Specialist psycho-sexual assessments
Assessments that bring clarity, safeguarding insight, and psychologically informed decision‑making for children and young people presenting with HSB or PSB.
Led by Dr Ian Burke, Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, our assessments offer a tailored, in‑depth analysis of HSB/PSB to guide safe and effective decision‑making.
Why a Psycho-sexual Assessment?
Unlike models such as AIM, a psycho‑sexual assessment examines the psychological needs underpinning HSB/PSB. This deeper understanding supports more accurate risk analysis, clearer planning, and interventions that are better matched to the young person’s needs.
Information Collation
Each assessment begins with a comprehensive gathering of information about the young person’s sexual behaviour, including historical patterns, contextual factors, and current concerns. This ensures a full and accurate understanding of the situation.
Psychological Measures
Where appropriate, standardised tools such as the Trauma Symptom Checklist, Child Sexual Behaviour Inventory, MEGA Assessment, and Child Behaviour Checklist are used to provide structured, evidence‑based insight.
Psychological Formulation
A detailed formulation explores how the behaviour developed, taking into account developmental, relational, and environmental influences that may be contributing to the behaviour.
Risk Analysis and Level of Concern
We assess both risk and protective factors and use structured professional judgement to determine the overall level of concern. This combined analysis informs decisions around safety planning, contact arrangements, and potential reunification.
Safety Planning Guidance
Clear recommendations are provided for short‑, medium‑, and long‑term safety planning, including input into PLO processes and multi‑agency safeguarding strategies.
Treatment Needs
We identify the young person’s therapeutic or systemic needs and outline how these can be addressed. This may include recommendations for individual therapy, dyadic work, or wider systemic support to ensure the intervention matches the complexity of the behaviour and the context around it.
Contact our team to find out how to access an assessment.
