This course is a second module in a series of courses on children's sexual behavior. It is recommended that you complete the first module titled "Children’s Sexual Behavior" by the same author prior to taking this course.

This online course assumes that you are able to think about children's sexual behavior based on research, and disengage from the swirl of media attention and public panic that generates the fear that sexualized children are in the process of becoming the pedophiles of tomorrow. You know that we are sexual from birth, and uniquely express our erotic life from our earliest days. For some children, this expression will get them into trouble in a world that eroticizes them on the one hand, while punishing their sexual behaviors on the other. Surprisingly, most children seem to be able to adapt to these contradictions without outside intervention. Caregivers and child welfare workers bring other children to professional attention because these children are unable to refrain from the behavior, even after adult intervention.

Please note, that this course may contain some explicit sexual material.

This online course is designed to help mental health practitioners and social workers consider the best course of intervention for working with children who, in our world, are troubled or are troubling others with sexual thoughts, feelings and expression.

The available research will be explored to address:

1. A continuum of sexual behaviors



2. Gathering background information for assessment



3. Assessment instruments



4. Broadly defining treatment



5. Effective treatment modalities



6. Community management and safety planning