Understanding Problematic Sexual Behaviors in Children and Youth: Identification, Differentiation, and Intervention (Live Online)

August 14, 2025

Live interactive webinar: Participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussion by unmuting and directly asking questions or through the chat feature in Zoom. 

Description: Children and youth that exhibit problematic sexual behaviors (PSB) have historically been labeled, criminalized and pathologized, even with the best intentions. Sexual behaviors between children can range from developmentally normal experimentation and exploration; to unwanted, exploitive and abusive in nature. Distinguishing between appropriate and problematic sexual behavior can be difficult and often warrants a comprehensive and holistic approach due to the heterogeneous make up of this population. Over the past ten to fifteen years, approaches to assessing and understanding this diverse group of children have evolved and changed as our knowledge has cultivated. Numerous studies indicate that providing mental health services for children and youth with problematic sexual behaviors will significantly reduce the potential for future problematic behaviors as well as enhance their overall life experiences.

This presentation will cover assessment and treatment approaches that take into account that atypical sexual behavior does not occur in isolation, but within the context of the child’s physical, cognitive, moral, social and emotional development as well as within the context of the child's social network and life experiences including adverse ones. Empirically supported approaches will focus on 1) Using assessment to identify unique and salient treatment issues; 2) Individualizing approaches to address heterogenous need; 3) Developing resource responsive interventions. This presentation will address strategies to use for assessment and treatment, including specific tools and tricks to use with individuals, families and groups.

There is mounting evidence that dysregulation stemming from adverse or traumatic experiences are drivers for the behaviors and should be treated similarly to other trauma-like symptoms. Participants will leave with strategies that simultaneously address the dysregulation seen among children who have experienced trauma and are initiating PSB with others.

Audience participation will occur through designed interactions and group activities.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe normative sexual behaviors from those that are problematic in children and youth.
2. Construct assessment protocols that can be applied to the evaluation of children and youth who exhibit problematic sexual behaviors.
3. Discover how to develop individualized treatment plans with clients to address the heterogeneous treatment needs of youth with PSB.

Research:

Grady, M.D., Yoder, J., Jones, S.N. et al. Seeking an Integrated Approach to Trauma and Problematic Sexual Behaviors in Adolescents: Learning from Practitioners. Journ Child Adol Trauma 17, 383–397 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-023-00604-3

Harris M, Lanni D, Svendsen S. A conceptual analysis of system responses to the issue of problematic sexual behaviors in children and recommendations for future work in Children's Advocacy Center multidisciplinary teams. Front Psychiatry. 2023 Nov 9.

Erin K. Taylor, PhD; Michelle Miller, Ph.D.; Elizabeth Ciesar, LICSW-CP; M. Elizabeth Ralston, PhD; Jennifer D. Shields, PhD; Cailey Hartwick, PhD; Geoffrey Sidoli, LCSW; and Jane F. Silovsky, PhD. In-novative Responses to Problematic Sexual Behavior of Youth: Children’s Advocacy Centers in North America in Contemporary and Innovative Practices in Child & Youth Advocacy Centre Model. 2023 Lussier, P., McCuish, E., Chouinard Thivierge, S., & Frechette, J. (2024). A meta-analysis of trends in gen-eral, sexual, and violent recidivism among youth with histories of sex offending. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 25(1), 54-72

Sidoli, G. Policy Paper: Children's Advocacy Centers and Problematic Sexual Behaviors. Addendum to Association for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abusers (ATSA) Task Force on Children with Sexual Behavior Problems. (2023). Children With Sexual Behavior Problems (2nd Edition). ATSA.

Target Audience: social workers, mental health practitioners, creative arts therapists, marriage and facility therapists, psychologists, addiction professionals, case managers, and other interested individuals.

We are happy to respond to any concerns or questions you may have. Please contact us at by email at sw-ce@buffalo.edu or by phone at 716-829-5841.

ADA Accommodations: If you require any support for your ADA needs in the United States, please contact us by email at least 3 weeks prior to the event by email at sw-ce@buffalo.edu or by phone at 716-829-5841.

Registration open until: 10/22/25