In an interview sample of 40 looked-after, sexually abused and/or abusing young people aged 10 or older, most of the young abusers were placed in foster care and the majority of the sexually abused young people went into children’s homes. However, in fewer than one- third of these placements was consideration given to how the young person would fit in with others in that setting. This meant the potential risks that child posed to others or vice-versa were not addressed. In just under half of the sample, no information about the young person’s history of sexual abuse or abusing behavior was given to the caregivers. This meant that caregivers were unable to plan for the level of supervision that might have averted instances of abuse. The experience of sexual abuse should be regarded as an important risk factor in the later development of sexually abusing behavior. Local authorities need to fashion policies which emphasize the prime importance of social workers providing full information about children’s backgrounds when making placements. References