In May 2014 the Commission for Children and Young People (the Commission) commissioned the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare to prepare a short analysis of past and current responses to the sexual exploitation of children in residential care in Victoria. Following discussions with the Commission it was agreed that the report would focus on four key themes relating to the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children in residential care in Victoria:

1. A narrative that described the changing nature of the Victorian legislation relating to vulnerable children.
2. A description of the development of policy and operational responses to vulnerable children in residential care.
3. A summation of contemporary themes and issues relating to the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children in residential care, including responses from other jurisdictions.
4. A description of current approaches to therapeutic residential care models.

The report will assist the Commission’s inquiry into the adequacy of the provision of services to children and young people who have been subjected to sexual exploitation or sexual abuse whilst residing in residential care.