CYP Now - Recognising and Responding to Young People With Learning Disabilities Who Experience, or Are at Risk of, Child Sexual Exploitation in the UK

Findings from recent studies suggest there is an increased risk of child sexual exploitation (CSE) for young people with learning disabilities. However, there is a lack of evidence concerning how best to protect, identify and support these young people. This exploratory study aimed to address this gap by examining the identification of, and support for sexually exploited young people with learning disabilities.

Authors Anita Franklin and Emilie Smeaton

Published by Children and Youth Services Review 73, (2017)

Policy context

Identifying the prevalence of CSE among children and young people with learning disabilities can be a particular challenge for a number of reasons:

All four UK nations have developed guidance and/or action plans to safeguard children from sexual exploitation. However, recent guidance in England is non-statutory, and does not address the particular needs of young people with a learning disability.

The study utilised a mixed methods approach comprising the following:

Study findings

Key themes, which were consistently identified by study participants, are outlined here.

Implications for practice

The research section for this special report is based on a selection of academic studies which have been explored and summarised by Research in Practice, part of the Dartington Hall Trust

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