Understanding Perpetrators, Protecting Children: A practitioner's guide to working with child sexual abusers

The development of knowledge and skills in working with perpetrators of sexual abuse over the past 15 years has been greatly aided by the establishment of specialist workers and teams. However, this has had the unintended effect of generating mystique about the nature of the work and discouraging non-specialists from engaging in it. The authors feel that this is counter-productive and must be addressed, as almost all work with perpetrators is undertaken by individuals with little support, specialist training or supervision. Only 6% of known perpetrators are treated in established specialist programmes. The underpinning theory and the key principles of practice with this group can be acquired by any professional worker. This book brings that knowledge to front-line staff to enable them to contribute effectively to the protection of children. The book sets out: . To demystify the theory of working with perpetrators of child sexual abuse. . To give practitioners the information they need to able to work effectively and safely with perpetrators. . To help practitioners acquire the skills to help perpetrators take responsibility for their actions and thus protect children. . To look at the gender issues inevitably embedded in this area of work. The book is aimed at the singleton practitioner within social work, probation, housing, community work and mental health work who is increasing faced with the need to work with sex offenders with little or no specialist support. The authors have between them over twenty years of experience in working and training in this field. In this book they have attempted to disseminate their knowledge. They have provided an accessible, readable and informative 'how to' guide. It will appeal to any front line worker who seeks practical advice to develop his or her competence in face to face work with this group. Contents: Context and theory . How Perpetrators Operate . The Grooming Process . Risk Assessment . Change, Monitoring and Containment. Professional Support . Multi-Agency Contexts . Impact on the Professional Lynda Deacon is Staff Tutor, Health and Social Welfare, Open University, with extensive experience in child protection work. Bryan Gocke is a Child Protection Manager and former Probation Officer with experience with adult and adolescent abusers.