An important new study which seeks to understand how to better protect children with disabilities and young people from abuse starts this week.
Research indicates children with disabilities are at heightened risk of violence and abuse including child sexual exploitation. Studies show that children with disabilities are three to four times more likely to experience violence and abuse than those without disabilities, yet they are relatively invisible within generic child protection research.
These factors make effective safeguarding of children with disabilities and young people an urgent sector priority. To date, no systematic review of evidence covering the abuse and protection of children with disabilities and young people has been carried out.
Researchers from the Universities of Portsmouth, East Anglia, Nottingham Trent and the Ann Craft Trust based at University of Nottingham, will work in partnership on this study, which is being funded by WWCSC – What Works for Children’s Social Care.
The aim of the review is to assess the nature and quality of existing evidence, which to date has not been collated to inform practice. Critically the study will support practitioners and decision-makers through identifying evidence on crucial areas such as identification of abuse, involving children with disabilities and their families in child protection procedures, and improving outcomes for this group. Lastly researchers will recommend how the care system can create a quality and tailored effective response.
