HSB team's Intervention Under Investigation project

The Norfolk Harmful Sexual Behaviour (HSB) team receive requests from a variety of agencies, including Children's Services and schools, for advice and support about children and young people who have displayed harmful sexual behaviour and are under active investigation by the Police for those behaviours. Currently, the HSB team is only able to offer risk management advice as there are concerns that more active intervention could influence investigations and outcomes unfairly. However, Police investigations and outcomes can take in excess of two years, which is a significant period of time for the child to wait for support and this can also influence many areas of their life, including education, living arrangements, family contact and mental health and well-being.   

Other agencies working with the children and young people face similar barriers to offering them any support about HSB for this period of investigation.  

Working in partnership with Norfolk Police and the Crown Prosecution Service, the HSB team are launching a pilot programme to support children and young people to access support and intervention whilst under investigation.  

In cases where the child is under investigation, the HSB team can provide advice and support to the professional network around the child to deliver specific intervention with a focus on; 

• Ensuring the child has age-appropriate sex and relationships knowledge. 
• Supporting the child to understand how to make healthy relationships with others, including exploring personal boundaries, consent, and safe touch. 
• Building the child's skills and capabilities in making healthy relationships including work around self-esteem, emotional regulation, and social skills. 
• Supporting the child to explore their developing sexual identity. 

This pilot project is planned to launch in October, once relevant professionals have received training. Details on how to access this service for children and young people who are under police investigation will be provided in the autumn.