How Multidisciplinary Teams Can Effectively Address the Systemic Needs of Children and Youth with Problematic Sexual Behaviors (PSB)

Children and youth that exhibit problematic sexual behaviors (PSB) have historically been labeled, branded, criminalized and pathologized, even with the best intentions.  Sexual behaviors between children can range from experimentation and exploration that is developmentally normal; to unwanted, exploitive and abusive in nature.  Distinguishing between appropriate and problematic sexual behavior can be difficult and often warrants a comprehensive and holistic approach due to the heterogeneous make up children and youth that cause sexual harm.  Multidisciplinary Teams (MDT) have long been utilized to form strategies for the sexual abuse of children by adults, but studies show that between 25%- 40% of alleged child sexual abuse cases referred to CAC’s has been initiated by a child. MDTs often find themselves in a unique position to determine and guide services for youth with problematic sexual behavior, but are often insufficiently prepared to determine their heterogeneous, developmental and contextual needs. The focus of this training will be to examine how MDTs can systemically support the needs of this population and how they can form best practices for youth with problematic sexual behavior by developing policies and procedures that are empirically supported and informed.  Resources and decision aids developed by NCA’s Problematic Sexual Behaviors work group will be reviewed and explained. The development of a coordinated community response will be outlined.

Learning Objectives:  

• Identify how Multidisciplinary Teams can address the needs of youth with problematic sexual behaviors.
• Identify training and resources for Multidisciplinary Teams to advocate for, procure, and support to best serve youth with problematic sexual behaviors.
• Obtain knowledge on how to develop policies and procedures that will inform discipline specific intervention strategies for youth with problematic sexual behaviors.

Presenter:

Geoff Sidoli, MSW, LCSW (He, Him)

To register for this event, click HERE. Questions, contact training@cacwa.org.