Teen Sex Exploiter and Offender Program
About Sexual Aggression
Sexually aggressive children or young people take advantage of others through a range of sexual activities such as peeking, touching, masturbation; oral, anal or vaginal penetration and other activities. These activities are intrusive and coercive, with the aggressive youth controlling what happens through lying, power or trickery.
The presence of sexual aggression in young people always needs to be assessed and treated. While curiosity about sexual matters is quite normal for young people, sexual aggression or exploitation is more than simply curiosity and is not always harmless.
Sexually aggressive young people are often “good kids”, in positions of trust and responsibility. Sometimes they have been exposed to aggression, bullying, sexual abuse or other kinds of exploitation, and are taking it out on those who are more vulnerable. The young person may have other personal, social, school or family troubles which contribute to their aggression.
The Problem of Secrecy
Keeping their sexual activities secret because of embarrassment, guilt or fear intensifies the young person’s problem. Yet, the earlier a problem is identified, the more likely it is that treatment can be successful. Without treatment, exploiters are likely to escalate their sexual aggression against dozens of victims over many years as the secrecy, excitement and guilt begins to accumulate. A common pattern is for the perpetrator to become increasingly aggressive and demanding over time, and begin to take advantage of new victims.
About Confidentiality:
Because some sexual activity may be criminal, all disclosures made during assessment and treatment are subject to mandatory reporting and investigation requirements. This also means that breaches of probation or potentially dangerous behaviour will be reported in order to protect the young person or others, and to ensure compliance with the law.
Treatment In Five Phases
Phase 1: Disclosure
Facing the problem is the tough first phase of getting help. At first, most young people can be expected to deny that they have been sexually aggressive; parents will also find it hard to believe. Getting things out into the open will be extremely uncomfortable for everyone, and feelings will be intense and upsetting.
By law, all suspected cases of sexual abuse or assault must be investigated by the police and your local child welfare Agency. Before calling Dr. John Swaine and Associates, Ltd., you should discuss your case with them. We also recommend that your child be assessed by your family physician.
Phase 2: Assessment
We conduct a specialized assessment to determine the nature of the problem and recommend treatment options. Depending on the age of the young person and the nature of the problem, the assessment may take several weeks and include an evaluation of any or all of the following:
- Personality and intelligence.
- Psychosocial functioning.
- Emotional and behaviour problems.
- Family functioning.
- Academic / learning problems.
- Offender type.
- Risk of reoffending.
- Prognosis.
- Treatment recommendations.
- A formal, written report may be required by the courts or child welfare agency.
Phase 3: Treatment
We provide offense focussed counselling and psychotherapy for sexually aggressive children, teens, young adults and their families. Treatment can range from simple reassurance and a few recommendations, to intensive, long term involvement over two or more years. Again, depending on the age of the young person and the nature of the problem, treatment may include any or all of the following:
- Individual counselling or psychotherapy.
- Group therapy for adolescents.
- Support for parents and families.
- Restitution to the victim and family.
- Consultation and liaison with social workers, schools, group homes and probation officers.
Within the treatment phase, the following issues may be addressed on an “as need” basis:
- Sex education.
- Healthy, age-appropriate sexual behaviour.
- Errors in thinking and judgement.
- Social skills building.
- Sexual identity issues.
- Emotional and behaviour problems.
- Self esteem and assertiveness training.
- Stress management.
- Anger and aggression management.
- Anxiety and depression.
- Family problems.
Phase 4: Relapse Prevention
As the treatment phase nears completion, relapse prevention strategies are emphasized so that clients can identify problem situations, recognize errors in thinking or judgement and develop appropriate ways of managing their sexual urges. Older teens may have to monitor themselves in this way even as adults.
Phase 5: Follow-up & Evaluation
Regular follow-up may continue for months or years to guide the young person, support their use of the techniques they have learned and deal with any problems if they occur. Brief “tune up” treatment sessions will be put into place as required.
We keep in supportive contact with agencies and professionals who are involved with the case. We also ask referral sources and clients to evaluate what we do, so that we can continuously improve our services and be accountable for what we do.
What Will Happen?
Specialized assessment and treatment of sexual aggression is stressful for both young people and their families because it involves confronting and breaking down strong denial, secrecy and guilt. It begins with the first disclosure, interviews with the young person and their families, contacts with the police, social workers and often with the courts.
Depending on age, developmental maturity and the nature of the problem, treatment may involve sex education, individual and group therapy, parent education and support, family therapy, relapse prevention and long term followup. In some cases, a jail sentence may be appropriate and unavoidable.
MSI does not cover the professional services of Dr. John Swaine & Associates. The rate for individual sessions will vary, depending on the service requested.
- Billing on a monthly basis and contracts for services can be arranged under some circumstances.
- Payment will be expected at each visit.
- VISA payments are accepted.
- Treatment focussed phone calls will be billed at a rate of $25 per call.
- We will bill requests for file information or reports to you or to the requesting body.
Private Health Insurance:
Many Employee Assistance Plans and private health insurance plans cover parts of our professional fees. You should check to see if your health insurance or employment benefit plan to see if full or partial reimbursement is a possibility.
