Developing a model for the assessment of historical allegations of CSA from a safeguarding perspective

Child Sexual Abuse remains an endemic issue in Irish Society (SAVI Report, 2002). In spite of numerous reports into institutional abuse, the state response to historic allegations of CSA remains vague and unfocussed.  In... [ view full abstract ]

Child Sexual Abuse remains an endemic issue in Irish Society (SAVI Report, 2002). In spite of numerous reports into institutional abuse, the state response to historic allegations of CSA remains vague and unfocussed.  In this context Child Protection systems are expected to respond to historic allegations of child sexual abuse and provide safeguarding for current children where risk has been established.  The state child protection services in Ireland are currently developing services to respond more adequately to these types of cases than has been done in the past.  In this paper the author and colleagues will: 

• set the current and historic context for this work;

• will outline the legal and constitutional challenges surrounding the work;

The paper will also present findings for a small-scale study of completed assessments of historical allegations of sexual abuse. This study includes a comparative analysis of key risk factors between convicted sex offenders, as identified in theories of sexual offending, and non-convicted persons of concern.

Finally we will explore potential future models and practice guidance for this developing area of social work practice.