Warning over children who abuse

Children at risk of sex offending need more help in a bid to reverse the rising number of sex crimes committed by youngsters, experts say. Charities say the internet is a growing factor, with children as young as five treated for inappropriate behaviour. The Youth Justice Board said 1,664 children were given police warnings or court orders for sex offences in 2002-3 - by 2005-6 this had risen to 1,988. NHS chiefs said services were improving but admitted care was too inconsistent. The voluntary sector treats most of the children demonstrating what is termed 'sexually harmful behaviour', taking referrals from police, social services and the NHS. This includes children who have committed sex offences, such as indecent exposure or sex assaults, or, for young children, those who are engaging in acts deemed inappropriate for their age. The biggest single provider of services is the NSPCC, which runs 22 services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The charity treated over 750 youngsters last year - the overwhelming majority boys - with an average age of 13, although children as young as five were seen by NSPCC specialists in talking therapies.

source: Article 'Warning over children who abuse' by Nick Triggle; news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6408837.stm; BBC NEWS; 2 March 2007