Resource update
Please note: We will be updating these factsheets (with a focus on Factsheet #1) to reflect the more recent, nuanced understanding of the continuum of harmful sexual behaviours. We anticipate the updated versions will be available by the end of 2026. Until then, the existing factsheets continue to provide valuable guidance for carers and practitioners.
What are these resources intended for?
ACWA, in conjunction with the Parenting Research Centre (PRC), have released a series of factsheets for supporting practitioners and carers to better respond to problematic and harmful sexual behaviour (PHSB), which are intended to complement training on this topic being developed by DCJ.
Why were they developed?
This work was commenced after the NSW Ministry of Health approached us about filling the gap in available resources tailored to suit the OOHC environment.
How were they developed?
The resources were developed using a co-design process with carers and caseworkers from ACWA member agencies, who shared valuable insights and ideas with us during workshops which helped shape the form and content of the resources.
Factsheets for practitioners:
These factsheets are designed for practitioners who support children and young people in out-of-home care and their carers. They introduce what problematic and harmful sexual behaviours are and how to identify them. The factsheets also focus on supporting practitioners to hold productive conversations with carers about problematic and harmful sexual behaviours, including using appropriate language and framing, responding to carer reactions and communicating hopeful messages.
Practitioner Factsheet 1: Identifying problematic and harmful sexual behaviour
Practitioner Factsheet 2: Using appropriate language and framing
Practitioner Factsheet 3: Responding to carer reactions
Practitioner Factsheet 4: Addressing relational issues between carers and children or young people displaying problematic or harmful sexual behaviour
Practitioner Factsheet 5: Acknowledging and affirming carer strengths
Practitioner Factsheet 6: Communicating hope for the future
Practitioner Factsheet 7: Where can I get more help?
Factsheets for carers:
These factsheets are designed for carers of children or young people in out-of-home care, particularly if they are displaying problematic and harmful sexual behaviour. They introduce what problematic and harmful sexual behaviours are and how to identify them, and why it is important to respond to these behaviours, including through having safe and open conversations with the child or young person about the behaviour. The factsheets provide guidance on how to have conversations with children or young people about their problematic or harmful sexual behaviour.
Carer Factsheet 1: What is problematic and harmful sexual behaviour?
Carer Factsheet 2: How can I prepare for conversations about problematic and harmful sexual behaviour?
Carer Factsheet 3: What words should I use when having conversations about problematic and harmful sexual behaviour?
Carer Factsheet 4: How might I start a conversation about problematic and harmful sexual behaviour?
Carer Factsheet 5: How can I use conversations to encourage healthy sexual behaviour and positive choices?
Carer Factsheet 6: How can I encourage conversations to be ongoing and communicate hope for the future?
Carer Factsheet 7: Where can I get more help?