ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to explore the context, particularly at an inter-agency level, in which practice with young sexual abusers is located. Young people who sexually abuse could be said to straddle a number of ideological, legal and structural systems. Services have not developed to the extent that many working in the area a decade ago would have hoped. A significant reason for this has been the general failure of agencies to work cooperatively and share responsibility. Certain of the key philosophical questions as to the basic approach remain in contention and we have yet to invest in the detailed studies which would assist in identifying which forms of intervention are the most effective, for which groups of young people. Examples of good practice are, however, to be seen and a number of areas have developed systematic procedures and services. Perhaps most significantly, the issue of problematic sexual behaviour is now widely recognized as an unavoidable topic for all whose practice involves work with young people.
