Sexual Behavior Problems – Getting Help
Since we know that 30% to 50% of child sexual abuse is committed by an older child or teen, it is important for professionals who work with youth to be able to recognize and address sexual behavior problems. Yet, when confronted with sexual behavior problems in the kids with whom we work, we may feel afraid, disgusted, or at a loss as to how to help the youth and their family.
Thankfully, you are not alone, and there is help available. Here at Prevention 4 Professionals (P4P), we can provide you with the expertise of a community of professionals who specialize in identifying, evaluating, treating, and preventing sexual behavior problems in youth.
What may contribute to your confusion or feelings of being overwhelmed is the fact that some of the actions of the youth with whom you work may be against the law and this means that you must contact law enforcement. But there is so much else that you can do in addition that will ultimately help the youth, their family, and the community surrounding all of you.
In this section of P4P resources, we have curated key information and tools to assist you in taking the best practical and clinical steps to help the youth and their family, the child who has been harmed and their family, and everyone else who has been affected by the sexual behavior problems and/or sexual harm.
Poke around, find what you need, and let us know how else we can help!
Resources About Children & Adolescents With Sexual Behavior Problems
BOOKS & REPORTS
Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (2006). Report of the Task Force on Children With Sexual Behavior Problems.
Calder, Martin C. Contemporary Practice with Young People Who Sexually Abuse.
Prescott, David (2007). Youth Who Have Sexually Abused: Registration, Recidivism, and Risk.
Rich, Phil (2003). Understanding, Assessing and Rehabilitating Juvenile Sex Offenders.
Wilson, Robin J. and Michele Burns (2011). Intellectual Disability and Problems in Sexual Behaviour: Assessment, Treatment and Promotion of Healthy Sexuality.
FACT SHEETS & POLICY PAPERS
ATSA: Children With Sexual Behavior Problems
CA Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare: Treatment of Sexual Behavior Problems in Children
National Children's Alliance: Addressing Youth And Children With Problematic Sexual Behaviors
Unique Considerations Regarding Juveniles Who Commit Sexual Offenses. Roger Przybylski and Christopher Lobanov-Rostovsky; SMART Office.
"Problematic Sexual Behaviors in Youth with Developmental Disabilities," with Kimberly Spence, Ph.D.
GETTING HELP
Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA) - ATSA is an international, multi-disciplinary organization dedicated to making society safer by preventing sexual abuse. ATSA promotes sound research, effective evidence-based practice, informed public policy, and collaborative community strategies that lead to the effective assessment, treatment, and management of individuals who have sexually abused or are at risk to abuse.
MASOC - MASOC's mission is to ensure that children and adolescents with problematic or abusive sexual behaviors live healthy, safe, and productive lives. We strive to prevent sexually abusive behaviors in these youth by training professionals and educating the community about developmentally appropriate interventions,evidence-based treatment, and effective public policies.
Stop It Now! - Stop It Now! prevents the sexual abuse of children by mobilizing adults, families and communities to take actions that protect children before they are harmed and provides support, information and resources to keep children safe and create healthier communities. Stop It Now! identifies, refines and shares effective ways to prevent child sexual abuse before children are harmed - and to get help for everyone involved.
National Children's Alliance (NCA) - NCA has convened expert practitioners in addressing youth and children with problematic sexual behaviors in the Children's Advocacy Center setting to develop an overview of sample best practice documents. Their webpage on children with problematic sexual behaviors contains many helpful resources for all professionals who work with children.
"Girls with Problematic and Illegal Sexual Behaviors," with Erin Taylor, Ph.D. and Shel Millington, M.A., LPC.
NEARI PRESS & TRAINING CENTER WEBINARS
“Developmental Perspectives,” with Robert Kinscherff. April 2014.
“Growing Beyond: An Introduction to Adolescent Girls with Sexually Abusive Behavior” with Susan Robinson. June 4, 2013.
"Supporting Families of Children with PSB,” with Jane Silovsky and Jimmy Widdifield, Jr. November 2015.
CURRICULA AND LESSON PLANS
“She Did WHAT? He Said WHAT?” How to Respond to Children’s Sexual Behaviors. Anne Douglass, Ph.D. and the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC).
Stop It Now! offers “Circles of Safety” trainings for adults who work with youth on preventing abusive youth-on-youth sexual behavior, full-day training for organizations on “Recognizing and Responding to Children’s Sexual Behaviors” and more in collaboration with the Klingberg Institute.
- Circles of Safety (For youth-serving organizations)
- On-Demand Training Calendar (For all professionals who work with youth)
"What To Do After Knowing the Risk" with Becky Palmer, MS
"Your Child's Treatment and Your Roles, Values and Cultural Framework," with Alejandro Leguizamo, Ph.D.
"El Tratamiento para su Hijo/a, su Papel en el, sus Valores, y su Perspectiva Cultural," con Alejandro Leguizamo, Ph.D.