The aim of this research was to co-design, implement and evaluate strategies to prevent and intervene early in harmful sexual behaviour, child sexual exploitation and dating violence in residential care. 

The key research questions informing the project were: 

• What are the components of a promising prevention program targeting harmful sexual behaviour, child sexual exploitation and dating violence in residential care settings? 
• What implementation issues arose during the pilot and how were they resolved? 
• What impacts did the program have to prevent and intervene early in harmful sexual behaviour, child sexual exploitation and dating violence

Publications:

McKibbin, G., Bornemisza, A, Fried, A. & Humphreys, C. (2020). The LINK model: A promising approach to child sexual abuse prevention education in out-of-home care. Child & Family Social Work. 26(3), 394-403, doi: 10.1111/cfs.12821 

McKibbin, G., Lynch, O., Bornemisza, A., Green, R., & Humphreys, C. (2024). Communities of Practice Support Implementation of Power to Kids in Residential Care: The EMBED Model. Child & Family Social Work. doi.org:10.1111/cfs.13243 

Final Report https://www.mackillop.org.au/uploads/About-MacKillop/Publications/Research/Power-to-Kids_Respecting-Sexual-Safety_Evaluation-Report.pdf  

Researcher:   

Gemma McKibbin

Funding:

This project is funded by MacKillop Family Services.

Contact: Dr Gemma McKibbin
T: 0437 281 543
E: gemma.mckibbin@unimelb.edu.au