Close
My Military
OneSource App
ARTICLE

FAQ and Resource Guide for Parents and Caregivers: Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children and Youth

Girls walking outside

Background

Problematic sexual behavior in children and youth is defined as behavior initiated by children and youth under the age of 18 that involves using sexual body parts in a manner that is developmentally inappropriate or potentially harmful to the individual or individuals impacted by the behavior.

A new Department of Defense policy expands the responsibility of the Family Advocacy Program to address problematic sexual behavior in children and youth. This change in policy allows the program to support families whose children or adolescents have exhibited, or been impacted by, concerning or problematic sexual behavior. It also allows the program to convene a multidisciplinary team to manage the coordinated community response to these behaviors, and recommend a safe way forward for all involved.

For Parents – Understanding Child Sexual Development and Concerning Sexual Behaviors

Learn more about child sexual development

Find ways for parents and caregivers to cope and offer more support

Talk with your children

Start early, and talk often with your children about healthy body boundaries to help them understand what safe and respectful interactions should look like.

Questions and Answers

PSB-CY is behavior initiated by children and youth younger than 18 that involves using sexual body parts in a manner that is:

  • Beyond their stage of development or atypical of behavior for kids their age
  • Potentially harmful to the child initiating the behavior as well as any children impacted by the behavior

Call Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 to be connected to resources and information about healthy child sexual behaviors, including tips for parents to promote healthy child sexual development. Learn more through the Family Advocacy Program Essentials page.

When a child or youth exhibits or is impacted by PSB-CY, the Family Advocacy Program will reach out to the family to offer guidance and support guidance for parents and caregivers and support to navigate next steps and treatment after an incident of PSB-CY. Next steps may include trauma-informed assessments, rehabilitation and treatment to eligible children and youth at military treatment facilities.

The Family Advocacy Program may also provide resource and referral information to civilian medical treatment facilities for children and youth who are not eligible for care in military facilities, or for parents who would like to seek outside services. Services extend to both children impacted and children exhibiting PSB-CY. The Family Advocacy Program also provides education for parents on healthy child sexual development as a means of preventing PSB-CY.

Anyone can make a referral. Referrals come from DoDEA, child and youth programs, Military and Family Life Counselors and others. If you are concerned about sexual behaviors exhibited by or impacting a child or young person you know, contact your:

Contact your Family Advocacy Program to assist your child and family with:

  • Information
  • Supportive counseling
  • Specialized resources

Learn about military bases worldwide. Get installation overviews, check-in procedures, housing, neighborhood information, contacts for programs and services, photos and more.

Find an Installation