Jerri Sites, Training Specialist at SRCAC, and Jimmy Widdifield, Jr., the Freestanding Multidisciplinary Teams Programs Manager at the OK Commission on Children and Youth, co-authored the newly released publication, “Children with Problematic Sexual Behavior: Recommendations for the MDT and CAC Process.” The concept of this paper came from the expressed need for a more formal response to reports of children with problematic sexual behaviors (PSB). The peer-reviewed paper provides research-based information and links to resources for child abuse professionals to increase their knowledge and develop a plan for intervention in these often difficult and sensitive cases by adapting existing CAC and MDT models, additional training, employing strategies to engage with children who demonstrate PSB, child victims, and families, and focusing on long-term outcomes. |
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In addition to the paper, Jerri and Jimmy conducted a webinar on the topic hosted by the National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC). Their combined expertise - Jerri’s as a nearly three-decade veteran of the CAC movement, and Jimmy’s as the former Training Director for the University of Oklahoma PSB Training and Technical Assistance Program and the National Center on the Sexual Behavior of Youth - provided insight on lessons learned and best practices for attendees. This webinar will be shortly available as a recording through NCAC’s Virtual Training Center. |
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Coming Soon...
In addition, a new podcast series on PSB will launch through SRCAC’s “The Exchange.” In this new series, titled "It Takes a Podcast: Helping CACs and MDTs Help Children with PSB," Jerri and Jimmy will interview PSB experts and leaders in the field to discuss current research, the evolution of the field, individual programs that CACs have successfully developed, challenges and accomplishments in implementing PSB programs across the country, and hopes for the future. Look for first episode in this series in the coming weeks!
In the meantime, you can listen to our previous podcasts on rural CACs and transitioning CAC direct services during COVID here.
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The podcast series, white paper, and webinar were developed to support MDTs and CACs in developing a response to oftentimes complex cases involving children ages 12 and younger with PSB, which can present a myriad of challenges for child abuse professionals. First and foremost, the child protection and criminal justice system were designed to handle cases involving adult perpetrators of abuse, not children who initiate sexual behaviors. Secondly, there are many myths and assumptions regarding children who act out sexually. By sharing research-based information and national resources on the subject, the audience will be able to have a clearer understanding of the dynamics of these cases, thus, work toward a unified, child and family focused approach. Fortunately, the MDT approach and the CAC model are ideal vehicles for the development and implementation of an integrated and comprehensive systems approach to children with PSB, recipient children, and their families. The podcast, paper, and webinar offer recommendations designed to guide and support MDTs and CACs to enhance current practices, improve their professional response, and promote positive outcomes for children with PSB, children impacted by the PSB, and their families.
Jerri and Jimmy will be available to co-present on the topic at state and national conferences in 2021. For additional information, contact Jerri Sites at [email protected].
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This publication is funded through grant #2019-CI-FX-K003 from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components, operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this publication (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). |
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Southern Regional CAC | Vol. 3 No. 6: December 2020 |
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