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Treatment Manual for Cognitive Behavioral Group Treatment for Parents/Caregivers of Children with Sexual Behavioral Problems

NCJ Number
213179
Author(s)
Barbara L. Bonner Ph.D.; C. Eugene Walker Ph.D.; Lucy Berliner MSW
Date Published
2005
Length
43 pages
Annotation
This manual provides guidelines for instructors who teach the cognitive-behavioral course for parents/caregivers of children with sexual behavior problems.
Abstract
The 12 sessions instruct the parents/caregivers about their children's sexual behavior and assist them in reducing their child's inappropriate sexual behavior. The course is used in conjunction with the cognitive-behavioral treatment program for children with sexual behavior problems. For each session the manual lists objectives and materials and provides guidance for the instructor in how to conduct the session. The first session defines the group's purpose and provides an overview of the course's content; group rules and the group contract are also discussed. The second session introduces the sexual behavior rules presented to the children in their treatment and discusses how parents deal with their children's emotions. The importance of close supervision of the child is discussed in the third session, as well as rules for behavior in the home. This is followed by a session in which parents learn the cognitive-behavioral technique for managing behavior that will be taught the children in their treatment. This technique, called the "Turtle Technique," teaches children how to think about the consequences of their behaviors before they act, so their behaviors will serve in their own and others' best interests. A child's developmentally expected sexual behavior is discussed in session 5. This is followed by sessions that address the behavioral management and discipline of children, techniques for managing a child's inappropriate sexual behavior, the sex education taught in the children's group, and suggestions for how parents can talk to their children about sexuality. The remaining three sessions discuss topics suggested by the parents, inform parents about the status of their children's treatment progress, and have parents evaluate the program and their child's progress.