Parenting the Sexually Abused Child

Total Number of Hours: 3

Specific parts of the foster care program work that this training address:

• Factors that contribute to, and the impact of, child sexual abuse
• Conditions/experiences that may affect attachment issues
• Stages of growth and development, specifically related to sexual development
• The importance of being non-judgmental in caring for children, responding appropriately to behavioral, emotional, and social implications of sexual abuse
• Promoting a child’s sense of identity, family, culture, history, and values to help develop self-esteem, particularly related to boundaries, safety, and intimacy

Session Description:

In this session, resource parents will gain a better understanding of the definition, prevalence, and signs of sexual abuse.  While many look at sexual behaviors as an indicator of sexual abuse, there are many internal effects as well, impacting a child’s view of self & relationships with others.  Parenting a child who has been sexually abused or assaulted must be relationship-based, with a heavy focus on establishing safe boundaries (for all family members) and healing, to avoid the legacy of shame that comes with this type of abuse.  This also has implications for how we discipline the child in general, especially when it comes to making healthy and safe choices.  Because some sexual abuse/exploitation is acted out behaviorally, we will look at specific strategies to address those concerns and discuss how to have a “healing home” where everyone is safe.