NCJ Number
202785
Date Published
May 2003
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper outlines the processes for operating a group for children with sexualized behaviors in Australia.
Abstract
For the purposes of this paper, "sexualized behaviors" are defined as "those behaviors not considered within the limits of normal sexual development in children under ten." The sexualized behaviors group was developed by Altona House, Children's Protection Society and The Gatehouse Centre, Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. The program developed over a period of months. The leaders were two females and one male. The first six sessions were planned, with the remaining sessions left open to allow for flexibility in group development. The structure reflected the developmental ages and interest of the client group, which consisted of five boys 7- to 8-years-old, with one boy 9-years-old. A physical activity to release energy at the end of their day began the sessions. This was followed by a review of the previous week's content and introduction to the coming week's topic and activity. A review of the topic and activity concluded the session, with feedback to parents. Two screening tools were used at the beginning of the group, with participants' mothers completing the assessment tools in the first session. The parent group consisted of four single-parent mothers and one couple, although only the mother attended the group. Cognitive behavioral techniques were used in the group, and it became increasingly clear as the group developed that sexualized behaviors were but one of many behavioral difficulties experienced by the boys. The most beneficial feature of the group was determined to be the provision of an accepting peer group. The next group might focus more on experiential activities based on building social skills, rather than attempting to impose a cognitive and behavioral modification process prematurely. 3 references