Children with Problematic Sexual Behavior: Recommendations for the Multidisciplinary Team and Children’s Advocacy Center Response
Date
2020
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Southern Regional Children's Advocacy Center and Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth
Abstract
Cases of children ages 12 and younger with problematic sexual behavior (PSB) can present a myriad of challenges for multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) and Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs). After all, MDTs and CACs were historically designed to address maltreatment of children committed by adults, not by other children. When presented with child-initiated harm cases, child-serving agencies are often inadequately equipped to provide the integrated and comprehensive response that is required in these situations. Significant disparities exist across many communities regarding resources specifically geared toward the initial response and assessment of cases of children with reported PSB; development and implementation of MDT and CAC protocols specific to these cases; and treatment options for the children involved and their caregivers. Further, many professionals do not have foundational or current knowledge of the research and best practices related to children with PSB, hindering quality decision-making. Child-serving professionals, however, can become more effective in responding to and managing cases of children with PSB. This can be accomplished through training on the nature of normative and problematic sexual behaviors in children; employing engagement strategies for children and families; focusing on long-term outcomes for children with PSB, in an effort to reduce the risk of PSB from reoccurring; and revising policies and procedures to reflect best practices to meet the needs of all children served. Together, the MDT approach and the CAC model are ideal vehicles for the provision of the resources needed for the development and implementation of an integrated and comprehensive systems approach to cases of children with PSB and their families. This white paper will focus on how cases of children ages 12 and younger who initiate PSB, the child victim(s), and their families could be successfully served by CACs and MDTs.
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Keywords
Children's Advocacy Center, multidisciplinary response, problematic sexual behavior, child sexual behaviors, protocols, assessment, treatment, child on child abuse
Citation
Sites, J., & Widdifield, J. (2020). Children with Problematic Sexual Behavior: Recommendations for the Multidisciplinary Team and Children’s Advocacy Center Response. Southern Regional Children's Advocacy Center and Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth.