FAQ and Resource Guide for Parents and Caregivers: Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children and Youth

PSB-CY is behavior, initiated by children and youth younger than 18, that involves using sexual body parts in a manner that is:

• Beyond their stage of development or atypical of behavior for kids their age
• Potentially harmful to the child initiating the behavior as well as any children impacted by the behavior

Call Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 to be connected to resources and information about healthy child sexual behaviors, including tips for parents to promote healthy child sexual development. Learn more through the Safety From Violence & Abuse topic page.

When a child or youth exhibits or is impacted by PSB-CY, the Family Advocacy Program will reach out to the family to offer guidance and support guidance for parents and caregivers and support to navigate next steps and treatment after an incident of PSB-CY. Next steps may include trauma-informed assessments, rehabilitation and treatment to eligible children and youth at military treatment facilities.

The Family Advocacy Program may also provide resource and referral information to civilian medical treatment facilities for children and youth who are not eligible for care in military facilities, or for parents who would like to seek outside services. Services extend to both children impacted and children exhibiting PSB-CY. The Family Advocacy Program also provides education for parents on healthy child sexual development as a means of preventing PSB-CY.

Anyone can make a referral. Referrals come from Department of Defense Education Activity schools, child and youth programs, military and family life counselors and others. If you are concerned about sexual behaviors exhibited by or impacting a child or young person you know, contact your nearest:

• Family Advocacy Program
• National Children’s Alliance