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Therapy
Children between the ages of 5 and 18 who have experienced sexual abuse may be referred to the Center for therapy.
Short-term therapy services are offered on a weekly basis to address the trauma related to the sexual abuse. Ongoing therapy and services can be coordinated with external providers as needed.
The goal of therapy is to provide an affirming and safe space for families to engage in their healing journeys through client-centered, individualized treatment.
The following types of therapy and services are utilized; TF-CBT, EMDR, Body Safety Group, group therapy, and caregiver support groups.
Sexual Development
Sexual exploration, play, and curiosity about bodies are natural components of childhood sexual development. In some cases, sexual behaviors pose a risk to the safety and well-being of the child and/or other children.
Child Behavior Screenings (CBS):
Children under the age of 10 who are demonstrating concerning sexual behaviors may be eligible for a Child Behavior Screening (CBS). During a CBS, a trained clinician will meet individually with the child to foster a conversation around body safety. The clinician will also meet with the caregiver and provide treatment recommendations following the results of the screening.
Phased-Based Treatment for Problematic Sexualized Behaviors:
Children under the age of 10 who are demonstrating concerning sexual behaviors may be eligible for Phased-Based Treatment for Problematic Sexualized Behaviors. It is a short-term, skills-based treatment that works with caregivers to manage problematic behavior while providing developmentally appropriate information about sex and sexuality.
For more information about body safety and sexual development, please see our resource page.
Advocacy & Support
Someone with you every step of the way.
How well a child copes following a disclosure of sexual abuse has a lot to do with the support of those around them. The Family Services team plays a key role in helping both child victims and their families in the aftermath of a traumatic experience.
The Family Services team can provide assistance in accessing needed information, specialized services, and support throughout the healing and justice process.
Getting medical attention.
An advocate can help you obtain a non-invasive medical exam for your child. We partner with the YWCA to conduct these exams, which consist of a basic well-child exam with the addition of a specialized, non-invasive sexual abuse exam.
The evaluation also provides children and caregivers an opportunity to ask questions. Children often need reassurance that their body is okay after sexual abuse has occurred.
Helping navigate the necessary resources.
Caregiver support services were created to support parents and caregivers as they work through their child’s trauma, as well as continue to navigate the daily struggles after abuse has occurred.
Services address needs that may be a barrier to stabilization of the family after abuse has occurred.
Caregiver support.
The Center’s Caregiver Therapist provides support for parents and caregivers who may need to process their emotions and the complexity and trauma of child sexual abuse. After an internal referral, a short-term individualized treatment plan is created, and outside referrals can be made, as appropriate if the caregiver needs long-term support.
For more information, please contact info@cac-kent.org.
