There are few things that stir up our culture more than sex, particularly sex and children. Sexual behavior in children represents, to far too many people, further proof of the moral decay of our society. Any issue that provokes as strong an emotional reaction as childhood sexuality is obviously in need of a rational discussion. The best features of thought and reason include their moderating influence on overheated and reaction emotions. Consequently, this book by Betty Gordon and Carolyn Schroeder represents a very important, and even brave, counter to irrationality. When the Surgeon General of the United States is forced to resign because the words "children" and "masturbation" appear in the same sentence, you know that there is a great deal of misunderstanding about sexuality. My own evolution as a researcher in the area of child sexual abuse is a model of how naivete can be corrected by knowledge. Some of my early research in sexual abuse of children led me to realize that sexual behavior was a reliable marker of victimization in a relatively large percentage of children (Friedrich, Urquiza, & Beilke, 1986). My blinders to sexuality were evident in that I had not even hypothesized that to be the case in this early, exploratory research. When I realized how important sexual behavior was, several colleagues and I set out to interview parents and foster parents of sexually abused children more specifically. These adults were routinely quite reactive to our queries.

Prevailing taboos about sex and the misconception that inappropriate sexual behavior is always a sign of sexual abuse inhibits frank conversation and often leads families to hide problems.

Here William Friedrich, with more than 25 years of experience in the field, offers a research-based and clinically-proven method for assessment, diagnosis, and intervention with children and their families. This book distinguishes itself by Friedrich's emphasis on addressing sexual behavior problems from an attachment perspective.

This means that, whenever possible, inappropriate sexual behavior is considered in light of larger family dynamics, emotional security, and child development. It also implies that family therapy is the ideal treatment modality. An important part of helping a child who exhibits inappropriate behavior involves guidance and reinforcement in the home. Friedrich shows therapists how to include the whole family in the process while not endangering the child or alienating the family.

A key feature of Children with Sexual Behavior Problems is the Assessment and Treatment Manual that constitutes the second part of the book. Grounded in the research-based perspective articulated in Part 1, the Manual puts Friedrich's insights into practice. Clear guidelines for evaluation and diagnosis are offered and a wealth of forms for clinicians and clients are included in order to structure therapeutic work.

"If you do any forensic child sexual abuse evaluation, you need to read this book. In a carefully documented, well written text it sets the standard for abuse assessment. Not only does it advocate an integrated approach to evaluation that includes information on the child, the child's context and the child's relationships, but it goes on to offer clear and helpful directions for gathering this information. A generous sprinkling of relevant case histories links theory to practice. This excellent book is a much needed contribution to the arena of psychological assessment in child sexual abuse."   

? DANIEL W. SMITH, Ph.D., Research Assistant Professor & Director of Training  

  ? ANTHONY P. MANNARINO, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA

Designed for professionals in the field of child maltreatment, this authoritative book presents a compelling theoretical framework that guide?s assessment of children and adolescents who have been sexually abused and their parents. The book is designed to make it easier for clinicians to select a number of measures or procedures across three dimensions that have considerable clinical relevance ? attachment, dysregulations, and self-perception. Psychological Assessment of Sexually Abused Children and Their Families features in particular the assessment of sexually aggressive children and an extensive set of interview formats, checklists, and other forms that clinicians will find especially useful in evaluating children and their families. The book is also richly illustrated with case studies. 

There are few things that stir up our culture more than sex, particularly sex and children. Sexual behavior in children represents, to far too many people, further proof of the moral decay of our society. Any issue that provokes as strong an emotional reaction as childhood sexuality is obviously in need of a rational discussion. The best features of thought and reason include their moderating influence on overheated and reaction emotions. Consequently, this book by Betty Gordon and Carolyn Schroeder represents a very important, and even brave, counter to irrationality. When the Surgeon General of the United States is forced to resign because the words "children" and "masturbation" appear in the same sentence, you know that there is a great deal of misunderstanding about sexuality. My own evolution as a researcher in the area of child sexual abuse is a model of how naivete can be corrected by knowledge. Some of my early research in sexual abuse of children led me to realize that sexual behavior was a reliable marker of victimization in a relatively large percentage of children (Friedrich, Urquiza, & Beilke, 1986). My blinders to sexuality were evident in that I had not even hypothesized that to be the case in this early, exploratory research. When I realized how important sexual behavior was, several colleagues and I set out to interview parents and foster parents of sexually abused children more specifically. These adults were routinely quite reactive to our queries.

"If you do any forensic child sexual abuse evaluation, you need to read this book. In a carefully documented, well written text it sets the standard for abuse assessment. Not only does it advocate an integrated approach to evaluation that includes information on the child, the child's context and the child's relationships, but it goes on to offer clear and helpful directions for gathering this information. A generous sprinkling of relevant case histories links theory to practice. This excellent book is a much needed contribution to the arena of psychological assessment in child sexual abuse."   

? DANIEL W. SMITH, Ph.D., Research Assistant Professor & Director of Training  

  ? ANTHONY P. MANNARINO, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA

Designed for professionals in the field of child maltreatment, this authoritative book presents a compelling theoretical framework that guide?s assessment of children and adolescents who have been sexually abused and their parents. The book is designed to make it easier for clinicians to select a number of measures or procedures across three dimensions that have considerable clinical relevance ? attachment, dysregulations, and self-perception. Psychological Assessment of Sexually Abused Children and Their Families features in particular the assessment of sexually aggressive children and an extensive set of interview formats, checklists, and other forms that clinicians will find especially useful in evaluating children and their families. The book is also richly illustrated with case studies. 

Designed for professionals in the field of child maltreatment, this authoritative book presents a compelling theoretical framework that guide?s assessment of children and adolescents who have been sexually abused and their parents. The book is designed to make it easier for clinicians to select a number of measures or procedures across three dimensions that have considerable clinical relevance ? attachment, dysregulations, and self-perception. Psychological Assessment of Sexually Abused Children and Their Families features in particular the assessment of sexually aggressive children and an extensive set of interview formats, checklists, and other forms that clinicians will find especially useful in evaluating children and their families. The book is also richly illustrated with case studies.

Starting with a broad theoretical basis, this book assesses the affect of abuse on the children's cognitive, behavioral and emotional development. A treatment plan incorporating individual, family and group therapies is included.