The Sexualized Child in Foster Care: A Guide for Foster Parents and Other Professionals

This practical guide gives foster parents and other professionals information, training tips, and numerous references for those who want to go beyond the basics. The developmental needs and normal behavior of different age groups are discussed throughout. Signs and symptoms of sexual abuse, with particular attention to the child's age, are given. Chapters include information on sex and sexuality, distinguishing normal from abnormal sexual behavior, treatment methods, research on sexual abuse assessment and methods, concerns about the sexually aggressive child, emotional costs of treating sexual abuse survivors in foster care and how to take care of ourselves, and a look ahead to recommended research topics and training improvements. A large amount of information is condensed into bulleted lists for easy reference.