The information in this program outline is provided by the program representative and edited by the CEBC staff. The When Children Abuse program has been reviewed by the CEBC in the area of: Sexual Behavior Problems in Children, Treatment of, but lacks the necessary research evidence to be given a Scientific Rating.

• Types of Maltreatment: Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Physical Neglect, Emotional Abuse, Exposure to Domestic Violence
• Target Population: Children from 5 to 12 years of age who have been identified by any number of sources for exhibiting inappropriate sexual behavior that involves the exploitation of other children.

When Children Abuse is a structured, cognitive behavioral program that addresses the dynamics and behavior of children with sexual behavior problems. The types of sexual behavior addressed include a broad spectrum, ranging from socially inappropriate behavior to aggressive sexual assault involving force or coercion.

It was developed with issue-related modules that can be tailored to address the child, the behavior and the circumstances presented at intake and as treatment progresses. Its guidelines include intake criteria, client assessment, and two types of progress and evaluation tools which can be applied during and following treatment.

It is a “Parallel” treatment program because it includes simultaneous educational/ treatment groups for the caretakers of its child clients, due to the degree of dysfunction, unresolved personal issues and/or emotional reactions of the parents.

The program is based on the belief that a child, regardless of the specificity of the referral or severity of the behavior, must be seen and addressed as a whole child. If there are multiple diagnoses or abuse issues, cognitive/developmental issues, complex family circumstances, etc., these should be addressed as part of treatment.

The goals of When Children Abuse include:

• The client will develop the tools to stop inappropriate sexual behavior.
• The client will gain skills to develop positive relationships with peers and younger children.
• The client who has been abused will be able to resolve the trauma in such a way that it will not be used as a primitive defense mechanism (i.e., as a projective identification with the aggressor).
• Upon completion of treatment, the client will be able to develop positive attachments to caregivers and significant others.
• The family will develop an understanding of the issues that brought them into treatment and gain an understanding of the reasons behind the behavior.
• Other impulsivity issues and co-morbid diagnoses will be addressed, and symptoms will be reduced.
• The client who feels shamed or unworthy will gain a more positive sense of him or herself.