Reunification of intrafamilial child sex abusers

Reunification of intrafamilial child sex abusers

There is consensus held across cultures and continents that child sexual abuse is a social and moral problem and a violation of the human rights of a child. Subsequently a controversial issue for agencies working in context of child protection is the issue of family reunification. This chapter will explore the reunification of adult sex offenders and their families (biological children) and the reunification of adult sex offenders where vulnerable children reside (partner’s children as relevant). This will be explored in context of child protection in Australia, the professional agency responsible for making determinations about reunification of sex offenders to the family home. Research examining the prevalence of child sexual abuse, rates of recidivism and the impact of sexual abuse will be explored. Theoretical notions of attachment will be used to inform considerations for reunification.