy, practice and commissioning. It is relevant to a wide range of disciplines including social care, youth work, education, criminology, health and social policy.

The treatment of sexually abused children between the ages of 7 and 12 present a unique clinical challenge. These victims are in the developmental phase of latency where post-traumatic discomfort and internal conflict are often manifested in self-destructive, sexually inappropriate, and aggressive behavior toward adults and peers. Often unresponsive to interventions that require direct verbal communication, these children need special therapeutic approaches to master feelings of shame, helplessness, responsibility, anger, and sadness, which are concomitant with sexual abuse and disclosure. Group treatment has been shown to be an important component of healing for these children. This volume is the first book on the treatment of sexual abuse that is devoted exclusively to a group treatment approach. GROUP TREATMENT FOR SEXUALLY ABUSED CHILDREN considers the impact of sexual molestation and disclosure on latency-aged children and provides a step-by-step guide to a comprehensive program for victims and their non-offending caretakers. Establishing a therapeutic framework that enables both children and adults to deal with anxiety producing material, themes addressed in a sequence of progressive difficulty. More than a description of a program, this manual offers actual interventions to be used with children and their non-offending caretakers, including guidelines for anticipating and responding therapeutically to expected resistances. The structured curriculum, which consists of ten modules, presents a variety of activities that assist children and adults to begin to identify and express their conflicts and feelings. Each module delineates the Purpose, Objectives, Therapeutic Considerations, Activities and Treatment Challenges for children and their caretakers. Each activity for children incorporates group topics for the caretakers' group which parallel the material presented in the children's group. This approach integrates the treatment, increasing the likelihood of a successful experience for the children. Illustrative case examples are offered to demonstrate how children and adults respond to the activities. Unique features of this program include its attention to the important developmental tasks for children as well as the sequelae of sexual molestation; its respect for the ways in which boys and girls respond differently to sexual trauma; and its inclusion of over 40 original handouts for children and caretakers which may be photocopied for use in your practice. An ideal resource, the structure and variety of original materials in this outstanding volume provide direction and focus for all therapists who are dedicated to the recovery of sexually abused children and their families. Further, many of the handouts are useful for individual and family treatment and, with some modifications, can also be used in work with adolescents. As an added convenience, all the forms in this manual may be photocopied for use in your practice

In Cleveland in 1987 a medical diagnosis of child sexual abuse was made in 127 children, resulting in their removal from home. The consequent intense scrutiny and public criticism around the case, together with the subsequent Butler-Sloss inquiry, resulted in the medical evidence being discredited, giving rise to a system which relies on children to speak out about their abuse. This book argues that this 1987 crisis continues to shape child protection today, resulting in opportunities to protect children being missed. Now re-issued with a substantial new introduction and concluding reflections, this book provides the only account by key professionals directly involved in the Cleveland cases, allowing readers to understand what really took place in Cleveland and why it continues to matter today. It analyses the many failures to address the plight of sexually abused children and makes constructive suggestions for the way forward to provide more effective interventions for children at risk.

`This book is a practical and supportive guide for the professionals facing this traumatic subject. [It] is easily readable′ - Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health `Therapeutic Work With Sexually Abused Children locates the practice experience of the authors within a rigorous theoretical framework and is a readable and useable guide to the complexities of helping children and adolescents who have suffered the trauma of sexual abuse′ - Youth & Policy `It is refreshing to find child therapists ready to engage with sexually abused children by incorporating trauma theory and research, addressing child protection and seeing themselves as part of a team that includes the carers. The authors provide an overview of phases of treatment, theoretical considerations and essential skills. They emphasize the importance of relationship and explore its impact on the therapist. Their approach is creative and child-centered. Case vignettes, poems and exercises promote empathy with the child′s perspective. There is a useful chapter on cultural issues and the needs of children in alternative care... this is an excellent primer for the child′s helping network′ - Community Care `This is an excellent book for workers seeking to respond more effectively to child victims of abuse′ - David Pearson, Caring Magazine Therapeutic Work with Sexually Abused Children is a creative and practical guide for professionals working directly with those who have suffered sexual abuse and for their carers. The trauma of sexual abuse experienced in childhood can be severe and enduring. Therapeutic support is offered to help both the child and the family cope with psychological or emotional difficulties both currently and in later life. Therapists must be able to respond effectively to the child victim in a sensitive and timely way which prioritizes the needs of each child. Drawing on their experience as practitioners, the authors explore the reactions which children commonly experience following abuse and examine the tasks of the therapist in responding to them. This book explores the counselling of children who have been abused rather than adult survivors of child abuse. The book will benefit from the combined experiences of one US author and one UK author.