Restoring Families After

Sibling Sexual Abuse:

Key Points for Evaluators & Clinicians

Description:

It has been empirically determined that sibling incest is one of the most predominant forms of childhood sexual abuse. (D. Tener & M. Silberstein, 2019 & Tener et al., 2018). Compared to other forms of intrafamilial sexual abuse, sibling incest is “almost universally accepted as the most prevalent type.” (Id. at 666.) Despite this frequency, due to various relational and logistical complexities, evaluators and therapists face a great many challenges when attempting to facilitate family reunification. This course will examine the occurrence rate and nature of sibling sexual abuse; an overview of the evaluation process used to assess youth who engage in these behaviors; and the steps of reunification. Environmental and gender-related factors and clinical interventions that impact child safety and family readiness will also be examined.

Learning Objectives: 

This workshop is designed to help participants:

❖ Describe the phenomenon & prevalence of sexual abuse that can occur between siblings & identify the varied forms that sibling sexual abuse can take.

❖ Examine the diverse familial relationships & circumstances involved in this type of child maltreatment.

❖ Discuss myths & assumptions often held about the frequency of sexually problematic behavior & up-to-date recidivism literature.

❖ Select assessment procedures applicable when evaluating youth who engage in this type of sexual behavior.

❖ Apply an empirically supported theoretical model, Risk Need Responsivity used to manage risk & encourage family safety.

❖ Successfully apply the Steps of Reunification & identify factors that interfere with & facilitate family reunification.

❖ Discuss the critical nature of offering gender informed mental healthcare and assessment throughout the family reunification.