A UK victimisation study found that 24% of young people reported having been sexually abused by the age of 18, nearly two thirds of whom by another child (Radford et al., 2011). Hackett et al. (2016) estimate that at least a third of all sexual offences against children in the UK are committed by other children.
In order to reduce and prevent child sexual abuse it is vital that interventions with children who have displayed harmful sexual behaviour are successful in reducing recidivism. However, as they are children themselves, often with their own experiences of abuse and trauma, it is also important that interventions support these children’s welfare and long-term well-being. It is hard to argue that intervention has been successful if in the long-term these young people continue to experience anxiety and suicidal thoughts (Kjellgren, 2019), family instability, drug and alcohol use, poor health and failed relationships (Hackett and Masson, 2012).
In their rapid evidence assessment of current best evidence in the therapeutic treatment of children who have displayed harmful sexual behaviours, Shlonsky et al., (2017) conclude that services must be driven by outcomes that move beyond recidivism to include reliable and valid well-being indicators. It is striking, however, that UK evaluations focus on qualitative data and lack such reliable and valid quantitative measures of welfare outcomes.
This project aims to evaluate the extent to which success of interventions with children and young people who have displayed harmful sexual behaviour can be quanitifed. There is opportunity for the student to co-develop the evaluation framework; however the project will explore the percention of a successful intervention across stakeholder groups and it is envisaged that a variety of assessment methodologies and different outcome tools that address various relevant constructs may be required. Additionally the perspective of various stakehorlders as to ‘quantifiable success’ will be considered.
You will be supervised by Dr. Peter Yates, subject expert in harmful sexual behaviour and co-author of Allardyce, S. and Yates, P. (2018) Working with children and young people who have displayed harmful sexual behaviours, Dunedin Academic Press; and Dr. David Hamilton, subject expert in quantitative outcomes measurement and author of over 80 peer-reviewd articles on this and related subjects.
Academic qualifications
A first degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in a social science subject with a good fundamental knowledge of social work or applied social science.
English language requirement
IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.
Essential attributes:
· Experience of fundamental service delivery in social work or social care setting
· Competent in engaging with a range of stakeholders, including social work and social care professionals, to discuss complex issues
· Knowledge of social work or applied social science
· Good written and oral communication skills
· Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project
· Good time management
Desirable attributes:
A high level of interpersonal skills
Experience of working in social work and with harmful sexual behaviours would be desirable but could be learned
Experience of outcome evaluation methodology would be desirable but could be learned.
Please quote reference SHSC0022 on your application.
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
• Completed application form
• CV
• 2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (Found on the application process page)
• A personal research statement (This should include (a) a brief description of your relevant experience and skills, (b) an indication of
what you would uniquely bring to the project and (c) a statement of how this project fits with your future direction.)
• Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)