What we do
Family Action’s PSA service supports children and young people up to the age of 18 who have experienced sexual abuse. This is a free and confidential service. Our aim is to improve the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children and young people, and bring about greater stability in their lives.
The service is delivered by qualified and experienced social workers who provide therapeutic support to children and young people including their parent/carer where possible. Support focuses on the present situation and helping children/young people to cope better and to feel safe. We will work to give children tools to cope and empower parents/carers to help their child to cope. This service also runs groups for children/young people and facilitates group work with parents and carers where feasible.
What we offer
- Therapeutic support for ages 5 to 18: This is usually offered in six-week blocks. We seek to involve parents and carers, where appropriate. For children under the age of 5 we will provide support work to parents and carers only.
- Group work for children and young people: We offer separate groups for boys and girls.
- Group work for parents and carers: This helps them support their child and manage their own needs appropriately.
- A telephone support line: For when support comes to an end.
- Consultations to professionals: For those who are working with children who have been sexually abused.
Due to high demand for the service we operate a waiting list.
Where work takes place
The service is mainly being delivered in person. We are continuing to offer some support virtually – by video or telephone.
How we work
- The service is child-focused and ensures every child and young person is involved in planning the support they receive. In this way the work is tailored to meet the needs of each individual.
- Wherever possible, we include the parent and carer in support.
- We provide advice to reduce the risk of future abuse and re-victimisation.
- We provide psycho-educational support to understand the impact of trauma.
- We provide emotional support around the impact and consequences of trauma.
- We teach a variety of coping strategies to help manage feelings.
- We create a safe space for children and young people to share their feelings.
- Our service is confidential. We do not share information unless we have to do so to protect a child or vulnerable adult.
‘It’s been so helpful to be able to talk to someone about how I feel.’
‘The support helped me get through what happened.’
Download a PSA Case Study to read about how we have supported one young person. This is also available within the Our Voices website area.
Making a referral
- Parents, carers, children and young people can make referrals over the phone, by downloading the referral form (below) or requesting a paper copy.
- Families can also be referred by GPs, CAMHS, schools, Leicestershire Children’s Services, police, and voluntary organisations. If you have any queries or would like to discuss your referral, please call or email (see details below).
- Re-referrals are welcome as we recognise children’s understanding and awareness of sexual abuse changes as they grow.
We are unable to offer a service in cases where there is a current police investigation or the case is due to go to court.
Please note we strongly encourage reporting to Children’s Services and/or police where sexual abuse has taken place and it is our policy to share information with Children’s Services when we are made aware of sexual abuse that has not been reported.
Pre-Trial Support Service
Find out about Family Action’s Pre-trial Support Service, which supports children aged up to 16 who have experienced sexual abuse, and their non-abusing parents/carers whilst there are ongoing police investigations or legal proceedings.
Useful resources
Service documents:
Information booklet for parents/carers:
Information booklet for young people (aged 12+):
Information booklet for primary aged children (5 – 11):
Information booklet for professionals:
