NCJ Number
214780
Date Published
2006
Length
34 pages
Annotation
This task force report identifies assessment and intervention activities and strategies most likely to be effective in treating children with sexual behavior problems (SBP).
Abstract
Recommendations include mandatory reporting in the case of behavior that has caused significant harm or exploitation and public notification and registration only in the most severe cases. Generally, the diversity of the population of children with SBP indicates that intervention decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis. Suggestions concerning the assessment of children with SBP include advice about the role and timing of clinical assessments and the appropriate areas and scope of the assessment, which should focus on the context of the SBP, the social ecological environment, and the family. It is advised that clinicians working with children with SBP and their families take a broad ecological approach to assessment and treatment that addresses the situations and circumstances under which SBP seems to occur. The SBP treatment outcome research is reviewed, most of which points to the importance of parental involvement in treatment. Advice is offered on selecting a treatment approach and research is reviewed that suggests the success of cognitive behavioral treatment programs in the treatment of children with SBP. SBP treatment components for both children with SBP and for parents and caregivers are identified before the task force moves along to a discussion of general policy considerations for children with SBP. Laws on legal responsibility and culpability are considered, as are the risks to other children in the family and the best interests of the child with SBP. The task force asserts that many policies developed for adult sex offenders are inappropriate for children with SBP, particularly because SBP among children seems to be manageable and little long-term risk is posed by children treated for SBP. Specific policy recommendations are made regarding registration and public notification policies, mandatory reporting policies, and policies related to the placement of children with SBP. References