Research: The Faithfull Papers

The role of protective parenting assessments and interventions in the prevention of child sexual abuse

The sexual abuse of children has a devastating impact on them and their families. To protect children, we must intervene with parents. At the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, one of our growing areas of work is in the delivery of assessments of ability to protect, and protective parenting interventions.

The role of protective parenting assessments and interventions in the prevention of child sexual abuse

The sexual abuse of children has a devastating impact on them and their families. To protect children, we must intervene with parents. At the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, one of our growing areas of work is in the delivery of assessments of ability to protect, and protective parenting interventions.

The seventh in our series of Faithfull Papers explores the role of protective parenting assessments in the prevention of child sexual abuse and outlines top tips for engaging with protective parents, helping families move forward to a safe and stable future.

Published: 26 November 2025

Over the past 17 years, our work in Wales has been protecting children from sexual abuse. Using a public health model of prevention, the team has demonstrated tangible impact and engaged with thousands of professionals, parents, families, and young people to raise awareness, build protective networks, and intervene before harm escalates.

Published: 26 February 2025

This Paper explores key trends from 23 years of the Lucy Faithfull Foundation’s Stop It Now helpline. This pioneering anonymous service exists to prevent child sexual abuse. Since 2002, we’ve given more than 79,000 people confidential support and expert guidance.

Published: 12 September 2024

Technological interventions can deter people online from causing harm to children. From simple warning messages to behaviour-challenging chatbots, we are working on a range of initiatives to make life online safer for young