
An Introduction to Adolescent Safeguarding & Extra-Familial Harm
This workshop provides a facilitated space to critically reflect on adolescent development and child exploitation (including criminal and sexual). Exploring ways in which the tools, theories and approaches we use can include some children while excluding others. During this session participants will be invited to consider ways to enhance their practice and be more inclusive.
Session objectives include
- To critically reflect on child exploitation, including who is included and who is excluded in service provision
- To explore adolescent development from an intersectional perspective
- To explore national debates and practice developments in relation to child exploitation
- To consider ways in which individuals and services can enhance their response to children, young people and families affected by child exploitation.

Where are the Black Girls in Child Sexual Abuse Services?
This workshop provides insights and reflections on Black girls victim to child sexual abuse. This session explores the unique positioning of Black girls in society and the influences of historical narratives. The workshop address gaps in research and practice and shares findings on the complex experiences Black girls navigate. This includes how practitioners and services can improve the responses and care they provide to Black girls.
Session objectives include
- To increase awareness of what inhibits and facilitates disclosures
- To explore research findings centred on ‘complex spaces’
- To explore how the hyper sexualisation of Black girls can influence safeguarding responses
- To identify ways in which practitioners and services can improve responses and care they provide to Black girls.

Working with & Supporting Boys
This workshop explores key concepts when working with and supporting boys, including notions of masculinity and how a young male’s intersecting identities can influence the care and support they are provided with. This session uses real life case studies to illustrate the impact of professional biases and societal stereotypes on how young males are positioned in the world and how this can increase vulnerabilities to abuse and exploitation.
Session objectives include
- To explore the male experience, stereotypes, societal messaging and role models
- To critically reflect on the gender imbalance in safeguarding settings and what this means for working with and supporting boys (using an intersectional lens)
- To explore how trauma can affect boys and the service response they receive
- To identify ways in which practitioners and services can improve their care and responses to boys.

Trauma, Intersectionality and Applications to Practice
This workshop is designed to introduce participants to trauma from an intersectional perspective. Exploring how trauma is experienced differently by individuals and groups of individuals and how professionals and services can respond based on universal notions of trauma and vulnerability. This session invites participants to reflect on the origins of trauma theories and how these can include and exclude some children and young people.
Session objectives include
- To introduce participants to trauma, possible causes and theoretical origins
- To critically reflect on notions of trauma and who it may include and who it may exclude
- To explore types of trauma and implications for policy and practice; including intergenerational trauma and communal trauma
- To identify ways in which practitioners and services can improve their responses to traum