Many youth who engage in problem sexual behavior are never officially charged with a “sex offense.”  There are a number of factors that contribute to youth engaging in this behavior.  Sexually reactive behavior is the process of acting out sexual behaviors that were imposed upon or modeled to the young person.  The goal of the behavior may or may not be sexual gratification.

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Treatment for problem sexual behavior is very similar for adjudicated and non-adjudicated youth.  The treatment should begin with a comprehensive assessment to identify the extent of the misbehavior as well as risk for future acting out.

The treatment also includes a variety of external control methods to assist the youth in refraining from engaging in sexually stimulating activities.  These may include restriction from certain internet websites, restriction from access to potential victims, close supervision and monitoring and polygraph testing.

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The main goal of treatment is to reduce the likelihood of future problem sexual behavior by reducing and intervening in the static and dynamic risk factors associated with youth who repeat the behavior.

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The program is structured in a way that youth and their families will be able to objectively measure progress. There are 5 modules that will be completed before discharge. In general they are:

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• Module #1: Pretreatment Education

• Module #2: Full Disclosure of problem behavior and full sexual history

• Module #3: The Acting Out Cycle and Cognitive Behavioral                                            Interventions

• Module #4: Victim Empathy

• Module #5: Relapse Prevention and healthy, age appropriate sexuality                          and relationships
   

Materials and modules are modified to fit the needs of each client. In most cases we will see the client twice a week in the beginning.  The types of services may include a combination of group, individual and family therapy.  Upon successful completion of the first 4 modules, we will typically step down services to once a week if appropriate.

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We participate in team meetings and collaborate with other involved agencies such as Child Protective Services, the Regional Behavioral Health Authority, Juvenile Probation/Parole.

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The AZ Center for Change does not treat children with problem sexual behavior who are younger than 12 years of age.

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If you would like to enroll your adolescent in our program, click here for information on contacting us to schedule your appointment.