FGCs and harmful sexual behaviour

Abstract

This chapter examines the potential and some of the risks of family group conferences (FGCs) in cases where young people have displayed harmful sexual behaviour (HSB). By definition, HSB causes hurt and can lead to trauma, particularly for the young victim, who may experience negative consequences into adulthood. Young perpetrators may have transgressed social norms or even broken laws, but they have often themselves experienced victimisation and will have welfare needs. Importantly, FGCs are not zero-sum constructions that require victim needs to be met at the expense of the perpetrator. Rather, FGCs are ‘child-sensitive’ processes, because they prioritise the safety and value the needs of all young people involved, while promoting their reintegration into the community.