Group treatment work with parents/carers of young people who have sexually abused children and others

This article reflects on group work with parents/carers of young people who have sexually abused children and others. It highlights the paucity of relevant literature and outlines the context, format and goals of a support group for parents/carers.

Recurring themes observed over a four year period are examined in detail. Three key areas are discussed :-

1. Emotional reactions of the parents /carers to the disclosure of the sexual abuse.

2. Lack of resources to facilitate/ accommodate the special needs of this population of parents/carers.

3. The parents'/carers' need to be aware of, understand and, where possible, facilitate the treatment programme of the young person who sexually abused.

Results from the evaluation of the four groups support the conclusion that parents are an important part of the treatment programme of young people who sexually abuse, and should be viewed as 'gate-keepers' in sustaining and monitoring relapse prevention plans.