The Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) pathway has been commissioned with aspirations to be an all age service, operating from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), to adult mental health and into the voluntary sector.
Traditionally this is a hard to reach group with multiple vulnerabilities, which, due to their experiences, can be mistrustful of services. Those vulnerable to or subject to CSE have often suffered from both developmental trauma as well as sexual trauma, and this cannot be treated by one single approach or agency.
Consultation Service
To improve access to mental health services, and to respect existing networks of care, referrals are preferred via a consultation meeting with those who know the young person the best and who are currently supporting them and their family. The consultation method can be an intervention that supports the practice of other professionals in relation to the mental health and wellbeing of the child or as a precursor to more in-depth assessment and therapeutic work.
Therapeutic Work
If, after a consultation process, direct work is offered, this is usually done within the family context, whether it be individually or with parts of the family. Psychoanalytic and systemic models of individual development, family and inter-generational relationships, and trauma informed practice are used.
Organisational Consultancy
An outreach approach is offered to other organisations working with those who have survived or are vulnerable to CSE. It is recognised that many people who have experienced CSE may never access mental health services directly, yet they may suffer from the impact of CSE either through their own direct experiences of those of their parent or other family member. Providing consultation, and taking a joint approach, can also reduce the impact of vicarious trauma upon the workforce. In reach consultancy is also provided within Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust services.
The CSE service embraces inclusive and accessible practice. Constantly finding creative ways to reduce thresholds and providing caring and responsive services to some of the most vulnerable people in the community, and to the staff who work with them.