Summary of the Practice Parameters for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents Who Are Sexually Abusive of Others

Abstract

This summary provides an overview of the assessment and treatment recommendations contained in the Practice Parameters for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents Who are Sexually Abusive of Others. The parameters were written to aid clinicians in the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with symptoms of sexually abusive behavior. The assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with sexually abusive behavior requires an understanding of normal sexual development. A multiplicity of biological and psychosocial factors determines the child's sexual development, gender role, sexual orientation, patterns of sexual arousal, sexual cognitions, sexual socialization, and the integration of sexual and aggressive patterns of behavior. The individual's sexuality evolves in concert and as a result of interaction with family, ethnic, social, and cultural influences. These parameters summarize what we know about the epidemiology and phenomenology of sexually abusive youths and provide guidelines for the assessment and the selection of treatment interventions for these youths. Essential considerations in the assessment and treatment of sexually abusive youths, as well as the different categories of sexually abusive youths which should be recognized and which influence treatment decisions, are presented. The spectrum of currently available psychosocial and biological treatments will be summarized.