NCJ Number
166297
Date Published
1996
Length
272 pages
Annotation
This manual was developed as a "hands-on" tool to help therapists in existing comprehensive programs treat children ages 4 to 12 who sexually molest other children, physically abuse animals or other children, or set fires.
Abstract
The manual focuses on group treatment, because groups are valuable to the development of interactive skills; they offer relief from the isolation and "damaged goods" syndrome that are so pervasive with abuse-reactive children; groups are the mode of treatment most reliant on structured activities; and group treatment provides a cost-effective option for families and agencies with limited resources. Structured activities are presented for the development of self-esteem, problemsolving, anger management, sexuality, victimization, and perpetration. The manual also addresses the issues of intake, assessment, and evaluation by providing both guidance and written forms to assist the therapist. In addition, group management issues and techniques for leading parents' groups are discussed. The authors recommend that treatment groups meet for approximately 90 minutes and that the structured activity be presented at the beginning of the group when the children are most focused. The ensuing discussion can be followed by free play or a less anxiety-based structured activity. They recommend that boys and girls be treated in separate groups. 160 references and resources