JUVENILE SEX OFFENDER
Information for Clients
Working with juvenile sex offenders is a highly specialized field, in part due to the unique and often complex dynamics involved with juveniles and distinct from those of most adult offenders.
In years past, many juvenile offenders have been exempt from responsibility for their behaviors, including sexual aggression. Often, this was due to society’s view of such behaviors as adolescent adjustments or exploration that would pass with age. In addition, sexuality in the U.S. has often been insular; and thus not been viewed as a priority or necessity in the positive development of a child’s personality.
Research and clinical work have demonstrated the importance of healthy sexual development and underscored the negative impact of early sexual exploitation on the developing juvenile; and society has recognized the surprising prevalence of child sexual abuse at the hands of other juveniles. Both, in turn, has made it clear that effective intervention is necessary to prevent further offending by the identified juveniles and to prevent the development of new offenders in those showing signs of the potential to offend.
At any age, sexually abusive behavior has been defined “as any sexual interaction with persons(s) of any age that is perpetrated (1) against the victim’s will, (2) without consent, or (3) in an aggressive, exploitative, manipulative, or threatening manner.” (G. Ryan, MA). Yet as stated, the forces driving juveniles to such behavior can be very complex and more subtle than those involved with adults, though it’s also important to note that sexual offending juveniles left untreated usually progress to adult—and sometimes more sadistic or violent—offenders.
Upper Circle provides therapy for sexual offending youths, ages 12 – 17.
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