The Prevention programme, a therapeutic risk management intervention for those who have committed a sexual offence against a child, is a core element of our child protection strategy. 

The programme is psychotherapeutic, relying on the quality of the therapeutic relationship, and evidence-based, intervening on the factors that have been demonstrated to facilitate offending and recidivism. 

We work with individuals who are motivated to understand and take responsibility for the harm they caused and who want to live a safe and healthy life going forward. We work with people at any stage of the Criminal Justice Process and those who may never face charges. 

The process begins with an initial meeting to ascertain suitability for our programme. This includes a risk assessment as well as willingness to plead guilty to criminal charges, if relevant, and engage in appropriate child protection measures. 

After the assessment, the therapist will outline the support that might best suit the client’s needs. This often begins with one-to-one therapy before progressing on to a group. Therapy supports the client to explore their triggers and motivations to offend, the functions the offending behaviour fulfilled and healthy ways to have core needs met in the future. Therapy is tailored and responsive to the individual. 

If you are worried about your thoughts or behaviour towards children, support is available. If you feel unable to contact us at this stage please contact  https://www.stopitnow.org.uk/ were you can you avail of confidential online support. 

Family support

Child abuse often happens within the family unit, and the majority of those who sexually abuse children are not convicted. A family finding out a relative has offended can have a devastating impact.  We offer a Family Prevention Group to support the family to begin to understand what has happened.  The group context addresses the sense of shame, isolation and fear that can be overwhelming. We provide a safe space to learn about the functions, dynamics and myths of sexual offending and to think with others in a similar situation about moving forward in a safe and informed way.