NCJ Number
183111
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect - Special Issue Volume: 24 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2000 Pages: 33-48
Date Published
2000
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This article examines research on the sexual behaviors of children.
Abstract
During the mid-1980's, child-serving institutions across the U.S. began to recognize the need to manage the risk of children being sexually abusive to other children. The article reviews the literature on childhood sexuality and sexually abusive behaviors in childhood, identifies several new sources of information and describes development of a teaching model for adults. The curriculum for the model includes protocols for immediate responses and for handling problematic behaviors that jeopardize development, interfere with learning or pose a threat to other children. Children engage in a wide range of sexual behaviors, some of which may be observed by or reported to adults. Research encompassing diverse samples and methods describes what is developmentally expected and what might be problematic. Children have a legitimate need for validation and correction of sexual learning. Professionals need to be trained to evaluate and respond objectively to children’s behaviors, without relying on personal beliefs or values. Figures, references