With a grant from the Florence V. Burden Foundation, Safer Society developed two important resources for the parents of children who have sexually harmed:

Parents and caregivers understandably worry about whether their children are happy and healthy—physically, emotionally, and developmentally. Despite their best efforts, sometimes things go wrong. One of the most upsetting experiences parents can have is to learn that their child has been involved in the sexual abuse of another child. 

Of course, the first concern is the abuse victim’s safety. But parents and caregivers also have a great deal of concern about the child responsible for the abuse. The sheer number of questions about what to do next—and the emotions that flow from them—is overwhelming.

Taking Action: Concrete Advice for Struggling Caregiver

Addressing those questions is what the Taking Action booklets—one about children and one about adolescents—are about. They are designed for parents and caregivers as they deal with serious questions like these:

• Will my child do it again?
• Does my child need treatment?
• What is the best kind of treatment for my child?
• How do I help my child deal with the legal implications of their actions?
• What do I tell family members and friends?

And finally: How do I deal with my own feelings of shame, guilt, and anger?

The Taking Action authors draw from their many years of research and personal experience treating boys and girls who have sexually harmed another child. They provide not only information to distill myths, but also specific recommendations on what resources are available, how to navigate the legal system (e.g., Child Protective Services (CPS) and other agencies), and how to find treatment for the child or adolescent involved.

If you are a caregiver in a situation like this, it is an incredibly difficult experience for you, but the authors want you to know that you are not the first to go through this, and you can benefit immensely—as many other caregivers have—from their suggestions and detailed case studies. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. As stated by Dr. Bonner, author of the Taking Action Booklet on adolescents:

The first thing to know is that you’re not alone. Other families have been in your shoes. Other families have faced this situation and come out better and stronger afterward. What’s more, with the right help, most teens will successfully complete treatment and probation and go on to live healthy, constructive lives.

Taking Action booklet

The Taking Action booklets carefully outline what to expect in the upcoming months. The authors provide recommendations on treatment options and suggestions about how to take care of yourself during this time.

The issues faced by families of adolescents in trouble for their sexual behavior are very different from those faced by families of younger children with sexual behavior problems. That’s why Safer Society created two Taking Action booklets. One focuses specifically on the needs of families of adolescents, while the second is for families of younger children.

The booklets are available for free download, or can be purchased in bulk so that clinicians, criminal justice officials and social work agencies can immediately provide parents with the information they need.

These booklets are also available in Spanish. Please click here to learn more.