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Respond

Managing an incident of harmful sexual behaviour: for carers

This interactive resource is designed to support carers of children in out-of-home care to prepare to respond to harmful sexual behaviour with a step-by-step approach.

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How this resource can help

Use this resource to

  • Share with carers of children in out-of-home care, or parents and carers of children more generally

  • Download the posters to provide a visual reference to the steps set out in the resource

It covers

  • A step-by-step approach to responding to a child’s use of harmful sexual behaviour

More information

This resource is part of a suite of modules developed by the Australian Centre for Child Protection (University of South Australia) with funding from the Western Australian Department of Communities. You can view all modules via this link.

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If you are a carer

You’re in the right place! This resource is for you. It can help you work through a stepped approach to responding to an incident of harmful sexual behaviour. If you’re worried about something specific, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Last reviewed by Together We Can: 14 July 2026

What is problematic and harmful sexual behaviour

Problematic and harmful sexual behaviour affects children, families, and communities. Understanding it clearly is the first step toward effective prevention, recognition, and response.

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Parents and carers

If you’re a parent or carer seeking information or worrying about a behaviour, you're not alone. Find resources to help you understand child sexual development, support safety, and respond to concerns about sexual behaviour.

Children and young people

It’s normal to have questions about your body, feelings, sex and relationships. If you’re a young person looking for information – head here. We’ve got information just for you.