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Family Court System

Assessment and Intervention Services


The safeguarding of children from sexual abuse is our paramount concern. We have expertise in working with male and female adults and adolescents whose behaviours are sexually abusive. 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 on 01527 591922 or email: referrals@lucyfaithfull.org.


Referrals for individual and for family assessment are made by:

Family Courts

  • Statutory child safeguarding agencies
  • CAFCASS workers and Guardians
    Solicitors and Barristers
  • Voluntary organisations and Charities
  • Fostering agencies
  • Health and Mental Health services
  • Churches and faith communities
  • DCSF

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 or 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 another person 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 abusefree 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 please contact

Referrals Manager
The Lucy Faithfull Foundation
Bordesley Hall
The Holloway
Alvechurch
Birmingham
B48 7QA

Tel: 01527-591922
Email: referrals@lucyfaithfull.org