Impact of Early Intervention for Youth With Problematic Sexual Behaviors and Their Caregivers

• NCJ Number: 252322
• Journal: Journal of Sexual Aggression Volume: Online Dated: August 2018
• Author(s): Jane F. Silovsky; Michael D. Hunter; Erin K. Taylor
• Date Published: August 2018
• Length: 6 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2010-WP-BX-K062; 2013-MU-MU-K102
• Sponsoring Agency: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP); Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART)
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical); Report (Study/Research); Report (Grant Sponsored); Program/Project Evaluation; Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This multi-site quasi-experimental study examined the outcomes for 320 youth ages 10-14 years old and their caregivers who participated in community-based problematic sexual behavior - cognitive behavior therapy (PSB-CBT).

Abstract

The study found significant reductions in problematic sexual behavior with a large effect size (e.g., t(126) = 11.69, p < .001, d = 2.08) were found. There were no site differences, despite racial and regional diversity. Non-sexual behavioral problems, emotional problems, and trauma symptoms also significantly improved. Positive outcomes extended to caregivers. recommended next steps include rigorous strategies for examining the impact of widespread implementation of evidence-based early intervention programs on the prevention of sexual abuse, complemented with thoughtful efforts to develop and implement policies and procedures that improve the safety and well-being of all children in the community. (Publisher abstract modified)