A Qualitative Investigation of Policy for Youth With Problematic Sexual Behavior." Journal of Community Psychology

• NCJ Number: 254393
• Journal: Journal of Community Psychology Volume: 47 Issue: 6 Dated: 2019 Pages: 1347-1363
• Author(s): Allyson j Kelley; Paul Shawler; Jennifer D. Shields; Jane F Silovsky
• Date Published: 2019
• Length: 17 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2010-WP-BX-K062, 2013-MU-MU-K102
• Sponsoring Agency: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical); Report (Study/Research); Report (Grant Sponsored); Case Study
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Since community management of youth with problematic sexual behavior (PSB) is complex and public policies and service practices have historically utilized adult-focused approaches with limited research outcomes, the current descriptive case study aimed to address this gap by documenting current PSB policies and policy reforms for community-based management systems.

Abstract

Semi-structured interviews with 219 professionals from eight urban and rural communities throughout the United States served as the primary data source for the study. The three-stage Framework Method was used to guide the data analysis process. The study covered three areas: context of policy development, attitudes, and perceptions of policy for youth with PSB, and existing policy and policy reform initiatives. Findings support benefits of collaborative multidisciplinary teams that cross agency policies and procedures on management of cases that involve youth with PSB. Implications of these findings for practitioners, policymakers, and community members are discussed. (publisher abstract modified)