Children who are sexually aggressive and have sexual behavior problems need special attention, care and supervision. These are complex situations that may be challenging for staff and caregivers, but by identifying and addressing these issues appropriately, advocates and caseworkers will be better able to make sound decisions that ensure the safety of children in the care of the state.
The Department of Family & Protective Services (DFPS) has begun the process of implementing new procedures to better address these behaviors. Beginning Dec. 1, 2016, the Department will be rolling out important changes that include indicating sexually aggressive behavior in the child’s case record, placement referral form, placement summary form, and the child’s common application.
Children who demonstrate sexually aggressive behavior will always have a history of such behavior, but may not continue to display such behavior once interventions are sought and the child has demonstrated changed behavior. Sexually acting out children need to be viewed compassionately and with a hopeful attitude toward recovery, especially because they are often victims of trauma themselves.
To assist CASA volunteers and staff with addressing child sexual aggression appropriately within their role, Texas CASA has partnered with DFPS to host a webinar and to provide resources on how to:
- identify current behavior,
- document and communicate that behavior with caregivers and others, and
- advocate for appropriate support and services to facilitate the healing process.
To access the archived webinar in the CASA College LMS, please click the button below. If you do not have a CASA College LMS account, please visit the CASA College E-Learning page to learn how you can get started.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCE:
- Child Sexual Aggression Resource Guide: To better understand the new policies and procedures that DFPS will be utilizing, read this guide that was developed for caseworkers.
