“The training was very interactive and realistic, with an excellent facilitator. It was a really useful course and very relatable to our practice and NHS organisation/”

Debbie, Alderhay Children's Hospital, Liverpool

Course Summary

Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) is a deeply sensitive subject that requires more than just "textbook" knowledge. This training provides a safe space for support workers to explore the realities of abuse, debunk common myths, and understand the grooming processes that facilitators use. We dive into Finkelhor’s Four Preconditions Model to help you understand the mechanics of how abuse occurs, ensuring you have a solid foundation for your safeguarding responsibilities.

We also focus heavily on the child's perspective. You will learn how trauma impacts a young person's brain, their social development, and why they might display "concerning" sexualised behaviours as a way of surviving. By understanding these reactions as trauma-linked rather than simply "bad behaviour," you can provide more effective, attuned support that promotes long-term healing.

A Holistic Approach to Safety and Recovery

This course bridges the gap between basic safeguarding and high-level trauma-informed care. We don't just talk about the "what"; we focus on the "how." You will gain practical strategies for safe communication, grounding techniques for distressed children, and advice on maintaining professional boundaries. By integrating SEO-optimised trauma-informed practices and the latest insights into technology-assisted abuse, this training ensures that residential and community-based staff are fully prepared for the modern challenges of child protection.

  • Master the "dos and don'ts" of responding to sensitive disclosures.
  • Understand the impact of AI and online platforms on modern CSA.
  • Learn grounding and regulation strategies to help children in crisis.
  • Explore the importance of staff debriefing and self-care to prevent burnout.

Course Learning Outcomes

Review the learning objectives below. Expand each aim to view the detailed criteria this course covers.

1Understand what Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) is and how it occurs.
  • 1.1Describe the meaning of abuse and Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA).
  • 1.2Explain safeguarding responsibilities across professional roles.
  • 1.3Clarify myths, misconceptions, and perpetrator dynamics.
  • 1.4Evaluate Finkelhor’s Four Preconditions Model.
  • 1.5Explain physical, non‑physical, online, and technology‑assisted (AI) forms of CSA
  • 1.6Describe the grooming processes and how abuse can be facilitated
2Understand factors that increase vulnerability and the impact of CSA on children’s emotions, behaviour, and development.
  • 2.1Explain vulnerabilities linked to trafficking, grooming, exploitation, and developmental stage.
  • 2.2Explain how cognitive, emotional, and social development influence understanding of boundaries and consent.
  • 2.3Describe the emotional, behavioural, and developmental impact of trauma.
  • 2.4Explain how children may be influenced or conditioned into sexualised behaviours.
  • 2.5Explain how concerning sexualised behaviour links to survival responses, and trauma‑linked reactions.
3Understand ways of recognising, responding to, and reporting concerns, disclosures, or allegations of CSA.
  • 3.1Identify the different ways concerns may arise, including disclosures, third‑party information, or behavioural indicators.
  • 3.2Describe how to use safe, attuned, non‑leading communication with children.
  • 3.3Identify grounding and regulation strategies to support children experiencing distress or trauma reminders.
  • 3.4Explain trauma‑informed ‘dos and don’ts’ for working with children who have experienced Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA).
  • 3.5Confirm accurate recording and reporting requirements in line with safeguarding procedures including professional boundaries.
4Understand skills to support recovery, resilience, and safety for children who have experienced Childhood Sexual Abuse, while maintaining staff wellbeing
  • 4.1Explain strategies to reduce concerning sexualised behaviours in residential settings.
  • 4.2Describe trauma‑informed, relational, and strengths‑based approaches to supporting children.
  • 4.3Confirm the importance of reflective practice, debriefing, and self‑care for staff when supporting children affected by trauma.

Who is this course for?

This course is for social care support workers, residential care staff, and foster carers who work directly with children and young people and want to deepen their ability to support trauma recovery.

Duration

1 day course - we can be flexible on start and finish times to suit your needs such as school run friendly times.

Availability

This Childhood Sexual Abuse: Support & Recovery Course is offered in two delivery formats:

  • Remote Online: Led by a live tutor via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, allowing participants to join remotely. (Also known as virtual classroom training)
  • Face-to-Face: Delivered in person at your location or a venue you arrange. (Also referred to as on-site training)

View a comparison of Remote and in-person face to face training .
Complete our quick enquiry form for a price and available dates.

Certification

Each learner completing this course will receive a digital (PDF) certificate of learning.

Accreditation

The course contents are accredited by the Open College Network (OCN) Credit4Learning as a Level 3 course.

Remote or Face to Face

Choose the learning environment that works best for you: our expert-led training is offered in two convenient formats - remote tutor led online or in person face to face.

Compare Remote with Face to Face

1 Day Course

Flexible start and finish times to suit you. Contact us for available dates.

Accredited

The course contents are accredited by the Open College Network (OCN) Credit4Learning as a Level 3 course.

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Course FAQs

Why is this specific training important if I’ve already done basic safeguarding?

Basic safeguarding tells you how to report a concern, but this course goes much deeper. It gives you the psychological 'why' behind a child's behaviour and the practical 'how' for supporting their recovery and managing complex survival responses in a residential setting.

How will this course help me handle a disclosure from a child?

Disclosures can be overwhelming. We provide a trauma-informed framework for 'attuned communication,' helping you stay calm, avoid leading questions, and ensure the child feels safe and heard without compromising the legal integrity of the information.

Does the training cover modern risks like the internet and AI?

Yes. We specifically look at how technology is used to facilitate abuse, including technology-assisted and AI-generated forms of CSA, so you can stay ahead of the risks children face in the digital world.

Will I learn how to manage sexualised behaviours in my workplace?

Absolutely. We look at strategies to reduce concerning sexualised behaviours by understanding them as reactions to trauma. You'll leave with practical, relational approaches to keep both the children and the environment safe.

Is this training going to be emotionally heavy for staff?

The subject is serious, but the training is designed to be supportive. We dedicate time to staff wellbeing, reflective practice, and self-care, ensuring you feel empowered and resilient rather than drained.
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