The author notes that the maintenance of a family perspective helps the adolescent not only deal with his current family issues but also prepares him to function as a positive participant in his future adult family. Therapy with a family focus may help to break the cycle of multigenerational dysfunction. The discussion of the theoretical approach advises that many programs incorporate elements of many theories into a multimodal, multifactor model that is influenced by family systems theory, juvenile delinquency studies, and techniques developed in work with incest families. The components of a comprehensive family treatment program may include individual family therapy as well as a multifamily therapy group; a psychoeducational or support group; weekend retreats; working visits in the facility, community, and home; and a family informational packet or manual. One prerequisite must be that the sexually abusive youth is in offense-specific therapy as well. The five-stage model proposed in this paper outlines the optimal work that the family component of treatment for sexually abusive youth should include. The stages described are the crisis of disclosure, family assessment, family therapy interventions, reconstruction and reunification of the family, and termination and aftercare. 12 references