The Pathway Programme Service

The Pathway Programme is a new harmful and problematic sexual behaviour service funded by Derbyshire County Council Public Health and Children's Services. The service adopts a consultation model, offering up to six consultations per referral.

How might this help me?

The Pathway Programme offers expert advice and guidance to professionals supporting a child who is displaying concerning sexual behaviour. Our support is tailor made to meet the needs of each child and can include advice about safety planning, sharinf resources to be used by other professionals working with the child, supervision and guidance of direct work, and recommendations and signposting where specialist direct work is indicated. We welcome the involvement of parents and seek to provide them with a safe space to explore their concerns.

Eligibility criteria

The service is available to all children living in Derbyshire who are not in the care of the Local Authority. There needs to be a key professional involved with the child i.e educational, health or social care.

How can I refer?

If you are concerned about a child's sexual behaviour and wish to make a referral, please contact us at [email protected].

Once you have made a referral, you will be asked to complete a short referral form which asks for some information about the child and your current concerns.

Feedback from professionals who have accessed the Pathway Programme

"I have felt out of my depth at times with this case, this consultation has felt so supportive, having an opportunity to explore and understand these behaviours with somebody who specialises in them has been so reassuring"

"The advice around safety planning has been so helpful as there has been some conflicting and different views within the network, so having your expertise has been particularly supportive moving forward."