NCJ Number
247593
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 23 Issue: 3 Dated: 2014 Pages: 229-246
Date Published
2014
Length
18 pages
Annotation
African American juveniles adjudicated for sexual offenses may struggle with the mistrust of both the judicial and treatment systems.
Abstract
African American juveniles adjudicated for sexual offenses may struggle with the mistrust of both the judicial and treatment systems. Unlike general mental health services, juvenile sex offender treatment is often mandated by the court or child welfare services, thus these youths and their families must engage in the treatment process. Without clinicians and services that can acknowledge and respond to a minority youth's experience in a sensitive, culturally competent manner, there could be significant resistance to treatment. Traditional treatment approaches fail to prioritize issues involving cultural competence. This article addresses the unique challenges of African American juvenile sex offenders and makes recommendations for creating culturally competent practice for these youth and their families. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor Francis.