NCJ Number
112383
Date Published
1987
Length
82 pages
Annotation
An 18-month study of sexually aggressive youth in a 5-county region in Washington State examined data on 215 variables including demographics, offense type, and risk assessment and case management practices.
Abstract
Screening identified 73 children who had engaged in coercive sexual behaviors with other children. These included both adjudicated and nonadjudicated youth. Most offenses involved a youth significantly older than the victim, and the victim was usually a family member or known to the perpetrator. Of the sexually aggressive youth, 50 had no known histories of previous serious criminal behavior; 52 had a history of previous sexual abuse. The study identified deficiencies in caseworkers' risk assessment and case management practices. As a consequence, a staff training project was implemented. The 1-day training included a literature review, values clarification, case management techniques, and treatment methods, including family systems theory, sex education, and skills training. A risk assessment protocol and an out-of-home placement form were also developed. Posttraining data collection indicated positive effects on casework practice and improved identification of sexually aggressive children. The most striking finding was a 13.7-percent reduction in out-of-home placements. Some training materials are appended. 17 tables, 1 figure, and 47 references.