Archive

By Jenny J Pearce with Mary Williams and Cristina Galvin.
National Children's Bureau
ISBN 1900990830
£12.95

Professionals involved in residential care and educational provision for young women between the ages of 10 and 18 should read this book. It identifies three categories of risk that, if identified by a carer or practitioner, could lead to effective support for young women at risk of sexual exploitation. Possible actions and recommendations ensuing from identification are covered in chapter six.

The authors assessed the backgrounds of 55 young women aged 18 years and under. Those involved in the study detailed their life experiences and their understanding of how they became at risk of being sexually exploited. As the authors say quite truthfully: "The report maintains this focus, providing the young women's voice throughout."

The report makes good use of informative tables and diagrams throughout the chapters. The research findings are of great interest, and I appreciated the connection between the subjects' educational experience and the resulting challenges faced by each individual. All those providing services to children should make time to read this study and reflect on its findings and recommendations.

Richard Rose is deputy director of practice, SACCS.