Child sexual abuse in alternative care: Glimpses on prevalence, policy implications and children's needs

The prevalence of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) in alternative care settings has been a matter of crucial concern, leading to considerable debate and research in recent times. The present review takes into consideration three significant international works of research across the three dimensions of prevalence, legal and policy implications, and understanding the needs of youth in care. Exemplary international research have coalesced to form this triune presentation, a first in ICEB's International Perspective. The first paper by Euser et al. (2013) investigates the prevalence of CSA in the context of Dutch Out-of-Home-Care (OHC), making a prevalence comparison between residential care and foster care. The second paper by Wright et al. (2017) outlines the Australian Royal Commission's landmark investigation into institutional responses to CSA, exploring the background and extensive research, and suggesting implications and future practices. The third paper by Steenbakkers et al. (2018) applies a methodological study to explore resemblances in shared perspectives regarding the psychosocial needs of youth with a history of CSA, among care workers and foster parents on the one hand and youth on the other, highlighting the rights of children in care to participate in decisions regarding their life. The present review aims to provide a holistic and comprehensive international perspective of research on CSA in institutional care, expanding knowledge on prevalence, policy, and positive practices on the subject.