Exploration of a Novel Preventative Policing Approach in the United Kingdom to Adverse Childhood Experiences
Date
2020
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Publisher
Child Abuse Review
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with negative mental and
physical health consequences. Neighbourhood police officers (NPOs) are thought to be
well placed to identify and support children experiencing ACEs. Within this paper, we
describe a qualitative exploration of an initiative deployed by a large UK police force
which aimed to aid early identification of young people with ACEs using police data
and provide subsequent support given by NPOs. A thematic analysis was conducted
using transcripts from three focus groups of NPOs, supplemented by questionnaires.
Key themes identified in both sets of data offer reflections for policing and other public
service provision seeking to target on the basis of ACEs, including: limitations in the
usefulness of police data to identify childhood adversity; challenges using the ACEs
framework as a means to target such ‘early intervention’; and debates regarding the
appropriate role of the police in supporting young people in adversity. Prior to replication
of this intervention elsewhere, there are several points to consider: whether police data
alone are sufficient in identifying ACEs; ensuring clarity regarding the role of the public
sector agencies in such intervention; and determining an apt measure of success for
the scheme.
Description
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Keywords
International Resources, prevention, United Kingdom, child maltreatment, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), policing
Citation
Chandan, J. S., Hughes, N., Thomas, T., Nirantharakumar, K., Bandyopadhyay, S., & Taylor, J. (2020). Exploration of a Novel Preventative Policing Approach in the United Kingdom to Adverse Childhood Experiences. Child Abuse Review, 29(2), 144-158.