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Children with problem sexual
behaviours and their families
Best interests case practice model
Specialist practice resource

1
Children with problem sexual behaviours
and their families
Best interests case practice model
Specialist practice resource
2012
2 Children with problem sexual behaviours and their families
Authors
Jari Evertsz is a practising Clinical Psychologist in Melbourne and a recipient of the
National Violence Prevention Award.
Robyn Miller is the Principal Practitioner for the Children, Youth and Families Division of
the Victorian Government, Department of Human Services.
Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge the input, feedback and guidance of the following:
Dr Leah Bromfield, who was at the time of writing, the Manager of the National Child
Protection Clearinghouse at the Australian Institute of Family Studies. She is now Associate
Professor and Deputy Director of the Australian Centre for Child Protection at the University
of South Australia.
Dr Daryl Higgins, is the Deputy Director (Research) at the Australian Institute of Family
Studies, where he has responsibility for a wide range of research, evaluation and dissemination
projects focusing on policy and practice-relevant issues.
Dr Russell Pratt, a Principal Practitioner for the Children, Youth and Families Division of the
Victorian Government Department of Human Services.
Rhona Noakes, Senior Policy and Program Advisor in the Office of the Principal Practitioner,
Children, Youth and Families Division of the Victorian Government, Department of Human
Services.
Dr Jenny Kirsner, a Forensic Psychologist.
Lisa Rodda, Senior Program Advisor for the Therapeutic Treatment Board, Child Protection
and Family Services, Department of Human Services.
Jan Thompson, Senior Program and Policy Advisor for the Family Violence and Sexual Assault
Unit, Department of Human Services.
If you would like to receive this publication in another format, please
phone the Office of the Principal Practitioner 9096 9999 or email
[email protected] or contact the National Relay
Service 13 36 77 if required.
This document is also available on the Internet at: www.dhs.vic.gov.
au/for-service-providers/children,-youth-and-families/child-protection/
specialistpractice-resources-for-child-protection-workers
Published by the Victorian Government Department of Human Services, Melbourne, Australia, June 2012.
© Copyright State of Victoria and the Commonwealth of Australia 2012.
This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the
provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.
ISBN 978-0-7311-6493-6 (print)
978-0-7311-6494-3 (web pdf)
Authorised by the Victorian Government, 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.
Print managed by Finsbury Green, printed by Sovereign Press, PO Box 223, Wendouree, Victoria 3355..
June 2012 (0120512).
This resource is published by the Victorian Government Department of Human Services in collaboration with the
Australian Institute of Family Studies. The Australian Institute of Family Studies is committed to the creation and
dissemination of research-based information on family functioning and wellbeing. Views expressed in its publications
are those of the individual authors and may not reflect those of the Australian Institute of Family Studies or the
Australian Government.
3
Overview 6
What is problem sexual behaviour? 6
Problem sexual behaviours and the Children Youth and Families Act 6
Differentiating problem sexual behaviour from age-appropriate behaviours 7
Table 1: Sexual behaviours of children aged 0–4 years: infant, toddler and preschool 8
Table 2: Sexual behaviours of children aged 5 –7 years: early school years 9
Table 3: Sexual behaviours of children aged 8–12 years: pre-adolescent 10
Determining when the behaviours are of concern 11
Case examples 11
Why problem sexual behaviours are significant 12
Siblings with problem sexual behaviours 12
Why problem sexual behaviours may arise 13
The dynamics of abuse and patterns of disclosure 13
Retraction of a disclosure 14
Understanding the child’s behaviour 15
Family stressors 16
Psychological problems 16
Trauma 16
Attachment 17
Learning difficulties 17
Children with intellectual disabilities 18
Be alert to chronic neglect and cumulative harm 18
Aboriginal families 19
Culturally and linguistically diverse children and their families 20
Practice tool – Children with problem sexual behaviours and their families 22
Information gathering 23
Key principles 23
Be alert to family violence 24
Seek multiple sources of information: Read the history 24
Initial information gathering 24
Challenges 25
Engaging families 25
Remain compassionate and use your authority wisely 26
Build relationships and engage with children families and other professionals 26
Observe and remain curious 27
History of the behaviours 27
Contents
4 Children with problem sexual behaviours and their families
Stress or mental health issues in the child 28
Stress level in the parents; capacity to parent 29
Understand the family history and the parenting style 30
Analysis and Planning 31
Risk assessment 31
Characteristics to consider when assessing risk 32
Current risk assessment 32
Principles of intervention 33
Safety 33
Outcomes for the children 34
Be mindful of the risk to other children 34
Other children at home 35
Out-of-home care 35
Appropriateness of current placement 36
Support, consultation and education for carers 36
The child exhibiting problem sexual behaviours 37
Key questions 37
Creating safe family and social environments 37
Parenting capacity 38
What help does the child and their family need? 39
At school 39
Supporting effective therapy 40
Action 41
The child’s home environment 41
Effectively engaging families 41
Practical responses to children engaged in problem sexual behaviours 42
Safety plans 43
Treatment: aims and progress 44
Interagency collaborations 44
Review Outcomes 46
Risks specified 46
Other relevant resources 48
References 49
Appendix: Problem Sexual Behaviours and Sexually Abusive Behaviour
Treatment Service Agencies in Victoria 54
5
About specialist practice resources
The Best interests case practice model provides you with a foundation
for working with children and their families. Specialist practice resources
provide additional guidance on: information gathering, analysis and
planning; action; and reviewing outcomes in cases where specific
problems exist or with particular developmental stages.
The Specialist Practice Resources are a valuable tool for practitioners,
but do not replace the Child Protection Practice Manual, which is a
step-by-step operational tool to help with day-to-day procedures. They
have been designed as a useful guide to help practitioners deal with the
particularly sensitive issues and situations when working with vulnerable
children and families.
This resource consists of two parts: an overview of issues for children
under 10 with problem sexual behaviours, and a practice tool to guide
you when working with these children and their families.
6 Children with problem sexual behaviours and their families
What is problem sexual behaviour?
‘For children with concerning sexualised behaviour, the terms ‘problem
sexual behaviours’ (PSBs) or ‘inappropriate sexual behaviours’ are used.
Behaviours in this spectrum vary from excessive self-stimulation, sexual
approaches to adults, obsessive interests in pornography, and sexual
overtures to other children that are excessive to developmental bounds.
For some children, these PSBs are highly coercive and involve force; acts
that would be described as ‘abusive’ were it not for the child’s age.’
O’Brien 2010, pp. 13
Problem sexual behaviours and the Children Youth and Families Act
The grounds for statutory intervention when a child is in need of protection are set out in the
Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (CYFA). Section 162 (1) (c)–(f) apply to children aged
under 10 years with problem sexual behaviours. Your role is to determine if family services or
child protection services are warranted, and to locate an appropriate therapeutic service where
required (see Appendix for the list of treatment services pp. 51).
Supporting the child and family is a vital role that will enhance their recovery. The knowledge
contained in this resource is intended to equip you to be able to confidently support the child
and family, and to bring more understanding to intervening with problem sexual behaviours.
To promote children’s best interests, family services, child protection and placement and
support services need to take account of a child’s age and stage of life, and their culture
and gender. Together, these considerations provide a lens through which to view children’s
safety, stability and development and we need to understand the unique circumstances and
experiences of a child. For children with problem sexual behaviours, an added factor must also
be borne in mind: the potential risks they might pose to others.
There are several reasons why you might have a role in a case in which a child under 10 years
is presenting with problem sexual behaviours:
• the child is in need of protection or the family requires assistance due to continuing abuse
or neglect (such as sexual abuse or family violence)
• the child’s siblings are reported as being in need of protection because the parents require
assistance to secure their safety from the child with sexualised behaviours
• a parental reaction to discovering the child’s sexualised behaviours has resulted in them
rejecting or posing a risk to the child (such as cases of sibling abuse).
Overview
When all the children involved are under 10, the behaviour is referred to as ‘sexualised
behaviour’ or ‘problem sexual behaviours’ rather than ‘sexually abusive behaviour’. Children
under 10 are deemed by Victorian law to be unable to consent to any form of sexual activity.
In addition, children under 10 cannot be held criminally responsible for their behaviour.
7
In cases of children with sexualised behaviours, the families themselves may contact child
protection seeking assistance. Where this occurs, it is important to acknowledge that the
family has initiated contact and to engage with them respectfully and without blame. Some
families may only require a referral to a specialist treatment provider for children with sexualised
behaviours. However, sexualised behaviours may manifest in the context of family violence or
because the child is experiencing abuse or neglect. Equally, it should be noted that children
from nurturing and protective families can develop sexualised behaviours and this may be an
indicator of sexual abuse experiences the child has not yet been able to disclose.
Where the cause of the child’s sexualised behaviours is unknown, and protective concerns
have been reported, child protection services are required to investigate to assess the child’s
safety before making a referral to a specialist treatment provider. Some children may be clients
of several agencies and so child protection can provide important coordination of the systems
around the child.
Differentiating problem sexual behaviour from age-appropriate
behaviours
How can we tell if sexual behaviour in a child is concerning? Analyses by researchers and
clinicians in the UK, US and Australia have produced consistent guidelines as to what
specific childhood sexual behaviours are within the normal or age-appropriate range, are
concerning behaviours or are very concerning problem sexual behaviours (Araji 1997;
Cavanagh Johnson 1999; Cunningham & MacFarlane 1991; Gil 1993; NSW Department
of Health 2005; Ryan et al 1993; 2000).
It is important to be mindful that children with these behaviours are children first and foremost
and that with appropriate treatment and targeted intervention, they have a good prospect of
returning to a healthy developmental track. Every case has unique circumstances and must be
responded to in the best interests of the child. While it is important not to minimise or ignore
the problem sexual behaviours and to seek specialist advice and treatment, it is also important
that the child is not defined by these behaviours and inappropriately labelled.
Children with sexual behaviour problems are not miniature adult or
adolescent sexual offenders… Not only is children’s sexuality different
than adults and adolescents, their emotional, social, and cognitive
awareness and relationship to the world is different. It is dangerous to
children that we do not recognize the differences and treat the child,
not our projections onto the child.
Johnson & Doonan 2006, pp. 113
The following tables were developed by Barnett, Giaquinto, Hunter & Worth (2007) in the
publication produced by SECASA and the Gatehouse Centre. They provide an excellent
summary and synthesis to guide your assessment.
Age-appropriate sexual behaviours, as categorised in the tables, do not require intervention
by professionals. Children readily take redirection of these behaviours and their accompanying
emotions and expressions of age-appropriate sexual play include laughter, spontaneity,
curiosity and experimentation.
8 Children with problem sexual behaviours and their families
Concerning sexual behaviours as categorised in the tables below, signal the need to notice the
frequency and persistence of these behaviours and intervene. If a child exhibits these types
of behaviours, or these behaviours continue, despite clear requests to stop, seek specialist
advice. A proactive response is required and they should not be ignored or minimised. The
details and context of the behaviours should be recorded accurately.
The very concerning behaviours listed are indicative of very problematic sexual behaviours and
they require immediate specialist advice and a proactive, purposeful response. If the sexual
behaviour is accompanied by secrecy, anxiety, tension, coercion, force, compulsion or threats
this is particularly concerning and the details and context should be accurately recorded.
These coercive behaviours require immediate intervention by parents and carers as well as
professional assistance.
Table 1: Sexual behaviours of children aged 0–4 years: infant, toddler
and preschool
Age-appropriate sexual behaviours
• Touching or rubbing their own genitals
• Enjoying being nude
• Showing others their genitals
• Playing doctors and nurses
• Playing mummies and daddies
• Touching or looking at the private parts of other children or familiar adults
• Using slang words/dirty language for bathroom and sexual functions, talking about ‘sexing’
Concerning sexual behaviours
• Persistent masturbation that does not cease when told to stop
• Forcing another child to engage in sexual play
• Sexualising play with dolls such as ‘humping’ a teddy bear
• Touching the private parts of adults not known to the child
• Chronic peeping behaviour
Very concerning sexual behaviours
• Persistently touching or rubbing themselves to the exclusion of normal childhood activities;
hurting their own genitals by rubbing or touching
• Simulating sex with other children, with or without clothes on
• Oral sex
• Sexual play involving forceful anal or vaginal penetration with objects
(Ref: Gil 1993; Cavanagh Johnson 1999, in Barnett et al. 2007)
9
Table 2: Sexual behaviours of children aged 5–7 years: early school years
Age-appropriate sexual behaviours
• Self-touching including masturbating
• ‘Show me yours/I’ll show you mine’ with same-age children
• Hearing and telling age-appropriate dirty jokes
• Playing mummies and daddies
• Kissing/holding hands
• Mimicking or practicing observed behaviours such as pinching a bottom
Concerning sexual behaviours
• Continually rubbing/touching their own genitals in public
• Persistent use of dirty words
• Wanting to play sex games with much older or younger children
• Continually wanting to touch the private parts of other children
• Chronic peeping behaviour
Very concerning sexual behaviours
• Touching or rubbing themselves persistently in private or public to the exclusion of normal
childhood activities
• Rubbing their genitals on other people
• Forcing other children to play sexual games
• Sexual knowledge too advanced for their age
• Talking about sex and sexual acts habitually
(Ref: Gill 1993; Cavanagh Johnson 1999, in Barnett et al. 2007)
10 Children with problem sexual behaviours and their families
Table 3: Sexual behaviours of children aged 8–12 years: pre-adolescent
Age-appropriate sexual behaviours
• Occasional masturbation
• ‘Show me yours/I’ll show you mine’ with peers
• Kissing and flirting
• Genital or reproduction conversations with peers
• Dirty words or jokes with their peer group
Concerning sexual behaviours
• Attempting to expose others’ genitals
• Sexual knowledge too advanced for their age once context is considered
• Preoccupation with masturbation
• Mutual masturbation/group masturbation
• Single occurrence of peeping, exposing, obscenities, pornographic interest (sources include
the internet, pay TV, videos, DVDs and magazines)
• Stimulating foreplay or intercourse with peers with their clothes on
Very concerning sexual behaviours
• Compulsive masturbation, including task interruption to masturbate
• Repeated or chronic peeping, exposing or using obscenities
• Chronic pornographic interest including child pornography* (sources include the internet,
pay TV, videos, DVDs and magazines)
• Degradation/humiliation of themselves using sexual themes
• Degradation/humiliation of others using sexual themes
• Touching the genitals of others without permission*
• Sexually explicit threats – written or verbal*
• Forced exposure of others’ genitals*
• Simulating intercourse with peers with clothes off
• Penetration of dolls, children or animals*
* For children aged 10–12, these behaviours may constitute criminal offences such as indecent assault, indecent act,
or sexual assault (common law).
(Ref: Ryan 2000, in Barnett et al. 2007)
11
Determining when the behaviours are of concern
Case examples
Below are case examples. Reflect on the different presentations, and the analysis that we have
provided about the behaviours.
Example 1
Aaron, aged four, had shown some problem behaviours at kinder. Hiding in the cubby or
behind the chook pen, he had pulled other little boys’ pants down as well as his own. He had
told them to lick his penis and ‘not to tell’. Several attempts at redirection had not seemed to
slow down the occurrence of these behaviours. He seemed angry and defensive whenever the
issue was raised.
This type of presentation is very concerning because:
• the level of sexual knowledge exhibited by Aaron is a gross mismatch to his age
• Aaron’s behaviours are highly intrusive upon other small children
• Aaron is not responding to redirection
• he shows problematic emotions when spoken to, indicating feelings of disturbance
around this issue.
Example 2
Libby, Flora and Terence were on Grade 5 school camp. Teachers were concerned to discover
that they had removed some of their clothing and were engaged in ‘show and tell’. They were
running around laughing and splashing each other with water. When taken aside and spoken
to, they were rather embarrassed but laughed. They were effectively redirected and did not
persist in the behaviours.
This type of presentation appears to be more normative and most likely does not require
therapeutic involvement because:
• the behaviour is not a mismatch with their age or development level (developmentally
appropriate)
• nobody was hurt or upset (equality)
• nobody was coerced (forced, fearful, tricked or mistreated)
• they did not show negative emotions, indicating a lower likelihood that they felt disturbed
(healthy emotions)
• they were easily redirected.
Example 3
Rollo (aged nine) was very angry when his father discovered that he had shut his cousin
Nicos (aged five) in a cupboard for half an hour. This was after taking Nicos’s pants down and
handling his genitals roughly. He had warned Nicos not to tell anyone, or his older brother
would ‘get them both’. Nicos said that he had been afraid of Rollo for some time.
This type of presentation is very concerning and would require intervention. Consider:
• there is a significant age gap between the two children (inequality of power)
• Nicos was threatened and restrained (threat/force)
• Nicos could not have been consenting in a situation like this (non-consensual)
12 Children with problem sexual behaviours and their families
• Rollo showed anger rather than remorse or empathy (inappropriate emotion)
• this situation has been brewing for some time (pattern and history).
Why problem sexual behaviours are significant
During the late 1980s and 1990s studies began to show that problem sexual behaviours may
turn into a long-term pattern if they are not addressed. Between 20 and 30 per cent of adult
sexual offenders appear to begin their behaviours in childhood (Davis & Leitenberg 1987;
Salter 1988). Previously, there had been a dangerous tendency to ignore, minimise or discount
the serious impact of problem sexual behaviours of children who had been victimised. It was
also a surprise to find that children assaulted by similarly aged children experienced harm
very similar to those assaulted by adults, with few differences in levels of anxiety, depression
or post traumatic stress (Brown 2004; Shaw et al. 2000). They can also experience intrusive
flashbacks, nightmares and learning and behavioural difficulties.
Siblings with problem sexual behaviours
Limited research on sibling sexual abuse indicates that it may be the most common type of
intra-familial abuse. It involves greater degrees of coercion and violence and is more likely to
involve sexual penetration than other types of intra-familial abuse. (Welfare 2008 pp. 139).
Child victims of sibling sexual abuse are much less likely to disclose than those sexually
assaulted by an adult. In Lamb and Coakley’s study, only 14% of sibling sexual abuse victims
disclosed when they were a child, compared to more than 50% of those abused by an adult
(Lamb & Coakley, 1993). In Carlson et al’s study (2006) only 19.5% of sibling sexual abuse
victims disclosed at the time (Carlson, Maciol & Schneider, 2006).
For detailed guidance on how parents, carers and practitioners can helpfully respond
when they observe children engaged in problem sexual behaviours, see pages 40–41 in
the Action section.
It is important that practitioners do not minimise the seriousness or the impact of sibling
problem sexual behaviours. Engage with the parents who may be distressed and in shock,
or who may minimise the seriousness of the problem through lack of knowledge, or
confusion of loyalties to each of their children. The drive to preserve the family may lead
parents to deny the impact of the behaviours.
Problem sexual behaviours therefore need to be recognised as developmentally
inappropriate and viewed by you as highly concerning and as requiring a proactive and
purposeful systemic intervention. Early and prompt intervention can be very successful but
needs to be inclusive of the parents and significant others, and to address the underlying
issues that have triggered the behaviours in the child
13
Children who have been victimised by a sibling with problem sexual behaviours can experience
confused loyalty to their sibling; guilt/relief at seeing their sibling ‘in trouble’, fear of/distress
at not being believed, fear of retaliation, and fear of breaking up the family. Professionals and
parents are crucial in helping the child deal with confusion and guilt about the boundaries that
have been violated.
The beginning point is always the establishment of safety and ensuring that no further abuse
occurs. Where there are siblings involved, engaging the parents’ emotional support for the
child who has been victimised is crucial, along with supporting their response to the child
who is acting out. Divided loyalties can pull parents into either minimising the problem sexual
behaviour, or into rejecting the child with the problem sexual behaviour, neither of which is
appropriate. Professionals need to support parents and carers in responding to each of their
children’s needs and engaging each of them in specific treatment programs. The child with the
problem sexual behaviour needs to be supported to accept that the behaviour is harmful to
others and that new rules of behaviour have to be put into place. At the same time, the child’s
underlying issues need to be addressed.
Why problem sexual behaviours may arise
Children who show problem sexual behaviours often experience multiple or cumulative types of
harm to their development (Chaffin 2008; Tarren-Sweeney 2008). Between 35 and 50 per cent
have experienced sexual abuse, and around the same proportion have experienced physical
or emotional abuse or neglect or have witnessed parental violence (Kambouropoulos 2006;
Merrick et al. 2008; Silovsky & Niec 2002). This underlines the importance of early intervention
by practitioners and an understanding of family violence frameworks in addition to sexual
abuse/problem sexual behaviours. The critical importance of understanding the family context
in any intervention and thinking systemically is informed by this research-based evidence.
Since the children’s difficulties may be complex, it is inappropriate to expect that the sexual
behaviour elements will have evolved in the same way in all clients (Chaffin 2008). As in
other protective assessments where the background factors are complicated, a detailed and
individualised approach to understanding each child’s needs is warranted (Parton, Thorpe &
Wattam 1997). There is no single ‘why’ and each child and their family needs to be understood
in their unique context.
The dynamics of abuse and patterns of disclosure
Children are more likely to not disclose sexual abuse, rather than to disclose incorrectly,
as there are often overt or covert threats made by adult perpetrators to silence children.
Disclosure is not normative in childhood; rather, keeping the secret is the norm (Salter 1995).
Children with problem sexual behaviours typically have complex factors which are disrupting
their wellbeing. Most often, specialist assistance will be needed. They are more likely than
the general population to have experienced sexual abuse or significant sexualising impacts
such as exposure to pornography or inappropriate adult sexual interactions. The younger
the child is, the greater the likelihood that they have experienced sexual abuse. Consult
with, and refer to the Problem Sexual Behaviours and Sexually Abusive Behaviour Treatment
Service agencies (listed on pp.51) in your region.
14 Children with problem sexual behaviours and their families
Only a minority of children who have experienced child sexual abuse report it to their parents,
and only a minority of these parents report the abuse to the authorities. It is estimated that
fewer than 30 per cent of all sexual assaults on children are reported (Stanley et al. 2003).
Furthermore, unreliable recall represents a threat to the validity of research results which
retrospectively document rates and patterns of disclosure. However, follow-up studies show
that a false-negative rather than a false-positive bias is the rule (Fergusson, Horwood &
Woodward 2000). That is, it is more likely that a child wrongly says ‘No it didn’t happen’ rather
than to falsely disclose that someone has sexually abused them.
Retraction of a disclosure
Secrecy, entrapment, helplessness, accommodation and the pattern of delayed, partial and
unconvincing disclosure, followed by retraction of the disclosure, was described as the ‘child
sexual abuse accommodation syndrome’ by Roland Summit in 1983. Even after children
have disclosed it is common for them to retract their original disclosure as they can become
frightened and easily overwhelmed by ‘all the fuss’ and the consequences of the disclosure on
their parents and family. Many children have later reported that they ‘just wanted it to stop’ and
that they could not cope with the distress and what followed. ‘Taking it back’ for some children
can seem the only way they can manage.
Some children can also miss the positive aspects of the relationship with the offender. It is
important not to assume that issues of abuse are “black and white” for children. For example,
in some cases children may value 70% of the time that they spend with the abuser, but hate
the 30% of the time that is abusive. When they disclose abuse, they lose the “70%” of positive
time. Thus they may retract the disclosure to regain the positive parts of the relationship.
Some offenders do not make overt threats; however, the child can feel frightened and
intimidated and therefore be less likely to disclose or to maintain their disclosure, if they have
perceived the offender’s power over others, particularly if they have witnessed his violence
or aggression to other members of the family or to family pets. These behaviours by adult
offenders are so powerful and frightening, there is no need for words.
A common constraint that prevents children from disclosing sexual abuse is that the offender
has manipulated the child into thinking that the behaviour was their fault or choice, or normal –
“this is what we do” or “you played the game”, therefore the child carries the shame and feels
guilty and responsible. Given most abuse of children is perpetrated by known and often trusted
adults, the child is enmeshed in a complex relationship and the dynamics of that relationship
are powerful determinants in restricting the child’s freedom to speak out.
15
Understanding the child’s behaviour
Practitioners need to stay calm and interact warmly with the child and ask non-leading
questions about the child’s life. This can be inclusive of gentle enquiries about the games that
they play with the different adults in their lives.
Where some adult offenders have groomed the child and distorted their understanding of the
sexual touch under the guise that it was a ‘game’, some children may re-enact the ‘game’
with other children, particularly if there are props or triggers indicative of the original abuse.
The ‘home corner’ at kindergarten is one example where children who have experienced
sexual abuse may be triggered to act this out with other children.
Internal emotional states can also trigger children to act out, such as feeling powerless or
frightened. They may have developed a pattern where the problem sexual behaviours become
the way they self-regulate or self-soothe when they experience anxiety. Parents, carers and
teachers need to be mindful of the triggers and antecedents that are likely to precede the
child acting out the problem sexual behaviours. The significant adults in the child’s life need to
understand the particular triggers for this child and at what times or circumstances they are
likely to be dysregulated.
As a practitioner, you need to be aware of the particular triggers for the child and appropriate
responses so that you can give relevant advice to parents, carers and teachers when required.
Always consult with the treatment service to ensure that your advice is appropriate.
If the stressful circumstances are present there should be a clear plan so that the adults
feel empowered to intervene with pre-planned strategies, and support the child so that the
behaviours are prevented from being enacted.
The adult offender often grooms the victim child to believe they participated in the abuse,
that they ‘enjoyed it’ and ‘did not tell him to stop’, constructing a particular reality for the
child and working to actively shift responsibility for the abuse onto the child. The offender
will often provide messages to the child, for example, ‘your mother knows’ and ‘it’s alright’
or ‘if you tell you will be taken away and I will go to prison’. If sexual abuse occurs within
the context of family violence, the offender does not always need to make verbal threats as
the child can see what will happen if they speak out.
Sexual abuse is therefore often a process embedded in a relationship where the adult has
enormous power to manipulate and distort the child’s belief system. Children generally do
not have the language or the cognitive capacity developmentally to name or understand
what is happening to them. They are dependent on the offender’s greater power and are
vulnerable to internalising the offender’s manipulative beliefs or cognitive distortions.
Commonly the child is made to feel ‘special’ by the offender and is entrapped in a
relationship where they believe they have to look after the feelings of the offender. The
abuse is a betrayal of the child’s trust in the offender.
New information which challenges the reality created by the offender is often the start of
the child being able to disclose; for example, sex education at school or conversations with
friends that reveal that their parent/sibling/cousin ‘does not do it to them.’
16 Children with problem sexual behaviours and their families
Family stressors
Children with sexualised behaviours are more likely to come from families with stress factors
such as family violence, poverty, substance abuse, mental illness or a history of abuse.
Deprived environments lack important protective factors and are associated with attachment
problems in children (Friedrich 2007; Pithers et al. 1998b; Staiger et al. 2005).
Stress levels in parents and ineffective parental responses can be both a contributing factor
to problem sexual behaviours in the child and a result of the child’s behaviours. This is
particularly the case where there has been sibling problem sexual behaviour or where a close
extended family member’s child has been harmed which has resulted in conflict between the
families. Parents can struggle with painful feelings of anger, fear, self-doubt, divided loyalties
and shame. Where parents are acutely distressed by the child’s problem sexual behaviours
and they feel that they are ineffectual or inadequate in their response, their confidence and
therefore their parenting practices can be compromised. The child will sense the parents’
anxiety and this will impact and increase the child’s anxiety, which frequently increases their
behavioural difficulties. Families are dynamic and interactional and most communication is
non-verbal. Children will sense and be affected by the emotional climate within the family, as
well as what is being said or not said.
Some family environments may foster a lack of empathy for others, for instance, where cruelty
to animals is enacted ‘for fun’ or where the scape-goating of a particular child is encouraged.
The child may have experienced bullying or sexual assault at school, but this may not have
been understood or responded to by the parents.
Where the parents are preoccupied or overwhelmed themselves, and there is a lack of
supervision and parental support for the child, the child may be more vulnerable to sex
offenders. Sex offenders frequently target vulnerable parents and groom the children in order
to sexually abuse them. The child often accommodates to the sexual abuse and believes that
such behaviours are the norm. Hence they are more likely to re-enact these sexual behaviours
with other children.
Psychological problems
Psychological and emotional problems are common for children with problem sexual
behaviours, with anxiety and withdrawal featuring alongside behavioural problems, often
extending back over several years. Psychiatric diagnoses undertaken by a trained Child and
Adolescent Mental Health clinician can include problems such as oppositional defiant disorder,
conduct disorder and depression (Gray et al. 1999; Hall et al. 1998; Pithers et al. 1998). Many
of these symptoms can typically present as a response to trauma.
Trauma
Trauma is also a strong possibility for many children with problem sexual behaviours.
Experiences of unmanaged stress can lead to cognitive and emotional processing difficulties in
children, as well as a lack of trust in their environment.
Whereas single traumatic incidents tend to produce isolated behavioural responses to
reminders of trauma, chronic trauma can have long-term pervasive effects on a child’s
development (van der Kolk 2003). Exposure to chronic trauma may lead to serious
developmental and psychological problems for children and later in their adult lives.
17
van der Kolk (2005) termed this complex set of emotional, cognitive, behavioural and
neurobiological impacts as developmental trauma. He proposed that some children who
attract a diagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are in fact responding to
complex trauma phenomena.
van der Kolk identified several developmental effects of childhood trauma including:
• disturbances in memory and attention – dissociation, sleep disturbances and intrusive
re-experiencing of trauma through flashbacks or nightmares
• disturbances in interpersonal relationships – lessened abilities to trust, re-victimisation,
victimising others, lessened ability to cooperate and play and negotiate relationships with
others such as caregivers, peers and marital partners
• increased anxiety disorders and personality disorders (van der Kolk 2003).
(See also Child development and trauma specialist practice resource for the impact of trauma
by age and stage of development.)
Attachment
Disruptions in their attachment relationships are common in children with problem sexual
behaviours and the assessment and treatment plan needs to be informed by the history and
current parenting pattern within the family or in the out-of-home care placement.
Attachment difficulties are likely to increase when maltreatment is prolonged. Children’s
responses will largely mimic their parents’ and therefore the more disorganised and
inconsistent the parent, the more disorganised the child (Streeck-Fischer & van der Kolk 2000).
Without the security and support from a primary caregiver, children may find it difficult to
trust others when in distress, which may lead to persistent experiences of anxiety and anger
(Streeck-Fischer & van der Kolk 2000). Children with problem sexual behaviours are more likely
to act out when they are in an anxious state, therefore the security and support of the primary
caregiver is of central importance to the child’s recovery.
Learning difficulties
Children with problem sexual behaviours are more likely to have either slightly lower IQs
or ‘specific learning difficulties’, with studies finding between 28 and 88 per cent of clients
experiencing these issues. Experiences of ongoing sexual abuse or violence often impact on a
child’s ability to concentrate and this can lead to learning difficulties. ADHD is also a common
finding within this group (Pithers et al. 1998; Staiger et al. 2005). Problems with learning or
impulse control make it more difficult for children to control their behaviours and emotions.
The child’s subjective experience and the meaning attached by the child to traumatic
events, is central to the analysis of the impact of cumulative harm. This includes the child’s
prolonged and sickening anticipation and fear of repeating traumatic events (Miller 2007).
If the source of the harm is also the young person’s source of safety (an attachment figure)
then the level of trauma is increased (Cook, Spinazzola, Ford, Lanktree, Blaustein, Cloitre,
DeRosa, Hubbard, Kagan, Liautaud, Mallah, Olafson, & van der Kolk, 2005).
18 Children with problem sexual behaviours and their families
Children with intellectual disabilities
It is estimated that fewer than 30 per cent of all sexual assaults on children are reported
(Stanley et al. 2003). Furthermore, children with intellectual disabilities are less likely to have
the ability to report and, when abuse is reported, they are more likely to be ignored (Evertsz
& Kirsner 2003; Glaser & Bentovim 1979; Kvam & Braathers 2008; Sullivan & Knutson 2000).
They have a heightened dependence upon family, and may also be more severely affected by
abuse due to processing difficulties and social isolation.
Children with intellectual disabilities are also more likely to suffer from impulse-control
problems. They may experience a lack of sex education, and caretakers attempt to modify
their inappropriate behaviours less often (Cole 1986). This group of children spends more
time in care settings, where they are likely to be exposed to other children who are also
more likely to show disinhibited behaviours for the reasons outlined above. Hence, children
with intellectual disabilities are more likely to present with problem sexual behaviours than
average-ability children. Furthermore, if they do exhibit problem sexual behaviours, they are
more vulnerable in terms of their own inner resources and adults’ responses.
Be alert to chronic neglect and cumulative harm
It is particularly relevant to be alert to the possibility
of cumulative harm in cases of chronic neglect that are
characterised by an unremitting low level of care.
The cumulative effects of chronic low-level neglect are easily missed because the term ‘abuse’
suggests a ring of urgency that ‘neglect’ does not and the effects of neglect are usually not as
obvious. Frederico, Jackson and Jones (2006, pp. 18) caution:
It is critical that neglect is not considered a lesser problem than other forms of maltreatment
given the evidence that its consequences can be damaging. It is also important that the
presence of chronic neglect does not obscure other forms of maltreatment
As distinct from those with specific learning issues or low average IQs, children with an
intellectual disability are at much greater risk of abuse and neglect, which increases their
risk of trauma and sexualisation.
Children with an intellectual disability exhibiting problem sexual behaviours need to gain
help from dedicated treatment programs around limiting inappropriate behaviour.
19
Cumulative harm refers to the effects of multiple adverse
circumstances and events in a child’s life. The unremitting daily
impact of these experiences on the child can be profound and
exponential, and diminish a child’s sense of safety, stability
and wellbeing. The Children, Youth and Families Act, s. 10 (3)
(e) requires practitioners to consider the effects of cumulative
patterns of harm on a child’s health, safety and development.
Refer to the specialist practice resource on cumulative harm.
Aboriginal families
Cultural competence, sensitivity and respect are essential in any intervention with families. For
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, the impact of historical and ongoing
dispossession, marginalisation, racism, colonisation, poverty and the stolen generations
have led to high levels of unresolved trauma, depression and grief (Human Rights and Equal
Opportunity Commission 1997). However, it is critical that your practice is informed by cultural
consultation and that you do not make ill-informed assumptions; many Aboriginal families in
Victoria are resilient, thriving and strong within their culture.
Some of the key individual, family and community problems associated with unresolved trauma
that have been associated with heightened rates of child abuse and neglect in Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander communities include: alcohol and drug abuse; family violence; social
isolation; and over-crowded and inadequate housing (Berlyn & Bromfield 2010). For example,
the vast majority (78.6 per cent) of adults in Victorian Aboriginal families reported having
themselves (or family or friends) experience one or more major life stresses (for example, death
of a family member or close friend, serious illness or alcohol/drug-related problems). This
is almost double the rate for non-Aboriginal Victorians (Department of Education and Early
Childhood Development 2010, pp. 22).
Talking about past trauma, abuse and violence are culturally sensitive issues for many
Aboriginal people. Involving an Aboriginal Child Specialist Advice and Support Service
(ACSASS) practitioner is essential for planning a culturally competent assessment and
When you are working with a family where neglect or cumulative harm is the major concern
but children are also presenting with problem sexual behaviours, it is imperative that they
are not ignored or subsumed in the overwhelming family issues. Where there are multiple
and entrenched family problems, and frequent emotionally draining crises (such as family
violence or homelessness), it can be easy for the practitioner to be so focused on these
issues that attention to the child’s problem sexual behaviours becomes distracted and ‘case
drift’ results. Responding to the basic needs of safety and shelter is always the priority;
however, a concurrent response needs to occur to address the problem sexual behaviours
because these will undermine the safety of other children and may indicate that sexual
abuse is also being perpetrated against the child who is ‘acting out’.
20 Children with problem sexual behaviours and their families
intervention. As with any child who presents with sexualised behaviours, it is important to
assess the child’s history for any trauma or abuse, particularly child sexual abuse, and to make
every effort that the child is currently safe from abuse or neglect.
O’Brien (2010) notes that Aboriginal children engaged in problem sexual behaviours are more
likely to have:
• experiences of trauma loss and alienation
• physical and or sexual abuse
• witnessing family violence
She notes that the proposed response to problem sexual behaviours amongst children in
Aboriginal communities is less about focusing on the individual child’s behaviour and more
about addressing the contextual factors of systemic disadvantage that constitute risk pathways
to these behaviours, e.g. care arrangements, overcrowding, homelessness.
Section 12(a) of the CYFA provides guidance on principles for engaging Aboriginal families
(pp. 24–25). The Best interests case practice model summary guide lists and discusses
these principles.
Culturally and linguistically diverse children and their families
Ethnic and cultural issues need to be understood from the intake phase and throughout
your practice with families because reported sexual behaviour can vary widely; reporter
characteristics and cultural variations will widen the differences in the way sexualised
behaviours are viewed (Friedrich 2005; Mitchell 2005).
Refugee and migrant communities may have fled from war or oppression and been forced to
flee to refugee camps and seek asylum. Children may have been exposed to trauma, violence
and sexual abuse and adjusting to a new culture and way of life can also put further stress on
families and increase children’s vulnerability.
In practice with Aboriginal families give priority to:
• holistic family healing approaches that plan to provide for the physical, mental emotional
and spiritual wellbeing of the child and their family
• the healing value of culture, which affirms identity and connection to community as
protective factors that encourage resilience
• seeking advice from Aboriginal cultural experts – child protection practitioners must
consult with ACSASS.
Refer to the Aboriginal cultural competence framework and Working with Aboriginal Children
and Families: A guide for child protection and child and family welfare workers VACCA, 2006
to guide you.
21
It is wise to be curious about the meaning the parents and wider family and community
attach to the problem sexual behaviours, and how their beliefs will impact on the child and
other children who have been victimised. It is of central importance that you do not make
assumptions and that you remain open. Be explicit that you come from a position of ‘not
knowing’ the subtle complexities of the specific culture and how that has influenced the family
in regard to these problems.
Gender differences can be marked in many cultures in relation to problem sexual behaviours
and the notion of victim and/or offender can equate with shame and rejection from the
community in some instances. These issues may underpin the families’ apparent denial or
minimisation of the behaviours.
Some parents may deny or minimise issues claiming they are ‘cultural’, when, in contrast,
cultural experts may inform us that the behaviour is not culturally acceptable. Good partnership
with cultural experts is critical to weighting your assessment and decisions in an ethical,
balanced and culturally competent manner.
Consult with cultural experts and seek their advice.
Section 11(g)–(j) of the CYFA provides guidance on principles for engaging families from
other cultures. These are listed and discussed in the Best interests case practice model
summary guide.
Issues of safety and cumulative harm for children with problem sexual behaviours should
not be minimised. However western cultural expectations can impact unfairly upon
parenting assessments when working with Aboriginal families and families from other
cultures. Consultation with cultural experts helps us to balance the needs of children and
complex family issues. Seek advice and supervision.
22 Children with problem sexual behaviours and their families
Practice tool
Children with problem sexual behaviours
and their families
The aim of this tool is to provide some additional guidance
about specific things you might consider when working with
children who exhibit problem sexual behaviours, and their
families.
23
Information gathering
In this resource, we provide specific tips and guidance for gathering information regarding
children with problem sexual behaviours.
Information gathering is ongoing throughout the life of a case, and includes gathering
information from existing case files, professionals involved with the family and, most
importantly, from the children and families themselves. Information also needs to be
gathered about previous attempts to resolve the problems within the family – by the family
themselves, and by professionals and agencies involved with the child and the family.
Refer to the Best interests case practice model (Miller 2010) for general tips and guidance
on gathering information.
Key principles
To summarise, a comprehensive, early response to a child with problem sexual behaviours is
reliant on an evidence-based approach by the practitioner.
By understanding the need for a thorough assessment of the family context, as outlined in this
section, you are enabling effective planning and action:
• supporting the child and family in non-blaming ways and providing practical assistance
• establishing the history of behaviours
• understanding the child’s family and environment
• actively coordinating referrals and sharing information with treatment agencies.
It is important to adopt an ecological perspective when
gathering information about problem sexual behaviour and to
be mindful of multiple possible contributing factors. Remember
that children engaged in problem sexual behaviour and their
families show great diversity. Information, which at first does
not make sense, is often clarified in the process of information
gathering.
You will need to develop a good developmental and health
history of the child and a thorough family history including the
child’s siblings’ histories.
Begin with a genogram to help you visually map the family
system and significant transgenerational patterns.
Remember the importance of listening, paraphrasing and
clarifying. Use empathy, warmth and transparency in your
approach to maximise engagement through respectful practice.
Information gathering
24 Children with problem sexual behaviours and their families
Be alert to family violence
Seek multiple sources of information: Read the history
It will be important to obtain summaries of any relevant cognitive, medical or neurological
test results for the child. If the child has had previous involvement with child protection, it is
fundamentally important that you read the file history and develop a chronology of critical
events for the child and family. This is invaluable as you later analyse, hypothesise and plan
your intervention, particularly as you critically reflect on potential cumulative harm. Ensure that
you also read any files of the child’s siblings and the parents’ own child protection history.
Initial information gathering
Initial contact regarding a child with problem sexual behaviours is often initiated by a parent,
caregiver, close family member or another involved person. In the initial presentation or call, the
caller may be shocked, upset, sad, and/or angry. Generally, this will be a situation they have
not imagined could occur in their family or at their school. It is therefore important to:
• acknowledge the situation in a calm manner and normalise their shock and distress
• affirm to the caller that they have taken the right choice of action
• reassure the caller that they will receive the services they need to deal with the situation and
that help will be available to victims, the child concerned and their families.
Once the caller has been reassured, ask about what has occurred. Take a detailed narrative
history of the situation. This should include those areas listed below.
If there is a history of family violence you will need to refer to the practice guidelines for
responding to family violence. There will be a heightened risk that an interview with a
family around a child’s problem sexual behaviours may precipitate violence toward the
mother or child. In this instance, do not interview the couple about this together. Be very
aware of immediate safety if there are disclosures, and seek advice in regard to police
involvement and immediate planning.
Be strategic, aware of timing and mindful of not placing family members in further harm.
Child protection should seek a criminal records check from Victoria Police on adults in the
household and consultation should occur with police about any other pertinent information
they have about the family, including information about family violence.
In gathering information, it is important to talk to multiple sources of information and to
think systemically. Engage with parents, significant extended family members, siblings,
schools, police, kindergartens, GPs, any other adult or family or child-focused services that
are already active with the family.
25
Information gathering
Challenges
Some issues can make the information gathering stage challenging. These include:
• disclosure is more often a process and not a one-off interview, so it often takes more time
• children and families might be reluctant to share information – they need to build trust
• cultural, attitudinal and stigma issues, promoting strong or distressed reactions in families,
children and other parents – fear and grief can be prevalent
• fluctuating or buried protective concerns – secrets and deceptions are not uncommon
particularly if there are intrafamilial sex offenders
• past negative experience with child protection, family support or counselling
• philosophical differences dividing professionals and/or carers, and members of the
interagency team.
Engaging families
Be very aware of how you approach the parents and of your tone of voice and body language.
They will be very sensitive to any blame or a patronising tone. While being clear about your role
and purpose, remain warm and empathic. Combining a supportive tone with directness usually
enables the parents to relax more and lessen their defences and begin to trust you with more
detailed information (Miller 2009).
Acknowledge the strategies that parents have already used to manage the behaviour so far.
Compliment the parents on the positive actions they have taken to support their child and
acknowledge that some problems need ongoing strategies or extra help.
Several of the family factors noted above can combine to make family engagement initially
difficult, and the fear of stigma regarding the nature of the child’s behaviours can be an issue.
However there is enormous variation in the way parents react to children displaying problem
sexual behaviours. Some may be initially angry that you are involved; others may be relieved
that help is available. Some may reject the child and, in some families where there are issues
of violence, homelessness or a sense of chaos, there may be a lack of capacity to focus
on the individual child’s needs. Effective engagement will require you to build a trusting
relationship with all family members, and your persistence is necessary to make sure that the
children are helped.
These circumstances underline the importance of the relationship-building approach
recommended in the Best interests case practice model (Miller 2010) and advised by the
Dartington Social Research Unit (1998) and Thoburn, Lewis and Shemmings (1995).
Attention needs to be given to the care team processes from the outset – this is a highly
emotive issue and unless there is adequate information sharing and shared analysis and
planning, professionals can polarise their views in unhelpful ways. Avoid the mistake of
assessments that become biased by being overly pathologising and negative, or overly
optimistic and superficial.
26 Children with problem sexual behaviours and their families
Remain compassionate and use your authority wisely
Approach the family non-judgmentally and with respect at all times.
Remain compassionate to their situation, but upfront about the need to
respond to their children’s behaviours. Reflect on how you approach the
family; your warmth, consistency and practical assistance can make a
powerful difference to the families’ engagement with services and the
lives of their children. However, you need to act assertively if children
are at risk and use your authority wisely.
Miller, 2010
Build relationships and engage with children families and other
professionals
Talk to the child and family members separately and together,
and observe the family dynamics.
Home visit, observe and interact with the children, their
parents and siblings. You may need several visits to develop
relationships and engage with immediate and extended family
members. Also talk to other relevant people in the child’s life,
such as child carers, teachers, general practitioners (GPs), other
support or counselling services and family friends.
Many families will be more easily engaged if the practitioner is willing to listen to the
parents’ experiences but with an upfront agenda to help them to find a way to help the
child to ‘get back on track’.
Be mindful of the parents’ need for self-care and your role in helping them understand
the importance of their wellbeing to assist and facilitate the child’s recovery. Parents often
need individual and couple support and counselling to manage their own distress as well as
parenting advice and support.
If evidence exists to suggest that the child’s problem sexual behaviours may be caused by
intrafamilial abuse, refer to the Working with families where an adult is violent or sexually
abusive specialist practice resource. Consult with local treatment services.
As a practitioner, your self-care is important. Seek regular supervision where you can
reflect on these issues and the emotional impact the work may be having on you. Remain
committed to your own professional development and reflective practice.
27
Information gathering
Observe and remain curious
Look for factors that produce stress and sexualisation in the child across different areas of
the child’s life.
Many children who present with sexualised behaviours experience cumulative harm from
factors such as transience, family violence, repeated conflict, parental substance abuse,
parental mental health issues, criminality, poor parenting practices, or disorganised or
disrupted attachment relationships. The home environment may feature poor boundaries for
sexual activity, or show active sexualisation processes (for example, making pornography
available, engaging children in the production of pornography and promoting sexually abusive
attitudes or actions). The level of parental and other support available to help the child to deal
with theses stressors makes a child more or less susceptible to problem sexual behaviours.
History of the behaviours
Take time to gather a comprehensive history, and not just in regard to the alleged event that
precipitated the contact with child protection. (Merrick et al, 2008). For example, in talking
to different adults in the child’s life, it may transpire that there have been prior episodes of
inappropriate behaviour. These may have been dismissed as unimportant at the time. It may
also be that the child has often been the ‘centre’ of apparently consensual sexual behaviours
between children but that this has occurred several times, and with critical reflection a
concerning pattern can be detected.
The following information is highly relevant to obtain:
In what setting were the child’s problem sexual behaviours observed?
• who were the target children?
• what behaviours were observed and between whom?
• has the behaviour been ongoing?
• how often does the behaviour occur?
• is the behaviour engaged in secret or accompanied by coercion/aggression?
• do the behaviours appear to be increasing over time?
• does the child show the behaviour in different settings or with differing types of children?
• is the child able to acknowledge the behaviours? How does the child react when
confronted with the behaviours?
An important aspect of the children’s presentation is their emotional profile. Emotions
associated immediately with discovery of the behaviours, such as guilt, anxiety, confusion,
shame, hostility or aggression (NSW Department of Health 2005), are significant and
practitioners should record these aspects as well as their own observations of the child’s
emotional state when their problem sexual behaviours were disclosed or discovered.
28 Children with problem sexual behaviours and their families
Does the family environment encourage sexualised behaviour and include easy unsupervised
access to the internet?
• is there a web cam on the computer
• what is the degree of difficulty experienced by the adults in containing the behaviours?
• what strategies have they tried in the past and with what degree of success?
• is there a pattern around the behaviours?
• what are the triggers? (antecedents)
• how have parents, carers, school teachers, siblings and friends responded in the past?
• what effect did this have on the child?
• what support have they provided to support their child in dealing with problems e.g.
with peers?
• how have they made sense of the behaviours? How come these behaviours have emerged
at this point in time? Why now?
• what professional help have the parents/carers sought before this time?
Careful consideration of the above factors will help to build a comprehensive and accurate
analysis of the situation. Refer to tables 1–3 of Age-appropriate sexual behaviours (pp. 8–10)
to assist discussion with parents.
Presume that as your relationship with the child and non-offending family members develops
more trust over time, and you become more immersed in the complexity and detail of the child
and family’s experience, more information will be revealed. This emerging information may shed
light on problematic or perplexing behaviours displayed by the child, currently and historically.
Stress or mental health issues in the child
Childhood problems such as stress or isolation, anxiety, anger, peer difficulties, learning
difficulties or impulse control problems (such as those found in children suffering from ADHD)
render children more susceptible to sexualising influences in their environments. Hence,
children experiencing these stress factors are more likely to ‘externalise’ and exhibit sexualised
behaviours. Under these circumstances, children will be overwhelmed and this needs skilled
intervention that is mindful of the breadth of the child’s needs. As you engage with the family,
gather information about the following:
• What has been the previous involvement of your service with the child, their siblings and
their parents? Was it effective? If not, why not?
• Incorporate the history you are able to collect from other services and professionals who
have been involved with the family.
• Summarise the file according to type, frequency, severity, source of harm and duration.
Refer to the Cumulative harm resource and the Child development and trauma resource.
29
Information gathering
• do adults observe sadness, resentment or anger in the child?
• are problems with peers regularly experienced?
• is the child agitated or showing poor concentration?
• are difficulties with particular aspects of learning a feature of school life?
• is the child becoming demoralised?
• have there been events or influences in the child’s life that have been traumatic?
• are there signs of attachment problems that may need further assessment?
What meaning do the parents/carers/teachers make of the child’s behaviours? What do they
hypothesise is driving the child’s behaviours? Does the child show impulsive or attentionseeking behaviours?
If the child has an intellectual disability or developmental delay:
• what is the nature of the child’s delay?
• does it affect the child’s ability to control impulsive behaviour?
• is the child exposed to other children who show poor behavioural boundaries?
• what is the environment’s capacity to respond to children’s poorly self-regulated behaviours?
• does the child’s delay put them at increased risk, given their environment?
• is the parent/carer engaging with services?
Remember – you are building up a comprehensive ‘picture’ of this child and family. The
better the information gathering, the better the picture and the more helpful we can be as
a service system. This information should be included in the referral to the Problem Sexual
Behaviours and Sexually Abusive Behaviour Treatment Service agency.
Stress level in the parents; capacity to parent
Be aware of potential family violence or domination that may inhibit disclosure or discussion.
Consider who to interview where and when. Normalise that your process is one of interviewing
parents separately and together and make sure that you interview the mother and each of
the children on their own. Determine the order of the interviews according to the particular
circumstances you encounter. Sometimes it is best to interview the father first to decrease
his anxiety and potential intimidation; however, more often in practice, (to gain better quality
information), it is prudent to interview the mother and children first. Also explore:
• the understanding that other siblings have of what has occurred and how they are coping
• the conflicting loyalties in the family and the general level of sibling violence within the family
• the incidence of other abuse between family members
• the availability of the parents both physically and emotionally (Kambouridis and Flanagan
2003 pp. 6)
• family strengths and informal and formal supports.
Don’t forget to ask yourself and/or the parents:
• do they need interpreters?
• have you consulted ACSASS or other relevant cultural consultants?
• have you consulted with family violence, mental health, drug and alcohol experts?
30 Children with problem sexual behaviours and their families
Understand the family history and the parenting style
The parents’ own family of origin experience is highly relevant to your assessment, i.e. their
experience of being parented and their own life experience. Be curious about their couple
relationship and their parenting style. Empathically enquire about:
• the parents’ own sibling relationships
• the parents’ ‘acceptance or otherwise of both the victim and the child with problem sexual
behaviour’ (Kambouridis and Flanagan 2003 pp. 6).
You need to convey that you are genuine about helping the child and the family, and to
follow through with actions that show this intent. If the parents are dismissive and rejecting
of the child and there is a need for out-of-home care, be extremely proactive in maintaining
engagement with their parent/s. Be aware that the parents may be struggling with their own
history of abuse and that they are often able to work through their initial reactions with your
support and referral and linkage to expert help. The child’s recovery is inextricably linked to
their connection to their primary caregiver. The children need warmth, consistency and a
secure base. Connection to their school, community and culture is healing and will help the
child to be resilient. The response from the school, church, professionals and the community
can also help or harm the parents’ capacity to respond appropriately to the child. As you
gather information, be aware of the need to respond immediately to the parents’ distress.
• Are there obvious sources of stress for the parents and how have they been helped to
manage this?
• What is their capacity to take an appropriate adult perspective?
• What is their capacity to put the needs of the child first?
• With siblings, what strategies have been suggested to help them balance the needs of
each of their children without isolating them completely? Have they worked?
• How good is their ability to create boundaries and structure appropriate to each child?
• What sex education of the child has been undertaken so far?
• What do they do when they notice the child acting out sexually? How have they managed
their emotional responses?
• Is the extended family supportive? Are they experiencing social exclusion or stigma
because of their child’s behaviours?
• Have they been able to take on board direction and advice as to how to manage the
behaviours? What have they put in place? How effective has it been?
• What is the school’s capacity to implement a safety plan around the child’s behaviours?
Can a clinician assist?
• Have disability services been involved?
• Are they open to being referred to a Problem Sexual Behaviours and Sexually Abusive
Behaviour Treatment Service agency?
• What are the barriers to the family attending treatment? Can you assist?
This information is critical to informing us as to how the parents will safely manage the
situation.
31
Analysis and planning
Analysis and planning
Safety
Patternandf Culture
severity of harm
and
Likelihood
of harm
Strengths
Protective
factors
Development
Stability
– +
Risk assessment
Actions
Reviewing outc
omes
Information gath
ering
Analysis and
planning
Build relat
ionships
Engage
Partner
Empower
Risk assessment
To formulate a risk assessment, you need to be a critical thinker and to consider multiple
competing needs, prioritising the child’s safety and development. Careful attention needs
to be given to the balance of risk and protective factors, strengths and difficulties in
the family. Your assessment needs to be forensically astute; and you should consider
all sources of information such as observation, previous assessments, advice from all
significant people and professionals. Do not rely on phone assessments or parental self
report where there are suspicions of non-accidental injury, or where there have been
previous concerns or offending behaviour.
Synthesise the information you have gathered about the current context and the pattern
and history; and weigh the risk of harm, against the protective factors. Keep in mind that
the parents’ desire to change dangerous or neglectful behaviours does not equal the
capacity to change; and that strengths and protective factors need to be sustained over
time. The best predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour. Hold in mind the urgency
of the child’s timeframes for safety and secure attachment relationships. Imagine the
child’s experience of cumulative harm. Remember, other than the family’s characteristics,
the quality of the relationship you form with the family is the single most important factor
contributing to successful outcomes for the child.
32 Children with problem sexual behaviours and their families
Characteristics to consider when assessing risk
Based on examination of file records and other data relating to over 1500 children,
Reid at al (1995) identified three important organising principles consistently associated
with occurrences or recurrences of child abuse or neglect for children:
1. The first and most important dimension of caregivers’ characteristics that should be
considered, is their prior pattern with respect to the treatment of children. The number
of maltreatment events they have initiated, their severity and recency are the most
basic of guides to future behaviour. In the absence of effective intervention these
behaviour patterns would be expected to mcontinue into the future.
2. If an individual believes that they are correct in their opinions about children, they will
attempt to continue their behaviour so long as they are not prevented from doing so.
3. The third dimension concerns the presence of ‘complicating factors’, most
significantly, substance abuse, mental illness, violent behaviour, and social isolation.
The relevance of complicating factors is the extent to which they, singularly or in
combination, diminish the capacity to provide sufficient care and protection to the
child or young person.
The Best interests case practice model is underpinned by a strengths based
approach that assesses the risks, whilst building on the protective factors to increase
the child’s safety.
Attention to safety factors within the risk analysis recognises that:
1. Both the potential for harm and for safety must be considered to achieve balanced
risk assessment and risk management
2. Strengths which increase the potential for safety are evident in even the worst case
scenarios and these are fundamental building blocks for change
3. A constructive approach to building safety can be taken which may be different to
efforts to minimise harm
4. A strengths perspective can be actively (and safely) incorporated into what may
otherwise become a ‘problem saturated’ approach to risk assessment and risk
management
(cf. Turnell and Edwards, 1999)
Current risk assessment
Current risk assessment highlights the fact that it is made at a point in time and it is therefore
limited and will require modification as further information comes to light. Your risk assessment
should address the following key questions: Is this child/young person safe? How is this child/
young person developing?
33
Analysis and planning
1. Given all the information you have gathered, how do you make sense of it?
Consider the vulnerability of the child and the severity of the harm:
• What harm has happened to this child in the past?
• What is happening to this child now?
2. What is the likelihood of the child being harmed in the future if nothing changes?
Hold in mind the strengths and protective factors for the child and family.
3. What is the impact on this child’s safety and development, of the harm that has
occurred, or is likely to occur?
4. Can the parents hold the child in mind and prioritise the child’s safety and developmental
needs over their own wants and constraints?
5. From the point of view of each child and family member, what needs to change to
enable safety, stability and healthy development of the children?
6. If the circumstances were improved within the family, what would you notice was
different – what would there be more of? What who there be less of? Who would notice?
Principles of intervention
Safety
Successful intervention for children with problem sexual behaviours is based upon
understanding that:
• safety is a prime consideration for both the subject child and those around them
• their behaviour is linked to multiple stressors – both external and internal to the child
(the child and the environment)
• in children under 10, persistent sexualised behaviours are developmentally abnormal and
are likely to indicate that harm has occurred to the child; the younger the child, the more
likely this is
• once in a repeating pattern, the behaviours may be habitual and the child can no longer
control them. Treatment should be sought from the Problem Sexual Behaviours and Sexually
Abusive Behaviour Treatment Service agency.
• family and/or caregiver involvement is paramount and needs to be effective
• multiple factors need to be addressed, perhaps via different service providers, and you
have a strong role in facilitating these services
• coordination and a well-functioning care team is critical to successful outcomes.
Critically reflect and synthesise the information you have gathered, and creatively
focus on how you can facilitate the good outcomes this child and their family need
right now. Intervening early in problem sexual behaviours is crucial.
Advocate, plan and organise necessary resources and activities around the child.
Closely liaise and case conference with other agencies involved with the child. Avoid
‘group think’ and appoint a ‘devil’s advocate’ at case conferences.
34 Children with problem sexual behaviours and their families
Outcomes for the children
For desired outcomes to be achieved, your planning of treatment/intervention should focus on:
• safety for all the children involved
• reducing the child’s inappropriate behaviours – primary goal: contain (halt) the behaviour
• reducing the risk posed to the child
• reducing the risk posed by the child to others
• reducing psychopathology and emotional distress in the child
• increasing the child’s coping mechanisms
• increasing the child’s socialisation and engagement
• reducing trauma impacts
• improving attachment
• improving family functioning
• improving parenting responses.
Be mindful of the risk to other children
Children who evidence sexual behaviours at the concerning or very concerning level are
generally not able to enact control over their actions until they have experienced safety and
processed their issues (as much as the adults around them might wish otherwise). This is
usually through a satisfactorily completed treatment process that has been inclusive of their
parent/s or carers and has understood and addressed their experience of victimisation.
Therefore, it is important to assess whether there are children at risk from exposure to further
sexual behaviours from the child.
In what settings does the child appear to display problem sexual behaviours? Note that
coercion, manipulating others into compliance, and being the leader in games that quickly
become inappropriate, are key features of children’s problem sexual behaviours.
Safety planning should be based in a developmental context. The plan should meet the
child’s needs at the time and change as the child develops better self-control, understands
the parameters around sexual contact, and is capable of more freedom. It is inappropriate to
leave children completely isolated from other children with no chance to develop the social
skills they need as they grow and develop. The children then feel as if they are dangerous
and pariahs (Johnson & Doonan 2006). Safety planning needs to encourage social contact
with other children who are well supervised by caring adults who are knowledgeable and
aware of the issues, without stigmatising the child.
35
Analysis and planning
Other children at home
Younger siblings and same-age or vulnerable children in the home or placement setting
may be at risk of further sexually intrusive behaviours from the identified child. It is vital that
parents or caregivers be assisted to develop a safety plan that avoids stigma and balances
restriction for the child with confidence that safety for others is being maintained. Therapists’
recommendations may be needed to determine whether:
• the child can be safely maintained in the current environment
• line-of-sight supervision is needed at all times
• restrictions on venues and style of play are necessary
• sleeping arrangements need to be changed
• other children need support with developing protective behaviours
• other children have already been sexually enculturated
• restrictions need to be placed upon television viewing and the child’s access to written
and pictorial materials
• extra support is needed within the home
• ensure the child/ren who have been victimised have access to therapeutic assessment
and treatment if this is recommended.
Out-of-home care
In home and care environments with several children, an assessment needs to be made of
whether and how safety can be achieved. Adult carers need to be proactive in implementing
clear boundaries and specific aspects of the safety plan. Schools usually also need to be part
of the planning.
Children with problem sexual behaviours may be in out-of-home care due to their behaviour
posing safety issues at home or they may have already been in the care system when the
behaviours were noted.
Where behaviours are assessed as very concerning, a prompt and effective intervention
is required and adults need to implement calm and consistent strategies to enforce
simple limits and boundaries. The troubled child will need support and encouragement in
the meantime, so as not to feel rejected. Children with risky behaviours towards others
need line-of-sight supervision to protect themselves and others from potentially harmful
situations, which can develop very quickly. These children often have difficulty in containing
themselves and may need extra support at night time in order to settle and go to sleep,
rather than wander. Supportive and containing actions by adults such as story reading,
providing night lights and doors left ajar, can assist in night time safety and settling for
younger children with problem behaviours. Seek advice and refer to the Problem Sexual
Behaviours and Sexually Abusive Behaviour Treatment Service.
Refer to the Child development and trauma specialist practice resource for specific
suggestions for each age and stage.
36 Children with problem sexual behaviours and their families
Carers need to provide ongoing management of a potentially changing risk profile and it is
critical that they are provided with adequate information about the child’s problem sexual
behaviours so that they can plan how to positively engage with the child whilst providing
adequate boundaries, monitoring and supervision. At some point, concerns or crises may
occur where the management of the child should be reviewed. Always consult with the
treating therapist.
Some circumstances will warrant a change of placement and planning needs to support such
a transition being as comfortable as possible for the child. Child protection practitioners are
in a primary position to mobilise extra consultation and support resources and to assist in
coordinating responses to risk issues for the child.
The following key points need to be addressed in planning a successful placement.
Appropriateness of current placement
• The placement may house other children, some of whom may have been subjected to the
inappropriate behaviours. What is the capacity of this environment to provide daily comfort
and safety for all the children? If the situation cannot be managed, which child will need to
move to alternative care, and for how long?
• Decision makers should be mindful of not placing children with serious problem sexual
behaviours with younger children or children who have an intellectual disability, or are
otherwise disempowered. It is generally unwise to place them with older children with
problem sexual behaviours or adolescents with sexually abusive behaviours.
Support, consultation and education for carers
• Carers may need extra training to orient and support them in assisting the child in their
care interventions, because generally the behaviour is the symptom of an underlying, more
complex issue.
• Carers are essential in providing useful feedback to therapists, and may need to be
briefed by the therapists at key junctures, for instance, at times where emotional upset or
behavioural outbursts may occur as a result of therapy.
• Carers need to be clearly aware of risks posed both to and from the child involved and they
need to participate in planning the lines of consultation, communication and support, which
they will find necessary.
In the case of multiple treatment intervention types, carers may need assistance in planning
transport to ensure that appointment schedules are sustainable for them. Attend to the
practical issues.
Carers need direct, regular ongoing access to therapists both for support around the child’s
problem sexual behaviour management and in order to provide or receive feedback. They
should be viewed as an integral part of the care team.
37
Analysis and planning
The child exhibiting problem sexual behaviours
Consider whether there are factors within the child’s life, people in their lives or characteristics
of the child that place them at risk.
• The child may be at increased risk from opportunistic older children or adults because their
behaviours signal poor sexual boundaries and little self-protection. Are there environments
where this child is at risk?
• What are the access and contact arrangements?
• Is the child in contact with an adult sex offender?
• Do you need to vary the current court orders?
Key questions:
• Are there environments where this child is at risk?
• Do a parent’s reactions mean that the child is at physical or emotional risk
of harm?
• Is the child at risk of repeating the behaviours within a poorly supervised
extended home or family setting?
Creating safe family and social environments
• Sometimes parents with large extended families, or blended families are reluctant
to discuss issues or form safety plans with their relatives. Parents may need your
support to have some difficult conversations within the family and with extended
family and friends, especially if there are functions where children have free play
and adults are socialising or distracted.
• Sleepovers are not advised until treatment is completed, but if an overnight stay is
unavoidable, it is particularly important to have strict arrangements in place with
line-of-sight supervision.
• There should not be unsupervised bath/bed times
• Children should not be sharing beds.
• Shared bedrooms are not advisable unless an adult is constantly present.
Discuss with caregivers so as to ensure they are adequately skilled to maintain
safety. If a five year old child has been targeted by a 10 year old child, there is the
potential to re-traumatise the younger child and in fact any contact at all may be
contra-indicated until treatment has been completed.
38 Children with problem sexual behaviours and their families
Parenting capacity
Apart from the level of stability achievable for the child, the capacity of the parents or
caregivers to understand and respond to the child is one of the strongest outcome indicators
for a child with problem sexual behaviours.
• Following the initial stress and crisis period, what level of capacity are the caregivers/parents
showing in their ability to support and respond to the child? What type of support might
they need in order to improve this?
• Do the caregivers/parents have appropriate support where they can safely identify their own
feelings and responses to the child’s behaviour?
• Have the parents been supported to manage where these events triggered responses to
their own history that might have impacted upon their capacity to support the child?
• If a sibling has abused the child with problem sexual behaviours, parents may need
additional assistance in supporting each of their children.
The parents need assistance in developing very practical strategies to manage different
behavioural scenarios. They should understand the therapeutic goals and the safety plan
for the child. Flexible support, that is responsive to their evolving and dynamic family life, is
required by the family from the care team and should be led by the child protection practitioner
if the program is involved.
Parents and carers need to:
• Establish routines for bath times (where privacy is respected) and bed times.
• At times of transitions and anniversaries be alert to the child’s heightened emotional state
and increase support and supervision. This will help to contain the child’s anxieties and
prevent the sexualised behaviours from being enacted.
• Providing warmth, consistency about boundaries, expectations and supervision is the key.
• Follow the treating therapist’s advice about how to create opportunities for the child to
learn and practise appropriate physical boundaries.
• Develop clear, simple rules with parents re appropriate and inappropriate sexual behaviour.
• Also follow the treating therapist’s advice about how parents should provide
developmentally appropriate sex education for the child and basic sexual abuse prevention
strategies.
• Create opportunities for the child to have positive peer relationships in a supervised
environment. Seek advice about appropriate sporting and recreational activities from the
treating therapist.
• Plan to encourage and assist parents to follow the therapeutic plan for the child and to
celebrate positive changes.
39
Analysis and planning
What help does the child and their family need?
As well as addressing protective concerns, an improvement to the child’s environment is
often necessary before treatment interventions can be effective.
• Does the family require a Family Support intervention or specialist resources?
• Where the child is in out-of-home care, could the carers access specialist supports to
assist them?
• Does a parent need support from a drug/alcohol or mental health agency?
• Does a parent need access to their own counselling intervention?
Additionally, it may be apparent that the child needs assessment via medical checks or
referral to a child and adolescent mental health team or specialist therapeutic service for
particular needs.
Where a child experiences developmental delay or intellectual disability, additional resources,
education or monitoring may benefit the child to prepare them for treatment.
At school
The child’s school has significant opportunities for monitoring behaviour and changes in the
child and also in helping to shape the child’s responses. However, balancing this, combined
with a duty of care towards all other students, can be difficult for the class teacher and others
in key positions. Regular information updates and the ability to access consultation advice may
be essential for the school.
At school it may be necessary to make a safety plan that addresses the protection and
containment of the child, the protection of other children, and resources for teachers and
after-school staff, as well as communication to caregivers or parents. This should be provided
while provoking the least amount of stigma possible towards the child.
Sexualised behaviours are difficult to manage and teachers may be triggered into a stressed
response. This may be more pronounced if they have experienced a similar type of trauma,
which has remained unresolved. Teachers require sensitive support and it is essential that there
is regular supervision and collaboration. The behaviours can provoke stronger reactions in staff
who may need to process their fear, anger, disgust and frustration. They also may need help
to recognise the positive progress which is being made with the child. A key staff member at
the school should be identified to make every effort that the child is not stigmatised and that a
strong shared approach is taken.
Provide the school with access to resources such as the Child development and trauma
specialist practice resource, and Calmer classrooms. (Child Safety Commissioner).
Treatment may vary from separate sessions with the parents/extended family and siblings
through to family and individual work with the child. Education and support for parents/
carers is vital to build their confidence, competence and feelings of hope for the future.
Ensure a comprehensive approach to the issue.
40 Children with problem sexual behaviours and their families
Supporting effective therapy
Effective therapy for children with problem sexual behaviours is multimodal and needs to be
systemic, that is, attending to the family dynamics and relationships between parents and
children and siblings. Where the behaviours are entrenched or the underlying trauma is more
complex, it may involve a long treatment track. This may tax parents or caregivers who are
already showing signs of stress.
• Will the parents support the child’s attendance at therapy and engage in the sessions
themselves and in any homework tasks?
• Are there brokerage dollars to help with transport costs?
• Parents need to be adequately informed about what role they can play in the child’s
therapy?
Treatment for young children with sexualised behaviours and their families is sensitive and
complex and needs the proper framework of training and experience in the field. When the
family has been referred to a treatment provider who is not part of a recognised agency or
clinical program that specialises in this treatment area, make assertive enquiries to assess the
quality of service before committing to the referral.
Checks should be carried out to confirm the treatment provider will use empirically validated
methods for assessment and treatment, such as those recommended in the CEASE Standards
of Practice document at <www.secasa.com.au>.
The therapeutic plan, with specific goals and strategies, needs to be understood by all staff
involved in the child’s care, including teachers at school and at sporting and swimming
clubs etc. The privacy of the child and family needs to be respected; however, adequate
supervision is of critical importance during the recovery phase. Liase closely with the treating
therapist.
41
Action
Action
The child’s home environment
Where the home environment has been a source of stress or distress for the child, regular
monitoring is important to track the progress being made. Situations may change quickly, for
example, where drugs or alcohol are an issue, or where the family relationships are volatile.
What further supports may be necessary? Who is identified as needing most assistance?
The child’s behaviour at home or at school may be a mirror for their stress level and can be
instrumental in understanding where a critical deterioration has occurred. Maintaining contact
with the family and system around the child is critical.
Effectively engaging families
Research shows that practitioners who engage effectively with families:
• treat family members with respect and courtesy
• focus on building on the family’s strengths
• promote positive relationships among parents and children
• develop trust through sensitive and inclusive enquiry about their circumstances
• take an active, caring, whole-of-family approach to their situation
• link up with other relevant services and work together to avoid conflicting
requirements and processes
• focus on the children’s needs
• maintain a continuous relationship with the family
• establish shared decision making
• provide crisis intervention prior to other intervention aims
• build the quality of the relationship between the parent and the service provider
• minimise the practical or structural barriers to accessing services
• choose non-stigmatising interventions and settings
• remain culturally aware and sensitive.
Sources: McArthur et al. 2009; Centre for Community Child Health Royal Children’s
Hospital 2010
Home visits and regular case conferencing that is inclusive of the family (where appropriate)
should be happening consistently. Tasks and timelines, transport, respite and other
arrangements need to be clear and documented for everyone involved. Stay involved, be in
touch regularly and consistently with the care team.
42 Children with problem sexual behaviours and their families
Practical responses to children engaged in problem sexual
behaviours
Responding immediately to problem sexual behaviours engaged in by children is
crucial. Individual values and attitudes about sexual behaviour may result in either
minimising or over-reacting to the observed behaviours. The initial response to the
behaviour by people around the child is important and can significantly impact on the
child’s ability or willingness to address the behaviours. As a professional, share the
following useful information about how to respond ‘in the moment’ with parents and
carers who are often looking for practical advice.
When you or others observe problem sexual behaviours:
• Remain calm.
• Externalise the behaviour, i.e. separate and comment on the behaviour – do not
demonise the child.
• Clearly and calmly ask the child to stop the behaviour.
• Separate the children and prioritise the safety and emotional wellbeing of the
child who has been victimised. Reassure the victim child and provide comfort
as required.
• Then engage separately and remain calm and non punitive with the child who has
enacted or initiated the problematic sexual behaviour. Be clear and firm that it
is not okay, and note the child’s explanation. Sometimes the child will be open
and engage in conversation around the origins of the behaviour, e.g. ‘Uncle Fred
showed me this game and I was showing Terry’. The key is to remain low-key and
conversational.
• Notice any unusual emotions in either of the children. Do they appear angry,
agitated or upset? Make a note of this.
• Either child may become distressed and require nurture. If either child becomes
angry and blaming of the other child, ensure that there is line-of-sight supervision
and clear messages are given about boundaries and rules, particularly attending to
any bullying or potential for retribution. Ensure safety and seek advice and expert
assistance as soon as possible.
• Keep a record of the behaviour including the actions themselves, the context, date,
times and frequency. (Note: this should be done discreetly and not used as a way
of punishing children).
After noticing concerning or very concerning sexual behaviour, a carer or professional
should seek professional consultation from their manager or supervisor to determine
whether to contact one of the agencies in the Referrals section. If the child is already
engaged in treatment, make sure that the therapist receives information about this
recent concerning behaviour. Keep close communication with the parents.
43
Action
Times of transition, such as parental separation, illness or death in the family, holiday times,
moving schools, placements and terminations with key workers, often increase symptomatic
behaviour in children and adults. Increase support in a planned, proactive way at times of
predictable transitions. Anniversary times can also trigger traumatic memories and increase
the likelihood of the sexually inappropriate behaviours: Christmas, Father’s Day, Mother’s
Day, the time of the year that a child was sexually assaulted; anniversaries of deaths;
separations, and any contact with police, courts or adult offenders, should all be planned for
with a view to proactively increasing support.
Walking in on a seemingly abusive situation can be a shock for the adults involved.
There are some common mistakes people make when they have witnessed/
discovered sexual behaviours between children. Try not to:
• appear shocked
• react in such a way that will make the child feel embarrassed or ashamed
• ignore the behaviour
• automatically assume that sexual abuse has occurred – some sexual behaviour
between children is normal
• do not use language that labels a child as a “pervert” or “sex offender”
• do not try and conduct a formal disclosure interview unless you are formally
assigned this role. However, if the child is wanting to talk, remain attuned and
engaged, letting them know that you are listening and it is okay to talk. Note down
the child’s disclosures as soon as possible as the details matter. Ensure that the
appropriate professionals in the care team have access to this information, whilst
respecting the privacy of the family.
(Adapted from Barnett, Giaquinto,Hunter and Worth 2007)
Safety plans
Children are on a developmental track and this may be reflected in changes in the profile of
their behaviour or their approaches to other children. Additionally, changes may take place in
the other children, which mean an alteration to the overall safety profile in these circumstances.
What changes need to be made to the safety plan? Who should be consulted in its
redevelopment?
Parents or carers can sometimes ‘burn out’ from the high level of vigilance required, or
become less concerned as a result of the passage of time. Additional advice or extra meetings
with the child’s treatment providers may be helpful in achieving clarity regarding safety issues.
44 Children with problem sexual behaviours and their families
Treatment: aims and progress
Following an assessment period, the goals for the child’s treatment outcomes should have
been indicated.
The Problem Sexual Behaviours and Sexually Abusive Behaviour Treatment Service agencies in
Victoria are listed on page 51.
The CEASE Standards of Practice for treatment programs (2010)
recommends that assessment by treatment services should
include a review of the drivers of the behaviours and their risk
profile, the context for the child, risks to the child, and the type
of treatment elements recommended. Empirical tests can be
incorporated if they are warranted for the child. Refer to the
document for other relevant assessment tools at
<www.secasa.com.au/index.php/workers/24/424>.
Successful intervention for the multiple components of the children’s problem sexual
behaviours may entail quite a long treatment track (often between six months and two years).
Where there has been a secure attachment between the child and parent/s and there is a
stable family base with sustained strengths and safety, the treatment phase may be shorter
and still be very effective. This is often dependent on the sustained commitment of the parents
in following through with strategies to assist the child.
Some components of the treatment may be streamed in for shorter periods, while others (for
example, interventions for attachment, trauma or entrenched family difficulties) may carry on for
longer. Since there is a tendency for fluctuation and change in this client group, the treatment
plan may need to change direction to address this variability.
Interagency collaborations
The quality of interagency collaborations is an important factor in achieving the best outcome
for the child. Different agencies experience varying constraints, models of confidentiality and
philosophical bases. Child protection practitioners are in a key position to facilitate regular
communication between the interagency or care team, and to assist everyone in working
towards the same overall goals.
Feedback from therapy providers is essential in formulating responses to the child’s
needs and so regular feedback between the therapists, family, other counsellors, child
protection practitioners and any out-of-home carers is vital to success.
Facilitate positive collaboration for the duration of treatment within the care team and
between agencies and the family.
45
Action
To ensure effective collaboration between the family and agencies involved, parents need to
be informed that information exchange is essential to ensure the best therapeutic outcome
for their child. This may mean having a conversation with the child’s parents regarding the
need for them to provide accurate information and why this information is needed and how
it will be used so that there are no surprises for the family.
With this in mind, practitioners have a responsibility to ensure that the information they hold
is accurate and up to date.
If you wish to find out more about information sharing refer to the information sharing
guidelines on the Department of Human Services Children Youth and Families website.
46 Children with problem sexual behaviours and their families
Review Outcomes
The intervention track for children with problem sexual behaviours may be a complex one and,
with any changes in practitioners, it is crucial that the narrative and experience of the child,
family, carers and treatment team is not lost. Accurate recording that documents the outcomes
of any interventions and placements is critical.
Therefore, reviewing progress as it pertains to any particular stage should be ongoing. During
the early stages, for example, key points may indicate whether the intervention plan is working;
these might be:
• how well the containment strategies and safety plans are operating in the school
• whether the parents are attending their own counselling appointments and participating in
joint sessions with the child, and family sessions where appropriate
• whether the parents are regularly taking the child to counselling sessions
• whether the child is settled enough to benefit from therapy
• whether the child’s home is able to provide safety for all of the children living and visiting
• the consistency and support provided by care team members.
During the entire intervention period, regular contact and meetings between the members of
the care team will be essential.
Risks specified
In particular, carers need to be fully aware of a potentially unfolding pattern of risks, with
the likelihood of new developments as the child matures. As an example they may have
contact with their own extended family and plans should be made for safety in this
environment too. Does the family share information in a way that maintains safety but does
not stigmatise the child?
Consultation with the child’s therapy provider, and therapy providers for the parents, and the
child’s school will be instrumental in advising whether the triggering stressors for the child
have been adequately addressed, and whether the impacts upon the child’s wellbeing and risk
potential have been adequately moderated.
Key indicators for an outcome analysis will be:
• reduction in the range, severity and frequency of problem sexual behaviours
• an improvement in the level of the child’s wellbeing
• improvements in the family environment
• treatment outcome indicators
• successful enactment of safety plans
• improvements in the child’s adjustment at school
• stabilisation to the child’s adjustment in out-of-home care
• the prospect of safety for other children in contact
• the ability of parents/carers to monitor and respond to future inappropriate behaviours.
47
Reviewing outcomes
If the child has been placed in out-of-home care in response to their problem sexual
behaviours, a review of all of the above indicators will inform decisions regarding the
appropriateness of a return home with support. Remember that assessment of the living
situation should be ongoing and responsive to the needs of the child involved and the safety
of those around them. This is a sensitive situation – we are dealing with young children
who, while having the potential to cause harm, also require nurture and guidance from firm
boundaries and attachment to family figures. Your care, consideration and expertise is crucial
to a good outcome. Most importantly, celebrate positive changes and keep persisting. Don’t
label or give up on the child, and provide practical support and encouragement to the family.
Treatment of children with problem sexual behaviours and their families is very successful
and can be life changing. Practitioner collaboration, ongoing training, supervision and a
commitment to your own self-care and critical reflection are crucial.
48 Children with problem sexual behaviours and their families
Other relevant resources
• Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA) 2006, Report of the Task Force on
Children with Sexual Behavior Problems, report by Chaffin, M et al, ATSA, Oregon, USA.
• CEASE 2010, Standards Of Practice For Problem Sexual Behaviours and
Sexually Abusive Behaviour Treatment Programs – February 2010
<www.secasa.com.au/ index.php/workers/24/424>
• Children in need of therapeutic treatment: Therapeutic orders facts: Retrieved from
<www.office-for-children.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/79102/ecec_cntt_
factsheet.pdf>
• Department of Human Services, 2007 Guide to court practice for Child Protection
practitioners, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne. Online:<www.dhs.vic.gov.au>
• Department for Victorian Communities, 2007, ‘Family Violence Risk Assessment
and Risk Management Framework’ Family Violence Coordination Unit, Melbourne
Updated 2011 [in press].
Online: <www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/women/family-violence/risk-factors-and-family-violence >
• Dwyer, J & Miller, R 2010, Working with families where an adult is violent or sexually abusive
specialist practice resource, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne [in press]. Online:
<www.dhs.vic.gov.au>
• Grealy,C, Humphreys, C, Milward, K, & Power, J 2008, Practice guidelines: Women’s
and children’s family violence counselling and support programs, Department of Human
Services, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne.
Online: <www.cyf.vic.gov.au/family-violence-sexual-assault/library/publications>
• Miller, R 2007, The Best Interests principles: a conceptual overview, State Government of
Victoria, Melbourne. Online <www.dhs.vic.gov.au>
• Miller, R 2010, Best interests case practice model: summary guide, State Government of
Victoria, Melbourne. Online: <www.dhs.vic.gov.au>
• Miller, R & Bromfield, L 2010, Cumulative harm specialist practice resource, State
Government of Victoria, Melbourne. Online: <www.dhs.vic.gov.au>
• Miller, R & Noakes, R 2010, Child development and trauma specialist practice resource,
State Government of Victoria, Melbourne. Online: <www.dhs.vic.gov.au>
• Pratt, R & Miller, R 2010, Adolescents with sexually abusive behaviours and their families
specialist practice resource, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne. Online:
<www.dhs.vic.gov.au>
• Robinson, E & Miller, R 2010, Adolescents and their families specialist practice resource,
State Government of Victoria, Melbourne.
• Robinson, E & Miller, R 2010, Children and their families specialist practice resource,
State Government of Victoria, Melbourne [in press]. Online: <www.dhs.vic.gov.au>
49
Araji, S 1997, Sexually aggressive children: coming to understand them, Sage Publications,
Thousand Oaks, CA.
Barnett, M, Giaquinto, A, Hunter, L & Worth, C 2007, Age appropriate sexual behaviour in
children and young people: information booklet for carers and professionals, SECASA and
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54 Children with problem sexual behaviours and their families
Appendix: Problem Sexual Behaviours and
Sexually Abusive Behaviour Treatment Service
Agencies in Victoria
The following agencies deliver therapeutic treatment services to children with problem sexual behaviours
and young people with sexually abusive behaviours and their families in Victoria.
Proablem Sexual Behaviours and Sexually Abusive Behaviour Treatment Service Agencies
in Victoria
Barwon South
West
Barwon Centre Against Sexual
Assault (CASA)
0 – 15 year olds
291 La Trobe Terrace,
Geelong
5222 4318
South Western (CASA)
0 – 15 year olds
299 Koroit Street,
Warrnambool
5563 1277
Eastern
Metropolitan
Australian Childhood Foundation
0 – 15 year olds
579 Whitehorse Road,
Mitcham
9874 3922
Gippsland Gippsland (CASA)
0-15 year olds
6 Victor Street,
Morwell
5134 3922
Grampians Ballarat (CASA)
0 – 15 year olds
115A Ascot Street,
South Ballarat
5320 3933
Wimmera (CASA)
0 – 15 year olds
9 Robinson Street,
Horsham
5381 9272
Hume Berry Street Victoria
(Hume Region)
0 – 18 year olds
5/125 Welsford Street,
Shepparton
5822 8100
Upper Murray (CASA)
0–15 year olds
38 Green Street,
Wangaratta
5722 2203
Loddon Mallee Mallee Sexual Assault Unit
0 – 15 year olds
Suite 1, 144-146 Lime Avenue,
Mildura
5025 5400
Loddon Campaspe (CASA)
0 – 15 year olds
48 Wattle Street,
Bendigo
5441 0430
North Western
Metropolitan
Children’s Protection Society
0 – 15 year olds
70 Altona Street,
Heidelberg West
9450 0900
Gatehouse Centre
0 – 15 year olds
Level 5, South East Building,
Royal Children’s Hospital,
Flemington Road,
Parkville
9345 6391
Southern
Metropolitan
AWARE South East (CASA)
0-18 year olds
11 Chester Street,
East Bentleigh
9928 8741
55
56 Children with problem sexual behaviours and their families