The considerations in the following checklist should be taken into account when assessing the extent to which a child (or other children) is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm and therefore whether a strategy discussion should be held in order to share information:
- the age of the child. Sexual activity at a young age is a very strong indicator that there are risks to the welfare of the child (whether boy or girl) and, possibly, others;
- the level of maturity and understanding of the child;
- what is known about the child’s living circumstances or background;
- age imbalance, in particular where there is a significant age difference;
- overt aggression or power imbalance;
- coercion or bribery;
- familial child sex offences;
- behaviour of the child i.e. withdrawn, anxious;
- the misuse of substances as a disinhibitor;
- whether the child’s own behaviour because of the misuse of substances places him/her at risk of suffering harm so that he/she is unable to make an informed choice about any activity;
- whether any attempts to secure secrecy have been made by the sexual partner beyond what would be considered usual in a teenage relationship;
- whether the child denies, minimises or accepts concerns;
- whether the methods used are consistent with grooming; and
- whether the sexual partner/s is known by one of the agencies.
