New podcast episode | Child sexual abuse in foster and kinship care, special guardianship and adoption
In this episode of CoramBAAF Conversations, Publications Manager Jo Francis speaks with Hedy Cleaver and Wendy Rose OBE about their important Good Practice Guide: Child sexual abuse in foster and kinship care, special guardianship and adoption: Learning from safeguarding reviews 2007–2022.
The conversation draws on findings from 27 safeguarding reviews involving 87 children, offering deep insight into the risks posed by serial abusers and the barriers that prevent children from disclosing abuse. Hedy and Wendy explore how perpetrators often escape scrutiny and discuss the complexity of child-on-child abuse, as well as the importance of thorough risk assessments. They emphasise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and highlight the need for professionals to remain vigilant to signs of harm.
They also introduce two key resources: a detailed Good Practice Guide for frontline practitioners, and a shorter companion aimed at all professionals working with children.
About our guests
Hedy Cleaver is an Emeritus Professor at Royal Holloway, University of London, whose research has shaped child and family policy in the UK for over three decades. Wendy Rose OBE has held senior roles in the Department of Health, NHS, and local authorities, and has advised both the Scottish and Welsh governments on child safeguarding and policy development.
Watch or listen to this essential discussion on strengthening safeguarding across foster care, kinship care, special guardianship and adoption.