Understanding and Serving Adolescents with Problematic Sexual Behavior (Part 2)

Sexual development is a typical part of adolescent development, and normative sexual behavior is a moving target amongst teens. Data collected by the National Children’s Alliance estimates that approximately a quarter of sexual offenses against children are committed by other youth. Problematic sexual behavior (PSB) often occurs among children who know each other, such as between siblings, cousins, or family friends. Families are often bereft of guidance on what to do to address safety and the treatment needs of all the children when PSB occurs. Professionals across systems want to help but may simply not know what to do. This workshop will provide an overview of adolescents with problematic sexual behaviors including information on development, appropriate identification of concerning and problematic sexual behaviors, as well as facts that dispel common myths about these adolescents. This workshop will provide an overview of how to balance community safety while addressing problematic behaviors and suggestions on growing community partnerships to appropriately identify and respond to PSB. Guidance on how to utilize this information when they return to their community will be provided.