Responses to the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children in residential care in Victoria

Introduction In May 2014 the Commission for Children and Young People (the Commission) commissioned the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare to prepare a short analysis of past and current responses to the sexual exploitation of children in residential care in Victoria. Following discussions with the Commission it was agreed that the report would focus on four key themes relating to the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children in residential care in Victoria: A narrative that described the changing nature of the Victorian legislation relating to vulnerable children. A description of the development of policy and operational responses to vulnerable children in residential care. A summation of contemporary themes and issues relating to the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children in residential care, including responses from other jurisdictions. A description of current approaches to therapeutic residential care models. The report will assist the Commission’s inquiry into the adequacy of the provision of services to children and young people who have been subjected to sexual exploitation or sexual abuse whilst residing in residential care

The healthy eating, active living (HEAL) study: outcomes, lessons learnt and future recommendations

Internationally, there are few interventions that promote healthy lifestyles in the outof-home care (OOHC) sector. The aim of this quantitative study was to measure the efficacy of the Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL) programme for young people who live in residential OOHC and their carers. Seventy young people and 177 carers were recruited between August 2012 and October 2014 from 48 residential care units across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, Australia. The HEAL programme included educational sessions for young people, and professional development for carers to foster healthy eating and physical activity. Young people and carers completed questionnaires measuring behavioural, psychosocial and motivational outcomes. Objective measures of height and weight were collected for young people and selfreported by carers. The findings revealed no evidence for the efficacy of the HEAL intervention for either young people or carers. The most likely explanation for the null result was difficulties associated with: (1) collecting quantitative data for evaluative purposes in vulnerable populations (particularly the impact of attrition on statistical power); and (2) implementing interventions in complex environments. We conclude with a summary of lessons learnt and recommendations for future research in this unique setting