By Hannah Laniado (Prevention Program Manager, MNCASA at hlaniado@mncasa.org) & Julie Patrick (National Partners Liaison, Raliance at jpatrick@raliance.org)
Recently, the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MNCASA) published, Children with Sexual Behavior Problems: Improving Minnesota’s ability to provide early identification and intervention services through policy and practice recommendations (June 2017), a comprehensive report outlining the data collection, literature review, and formation of recommendations for implementation. This is the first in-depth look at how one state can create change to improve intervention, prevention and response to children with sexual behavior problems.
The specific key recommendations are a model for how the system could improve for all children and families. Earlier identification and appropriate response require: specialized training for all professionals working with youth; consistent guidelines and protocols for tracking behavior; clear written policies professionals who work with children can access on how to respond – including when and what to communicate; as well as education and awareness raising to reduce stigma.
Education, compassion, early intervention, therapy and rehabilitation. That and more critical thinking changing “common sense” around sex and sexuality is how sexual abuse is prevented.
The more open we are with sex and the more dialogue we engage in, will bring a more positive light to the subject and bring some sanity to this society’s craziness about sex in general and how people view sex. Sex does not have to be taboo and adults should not react so harshly when children are interested in sex or ask questions about sex. Talk is always good. It clears the air and helps youngsters feel free-er to express their concerns and problems. This way we have a better chance at helping them…
It sounds like a program that can help prevent the perpetrators and prevent abuse. Hope it works