Sexually Harmful Youth

This Brief focuses on youth who engage in sexually harmful behavior and how they transition back into public schools after serving time in a juvenile detention center or treatment facility. The Brief examines the difference between normal sexual behaviors and sexually harmful behaviors and provides an overview of the theories of sexual offending. It also compares youth who sexually harm to other deviant groups; assesses intragroup similarities and differences; and reviews child and family risk factors. In addition, it provides a summary of prevention programs for all students and for those who are at risk to sexually re-offend. Finally, the Brief illustrates how a youth who has engaged in sexually harmful behavior could potentially transition back into school and discusses the school’s role in treatment. Sexually Harmful Youth: Successful Reintegration to School is an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and graduate students in child and school psychology, social work, and public health.