Support for Military
Problematic sexual behavior in children and youth is defined as behavior, initiated by children and youth under the age of 18, that involves using sexual body parts in a manner that is developmentally inappropriate or potentially harmful to the individual or individuals impacted by the behavior.
A Defense Department policy covering Family Advocacy Program standards expands the responsibility of the Family Advocacy Program to address problematic sexual behavior in children and youth. This change in policy allows the program to support families whose children or adolescents have exhibited, or been impacted by, concerning or problematic sexual behavior. It also allows the program to convene a multidisciplinary team to manage the coordinated community response to these behaviors, and recommend a safe way forward for all involved.
Start early, and talk often with your children about healthy body boundaries to help them understand what safe and respectful interactions should look like.
PSB-CY is behavior, initiated by children and youth younger than 18, that involves using sexual body parts in a manner that is:
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:
Contact your Family Advocacy Program to assist your child and family with:
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