Factsheets

General knowledge

What is problematic and harmful sexual behaviour?

This factsheet helps you understand how problematic and harmful sexual behaviour (PHSB) is defined, and why some behaviours are considered developmentally appropriate while others are deemed concerning or very concerning.  

What is problematic and harmful sexual behaviour? (PDF, 3.2 MB)

Age appropriate sexual behaviours 

Sexual behaviours are a part of normal childhood development, with kids displaying their emerging sexuality in a range of ways. It's useful to understand age appropriate sexual behaviours, so those that are concerning can be identified.

Age appropriate sexual behaviours (PDF, 2.1 MB)

Pornography and kids

The majority of kids will, at some point, view pornography by accident or on purpose. This factsheet helps you understand how and why kids view pornography, and how to respond effectively. 

Pornography and kids (PDF, 2.4 MB)

Preventing PHSB

Preventing problematic and harmful sexual behaviour

All kids in out-of-home care benefit from skill building. The development of skills also increases protective factors that can prevent PHSB from occurring. 

Preventing problematic and harmful sexual behaviour (carers)  (PDF, 3.1 MB)

Having proactive conversations

This factsheet will support you to have supportive conversations with kids about sex and sexuality.

Having proactive conversations (carers) (PDF, 788.1 KB)

PHSB and protective factors in out-of-home care

Kids in out-of-home care are at greater risk of displaying problematic and harmful sexual behaviours (PHSB). Increasing their protective factors can help to reduce this risk.

PHSB and protective factors in out-of-home care (PDF, 710.3 KB)

Responding to PHSB

Responding to problematic and harmful sexual behaviour

It  can be difficult to know how to respond when PHSB emerges. Knowing what to do, and being aware of your role, helps ensure that kids receive  appropriate supports. 

Responding to harmful sexual behaviour (carer) (PDF, 2.1 MB)

Safety planning for kids in out-of-home care

Safety planning helps to reduce the risk of ongoing problematic and harmful sexual behaviours. Safety plans help kids know what’s expected in specific contexts, and guide caregiver responses.

Safety planning for kids in out-of-home care (PDF, 656.5 KB)

Safe family rules for kids in out-of-home care

Safe family rules help to prevent and/or respond to problematic and harmful sexual behaviours (PHSB). This factsheet will help you understand when and how to implement safe family rules.

Safe family rules for kids in out-of-home care (carer) (PDF, 616.1 KB)

Safe family rules for kids in out-of-home care (professional) (PDF, 616.3 KB)

Sexual consent

Understanding affirmative consent

Kids in out-of-home care should understand issues relating to seeking, giving and denying consent. This knowledge helps keep them safe from harm, and reduces the likelihood of PHSB.

Understanding affirmative consent (PDF, 637.9 KB)

Talking about consent with kids in out-of-home care

It's important that carers and caseworkers feel comfortable talking about sexual consent with kids in out-of-home care. This factsheet provides key information to support these conversations.

Talking about consent with kids in out-of-home care (PDF, 711.9 KB)