Problematic Sexual Behavior Services

Purpose of the Problematic Sexual Behavior Screening

Sexualized behaviors can be a normal part of child development as long as it is mutually agreed upon between children of similar age and/or developmental level, exploratory and spontaneous in nature, intermittent, and easily redirected by an adult. Another possible indicator of a larger issue is if kids react with strong emotions such as anger, anxiety, or fear when the sexualized behaviors are addressed. 

Our Problematic Sexual Behavior (PSB) screenings are available for kids ages 3-9 and explore what behaviors are occurring, identify their origin, and classify them as developmentally appropriate or problematic. Caregivers are empowered with information on how to support their child in reducing or eliminating the behaviors. Kids are provided with a body safety check-in. If more intensive intervention is needed, the CAC also offers specialized counseling for children displaying problematic sexual behaviors.

If your child is exhibiting sexual behaviors, it does not always mean they have been sexually abused. There are a variety of reasons these behaviors may be exhibited and we are available to help you and your child gain insight into the source. We are here to help you navigate questions and concerns around any sexualized behaviors your child is displaying.

FAQs

  • A Problematic Sexual Behavior (PSB) screening is a one-­on-­one body safety lesson between an Assessment Specialist and a child between the ages of 3 and 9. PSB screenings are utilized in situations where a child is exhibiting concerning sexualized behaviors, using sexualized language and/or exhibiting red-flag behavioral indicators of sexual abuse, but has not made any direct disclosures of sexual abuse.

    • The appointment may last anywhere from 1- 1.5 hours.

    • When you arrive at the Children’s Advocacy Center, the Assessment Specialist will meet with the caregiver(s) first. This allows the Assessment Specialist to review the intake form with the caregiver(s), explain what to expect during the assessment with the child, and gather any additional information that may be pertinent to the assessment. 

    • The Assessment Specialist will then meet with the child in a developmentally ­appropriate, child­-friendly room. The Assessment Specialist will review general body safety with the child, discuss safe and not safe touches, and brainstorm a list of safe adults that the child feels comfortable talking to. 

    • Following the meeting with the child, the Assessment Specialist will again meet with the caregiver(s) to share any information that may have resulted from the Child Assessment. The Assessment Specialist will make any recommendations or referrals if that may be of assistance to your family and will answer any follow-­up questions that your family may have.

  • The goal of a PSB screening is to provide a behavioral assessment and body safety lesson to the child, educate parents on child sexual abuse dynamics,  and provide follow up recommendations.

  • If you are a parent or caregiver with questions about your child’s problematic sexual behavior, please contact Taylor Stratton, tstratton@cac-ottawa.org. Taylor will help determine if a PSB screening is appropriate for your child.

  • You can learn more about problematic sexual behaviors at the following websites:

    healthychildren.org

    ncsby.org

Learn More about Problematic Sexual Behavior Screenings

To learn more about PSB Screenings please contact CAC Therapist, Taylor Stratton, at tstratton@cac-ottawa.org. 

Testimonials

  • “I had no idea this resource was in our community and I am so grateful! I was so concerned about the behaviors my child was displaying and had no idea what to do. I was able to share all my concerns and get answers to all my questions. I feel so much better now that I know how to handle these behaviors.”

    — CAC Client

  • "We are so thankful for the information we learned during our PSB appointments! We especially appreciate that our child was offered a space without shame and blame and feeling like they are going to be in trouble to talk about things that are not easy to talk about. Through this service, we experienced significant changes in our child’s behavior and boundaries! "

    — CAC Client