Whenever a child or young person presents problem sexual behaviour, immediate consideration should be given to whether action should be taken under child protection procedures, either to protect the victim or because there is concern about what has caused the child/young person to behave in this way.

Approaching problem sexual behaviours and their inherent risks can invoke a real anxiety in professionals across disciplines. This can result in a lack of clarity about roles and can leave workers feeling powerless to respond to their responsibilities in the management of risk.

The Risk Management for Children and Young People With Problem Sexual Behaviours: Lanarkshire Multi-Agency Framework and Protocol assists in making risk more tangible and thus enables professionals to employ strategies for effective risk management.