Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children and Youth — Resources for Military Families

This online resource offers helpful information on problematic sexual behavior in children and youth for:

• Families
• Parents
• Guardians
• Caregivers

The Defense Department provides resources and support through the Coordinated Community Response and the Family Advocacy Program for military children, youth and families impacted by PSB-CY.

Background

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

A new DOD policy expands the responsibility of FAP to provide coordination and interventions for military families affected by PSB-CY. This change allows the program to support families whose children or adolescents have exhibited or been impacted by PSB-CY, and to convene a multidisciplinary team to manage the coordinated community response for all involved.

Understanding child sexual development and concerning sexual behaviors — tools for parents and guardians

• National Child Traumatic Stress Network – Sexual Development and Behavior in Children
• What’s Normal? What’s Not? Fact Sheet
• OneOp – Sexual Behavior in Children and Youth webinar series
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network – Understanding and Coping with Sexual Behavior Problems in Children
• National Center on the Sexual Behavior of Youth – A Guide for Parents/Caregivers Concerned About Children’s Sexual Behavior
• National Children’s Alliance Resources for Children’s Advocacy Centers, Partners and Caregivers
• Military OneSource Podcast Series — Learn more about problematic sexual behavior in children and youth and other military life topics.

Resources and training for caregivers

• Supporting Children with Challenging Behaviors
• Sexual Development and Behavior in Children and Youth
• Trauma-Informed Care in Child Care Settings

Tools for caregivers

• Children’s Advocacy Center Coverage Maps
• Stop It Now! Prevention Tools

Resources for clinicians

• Better Lives Through Better Choices: When Sexual Behaviors in Youth are Problematic or Illegal: A Web-Based Resource for Evidence-Based Decision-Making
• Clinical Decision Making in Cases of Children with Problematic Sexual Behavior
• Assessment of Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children: What, When, and How
• Clinical Assessment of Children with Problematic Sexual Behavior: An Overview
• Youth with Sexual Behavior Problems: Practical Resources and Activities for Therapists Working with Youth and Their Families
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network module on Problematic Sexual Behavior- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for School-Age Children
• National Children’s Alliance – Effective Treatment for Youth with Problematic Sexual Behaviors