Sheffield Children Safeguarding Partnership

Reports of underage sexual activity may raise difficult issues for practitioners, and need to be managed with sensitivity. The Sexual Offences Act 2003 sets out the law in relation to all children and young people under 16 who legally cannot consent to sex, but makes a separate distinction for children under 13 for whom any sexual activity should be considered to put a child at risk of serious harm. Although sexual activity in itself is not an offence over the age of 16, young people under the age of 18 are still offered protection under the Children Act 2004, if required.

You can find further guidance here Factsheet: Sexually Active Young People

The Hackett Continuum of Children's Sexual Behaviour is the approved tool in Sheffield to understand, assess and respond appropriately to harmful sexual behaviour by children and young people. There is guidance below and training available for practitioners. Practitioners will need to consider the description below the classification heading to clarify their level of concern.

If you are concerned then you should make a referral to Children’s Social Care. Similarly you should consider the vulnerability of adults involved and consider a referral to Adult Safeguarding.

Below are Sheffield Children Safeguarding Partnership (SCSP) and other fact sheets, policies, protocols and training to help you and your workforce understand the issues involved, know when to ask for support and to get help when it is needed.

• Continuum of sexual behaviours in children and young people - Hackett's model
• Recognising and Responding to Harmful Sexual Behaviour by Children and Young People: A guide for practitioners in Sheffield incorporating the Hackett Continuum Model

SCSP Child Protection and Safeguarding Manual

• Sheffield’s multi-agency response to the assessment and intervention of children and young people with Harmful Sexual Behaviour

For more information about child sexual abuse please refer to this page: Types of Abuse