Caren Harp, Administrator 

Sexual Behavior Problems in 

Children and Adolescents 

Research suggests that adolescents commit about one-third (35.6 percent) of 

sex offenses against juvenile victims. These behaviors can include aggressive

or coerced sexual contact, sexual contact that causes harm to a child or 

others, and sexual contact between children and youth of different ages,

sizes, and developmental levels.

OJJDP funds intervention programs for adolescent sex offenders and children with

sexual behavior problems. Research indicates that evidence-based treatment for

youth and their caregivers reduces their sexual behavior problems and enhances

the youth and caregivers’ well-being. The Office also provides grantees with

training and technical assistance as they implement community-based intervention

programs for youth and develop treatment services for victims and families.

Program 

Supporting Effective Interventions for Adolescent Sex 

Offenders and Children With Sexual Behavior Problems 

The program funds evidence-based intervention strategies and supervision 

services to address problematic sexual behaviors and prevent reoffending. 

The program also provides vital support to caregivers, family members, and 

victims. Not all youth who exhibit illegal or problematic sexual behaviors have 

a history of abuse or trauma. However, all children with illegal or problematic 

sexual behaviors need treatment. This program is designed to address the 

needs of all families impacted and improve the response to child victims.

Training and Technical Assistance 

National Center on the Sexual Behavior of Youth 

This organization provides training and technical assistance to improve the

accuracy, accessibility, and strategic use of information about the nature,

incidence, prevalence, prevention, treatment, and management of youth with

problematic sexual behaviors. The site also offers information for parents 

and caregivers. 

Assistance for Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children and 

Youth in the Military 

In coordination with the Department of Defense, OJJDP expanded its training

and technical assistance to help all four branches of the military address 

problematic sexual behaviors among youth on military bases. The program offers

clinical training on evidence-based treatment and is helping the Department of

Defense develop guidelines for a multidisciplinary response to the issue.

For More Information 

Access more information about how OJJDP is addressing children with

sexual behavior problems and adolescent sex offenders at

https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/programs/youth-with-sexual-behavior-problems. 

November 2020 

Funding 

Between fscal years 2017 and 

2019, OJJDP awarded $4.5 million 

to enhance community capacity to 

address this issue. 

` Fiscal Year 2019—$3.4 million

` Fiscal Year 2018—Not funded

` Fiscal Year 2017—$1.1 million

From the Field 

OJJDP grantee Youth Outreach 

Services (YOS) provides researchinformed treatments for children and 

adolescents who have demonstrated

inappropriate or problematic 

sexual behavior in Chicago, IL.

Services are free to families and all

programs incorporate caregivers.

The Problematic Sexual Behavior -

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program

serves children and adolescents ages

12–18 and their caregivers through

group or family therapy.

A family with a son nearing graduation

from the program noted how essential

therapy has been to their family 

after a devastating experience with

problematic sexual behavior. “From the

beginning, the group leaders have been

committed to teaching us how to cope

and rebuild our family dynamic while 

showing genuine love and concern

throughout the process,” the mother

explained. “Trusting other people to

understand a situation like ours is hard, 

but I am glad I found YOS.”

Office of Juvenile Justice and 

Delinquency Prevention 

ojjdp.ojp.gov

NCJ 253046