Dr Abi Sheed1, Associate Professor Rachael Fullam1, Dr Janet Ruffles1, Professor Michael Daffern1
1Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
Biography:
Dr Abigail Sheed is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, with affiliations to Swinburne University’s Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, Victorian Children’s Court Clinic, and the Victorian Department of Justice and Community Safety. Her research centres on the topics of youth family violence and antisocial behaviour, child maltreatment, risk assessment, and intervention. She has particular research and clinical interests in understanding, assessing and treating child and youth problem behaviour – including violent, sexual, and general criminal behaviour – and the application of research to policy and practice.
Abstract:
Harmful sexual behaviours (HSBs) represent a persistent and significant challenge within youth justice settings, with significant psychosocial and health-related consequences for both young people who engage in HSBs and the victim(s). Despite this, there remains a distinct lack of literature or frameworks regarding how to appropriately identify and respond to HSBs within youth custodial facilities. Addressing this gap, this presentation outlines a framework designed to support youth custodial staff to identify and respond to HSBs within custodial settings. The three-part framework – derived from a combination of clinical expertise and a review of the international peer reviewed and grey literatures – provides operational guidance for Youth Justice staff on how to (1) recognise and understand, (2) prevent, and (3) respond to HSBs among young people in custodial settings.
This presentation will outline the evidence for addressing HSBs in custody, provide an overview of the operational framework for responding HSBs in custody, and discuss implications for practice and policy implementation.