NOJOS

by Steven Bengis, David S. Prescott, and Joan Tabachnick

 

Question

How does long-term trauma affect a child’s development?

 

The Research

In 2000, Annette Streeck-Fischer and Bessel van der Kolk authored a brilliant review of the research on chronic trauma and child development. They integrated object relations, attachment and cognitive development theory with biology and neuroscience to create a comprehensive and powerful picture of the multiple layers of impact that long-term (as opposed to single incident) trauma has on the development and behavioral trajectories of children and youth. The article argues convincingly that such long-term traumatic exposure frequently interferes with a child’s ability to:

• play (critical to developing self-control and competence)
• develop object constancy (central to perceiving interpersonal messages accurately)
• establish attachments (with a simultaneous impact on self-regulation)
• solve life problems (e.g., generating fight/flight responses or impulsivity)
• stay in reality (i.e., dissociation, disintegration)

Referencing more recent research in biology and neuroscience, the authors discuss the impact of such trauma on the “hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis” and various parts of the brain. They then explain how this impact reduces a child’s ability to experience life events accurately, reflect upon them, or make important rational, logical or causal connections. The authors then offer a wide variety of ways this long-term trauma may present itself in a child or adolescent, including becoming developmentally regressed; self-destructive; impulsive; anti-social; substance abusing; and suffering from major sensory, attention, and learning problems. The authors point out that all of these states serve to eliminate perceived threats and to regulate emotional distress. Based upon these findings, they conclude with a more hopeful message that describes the elements of the healing process. They include a safe environment, opportunities for non-interpersonal play and mastery, and the presence of a consistent and predictable caregiver. There have been many articles on trauma generally; Streek-Fischer and van der Kolk have provided an excellent platform for understanding all subsequent research.

 

Implications for Professionals

A high percentage of children and adolescents who sexually abuse have experienced long-term trauma. Too often, the diagnostic labels of ADHD, Conduct Disorder, Sensory Disorder, Learning Disabilities, and others mask the long-term trauma that this population has experienced. The result is that professionals may ascribe intentionality as well as attitude and motivational deficits to what may actually be deeply ingrained, unconscious survival strategies. Professionals working with children and adolescents who have experienced long-term trauma must bring to each child a very high level of treatment skill, a deep understanding of all the manifestations of severe trauma as well as abuse-specific interventions. Only then are we able to both manage the sexually abusive behavior and heal the trauma. It is crucial that we honor this complexity and develop the skills to implement the most effective intervention strategies.

 

Implications for the Field

Twenty plus years ago, the mantra for addressing sexually abusive children and adolescents was “deal with what you have done to others first, then…” Over the years, we have learned the folly of that simplistic approach. This article reinforces the necessity of addressing trauma concomitantly in all its manifestations while establishing safety and managing risk. The perspectives advanced in this article offer an important foundation for the field and lead us to more holistic and integrated treatment approaches that create the opportunity for both healing and more effective self-regulation. The sophistication necessary to implement this approach effectively raises the bar for more comprehensive training and broader supervisory responsibilities. These holistic and integrated interventions will improve a child or adolescent’s chances for a better life and will ultimately prevent future victims and improve community safety.

 

Abstract

This review examines the clinical outcomes associated with exposure to chronic intrafamilial and [other] trauma and explores the treatment of the psychological, biological and cognitive sequelae. Exposure to intrafamilial violence and other chronic trauma result in pervasive psychological and biological deficits. Treatment needs to address issues of safety, stabilize impulsive aggression against self and others, promote mastery experiences, compensate for specific developmental deficits and judiciously process both the traumatic memories and trauma-related expectations.

 

Citation

• Streeck-Fischer, A. & van der Kolk, B.A. (2000). Down will come baby, cradle and all: Diagnostic and therapeutic implications of chronic trauma on child development.
  Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 34, 903-918.

 

 

 

Question

What do we know about adolescents who sexually abuse in a group or a gang?

 

The Research
‘t Jart-Kerkhoffs, Vermeiren, Jansen, and Doreleijers conducted a study on 89 adolescents in the Netherlands who had participated in group rapes. Typically, the committed offenses were of high severity and consisted of rape, often accompanied by excessive violence. The researchers indicate that between 11% and 80% of juvenile offenses in the Netherlands are committed in groups. This study examined the differences in intelligence and offense-related psychosocial characteristics of juvenile group sex offenders. Contrary to the researchers’ expectations, their study revealed little difference between leaders and followers with the exception of leaders having more emotional problems (an unexpected result), followers using more force, and followers having more social impairments than leaders. The social impairments found in the followers supports previous research that through loyalty or intimidation, the intentions of the leader become the actions of the entire group. The researchers hypothesized the lack of greater difference might have been due to: 1) the small number of leaders being studied, and 2) changing roles within the group during the offenses (e.g., leaders initiating or encouraging the group to act, but followers taking on leadership roles once the offense had been initiated).  As with many other studies, this research found extremely low levels of sexual recidivism, but high levels of general delinquency. Further, the study did reveal high levels of trauma experience in both leaders and followers, up to 80% experiencing at least one traumatic life event (a recurring risk factor in a number of risk assessment studies with juveniles).

Implications for Professionals

This is one of the only studies of adolescent group sexual behavior although a few have been conducted for adults. As the authors themselves indicate, more research is needed to identify differentiating factors, if any, amongst those who are leaders, those who are willing followers and those who are reluctant followers.  The heinous nature of many group rape offenses often prompts a common view of all group participants. From this study, the question of difference remains open, but anecdotal clinical observation suggests there may be significant differences amongst group members requiring different case formulations, treatment plans, and risk management strategies. As is becoming increasingly apparent, professionals must conduct very careful developmentally sensitive risk assessments to truly understand sex offending behaviors. This may be even more critical in group offending situations in order to avoid seeing all participants as identical.

 

Implications for the Field

Given the severity and violence associated with most group sex offenses, there is a compelling need for greater understanding of:

• The role of emotional problems in group offenders,
• The difference if any amongst group members,
• The types of prevention strategies that can mitigate against delinquent group bonding, and
• The skills required to weaken peer-influenced sexual behaviors.

Further, given the unanimity of studies both in the United States and now in the Netherlands indicating the low risk of sexual recidivism, but the very high risk of general criminal recidivism, practitioners need to consider the knowledge and research from the general delinquency literature as we consider further research in our field. Last, with trauma as a frequently recurring factor amongst juveniles who offend, early identification and intervention with males who have experienced physical, emotional or sexual insults may be a promising prevention approach.

 

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate group sex offenses with regard to the role of leaders versus followers and to compare both groups on levels of psychopathology, intelligence, and psychosocial and offense-related characteristics. Eighty-nine adolescent group sex offenders (mean age = 14.9, SD = 1.4) referred by the police to the Dutch child protection agency were examined. Psychopathology, intelligence, and psychosocial and offense-related characteristics were assessed by means of standardized instruments, and criminal careers of the participants were ascertained from official judicial records. Although leaders and followers were similar on many characteristics, some remarkable differences were found. During their sexual acts, followers reported using excessive force more frequently than leaders. Furthermore, leaders reported more emotional problems, whereas followers were characterized by higher levels of problems in the social relational domain. As the findings indicate that juvenile group sex offenders constitute a group with specific mental health needs, diagnostic investigation is important to recognize risk factors and (treatable) problems. The absence of some expected differences between leaders and followers could be due to the method of classification or because group offending constitutes a dynamic process without clearly defined roles for individuals.

 

Citation

• ‘t Hart-Kerkhoffs, L., Vermeiren, R.R.J., Jansen L.M.C., and Doreleijers, T.A.H.  (2011).  Juvenile Group Sex Offenders:  A Comparison of Group Leaders and Followers. Journal of Interpersonal Violence 26,3-20.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=157&sid=18778336

AGENDA

 

• INTRODUCTIONS:
• (27) attending

 

1. I.                   Wayne Arner

• Welcome
• Reviewed NOJOS philosophy
• Introductions

 

1. II.          TRAINING DATES:

• Sexual Violence Summit on Prevention – January 11, 2012 – Provo, Utah
  • State-wide conference
  • Dave reported that the emphasis was on “prevention” only.
  • The Sexual Violence Council will host the summit in 2013 and it will focus on “treatment of survivors and perpetrators”
  • Assessment & Evaluation of Youth that Offend Sexually – February 23-24, 2012
    • Be aware the date was changed
    • More information on the NOJOS website
    • Cost is minimal at $50 and will have social work CEU”s
    • Located at the JJS Training Center (3522 South 700 West, SLC, UT)
    • There is space for only 50 participants
  • Case Management /Line Staff – March 14-15, 2012
    • Agenda is set
    • Presenters have been identified
    • Sign up forms were passed out
    • Cost is minimal – $45
    • Wayne Arner will provide an on-line program survey by December 2011
      • Questionnaire results will go to the survey monkey account where a $20 credit will be given for any of this year’s NOJOS conferences. The information is confidential and it will help to stabilize and set standards for training purposes and for program evaluation..
      • This training will be at the Cultural Celebration Center
      • Fliers and an Agenda will be sent by email
      • Nicki Hopwood will include an eventbrite link for private providers registering for the conference
      • Nominations are open for the annual “Line staff/Case-Manager” award.  Wayne Arner requested that a note be included to explain the reason for the nominations and can be turned into him prior to the conference.
  • MASOC – April 11-13, 2012
  • NAPN – April 30 – May 2, 2012 – New Jersey
    • Encouraged all to attend
    • Ideas were discussed about NOJOS presenting at one of these conferences
    • The conference will be in Denver, Colorado in 2013.
  • NOJOS Intensive – May 9, 2012
    • Mark Umbriet will present on Restorative Justice & Geral Blanchard will present on Indigenous Healing Innovations at the NOJOS intensive conference prior to the Troubled Youth Conference.
  • TROUBLED YOUTH CONFERENCE – May 10-11, 2012 – Snowbird
  • NOJOS Advance Academy
    • Jared Rockwood volunteered to Chair this event
    • Date – August
    • Place – Cedar City
    • Discussed topics for the training
      • Trauma
      • Mental health issues – ideas for presenters:
        • Ken Hull or the Asperger’s Center at the U of U
        • Rob Butters – John Pickup…polygraph pro’s and con’s
        • Bill Steel – sweat lodge

 

1. III.             Crisis Intervention Team

• Bryan Garlock needs interested professionals to be a part of the organization.  Please contact Bryan or Dave for meeting times and agenda..

    

1. IV.             Focus group on Pornography and Addiction 

• We are still looking for Peer Reviewed/Research articles related to the effects of pornography.
• The last (5) focus groups have been in the Ogden area
• The next meeting will be Feb 8^th at 12:00 and will be at the UCASA office at 284 W. 400 N. in Salt Lake City.
• Perhaps we may be able to write a position statement to use as a guideline for clinicians – come and bring your lunch
• Would like to schedule future focus groups for Utah County

 

1. V.                Program Evaluation Research – discussion

• It was reported that only a small group of people have responded to the requests for information for training and program evaluation.

 

VI.       Elections for Co-Chairs/Advisory Members

• There will be voting at the next NOJOS meeting for the Advisory Board to represent the NOJOS group.  Please send your nominations to jeby@utah.gov  by email or notify Dave Fowers or Wayner Arner for the nomination form.
• Discussed the update on contracts for girls programming and treatment.  We may be on the verge of losing girls residential programming.

 

1. VI.             Round Robin

• Wayner Arner announced that they will be hiring in their office.  They need 2-3 people and a bachelor’s degree is required.

Just a reminder that there will be a NOJOS Meeting Thursday, February 16, 2012 @ 10:00 a.m. in Room #1020A/1020B

by Steven Bengis, David S. Prescott, and Joan Tabachnick

 

Question

What differentiates youth who have sexually abused from those who don’t reoffend or reoffend in non-sexual ways?

 

The Research
In September 2011, Julie Carpentier and Jean Proulx published a study designed to identify the risk factors for re-offense among adolescents who had sexually abused. They chose a sample of 351 male adolescents between the ages of 11 and 18, who had sexually offended and had been assessed at an outpatient center in Montreal, Canada. The study examined over 100 variables to correlate with any new criminal charges in three areas:  overall recidivism; violent recidivism (including violent sexual recidivism); and, sexual recidivism. With a mean follow-up period of 8 years, the results confirm that adolescents who have sexually abused committed other criminal offenses, but few sexually abused again. More specifically, the study indicated that: 10% were charged with at least one new sexual offense; 30% were charged with a violent offense (including sexual offenses); and 45% were charged with a new offense (of any kind). The study concluded that the youth reoffended relatively quickly (almost half of those who commit another offense do so within two years, 75% do so within four years). Identified risk factors for each of the three areas included:

• Sexual Recidivists:  paternal abandonment (plays a particularly important role in sexual criminality beyond adolescents) and association with significantly younger children
• Violent and Overall Recidivists:  an official criminal record, an unofficial history of delinquency, and a diagnosis of ADD (all of which the authors suggest may be understood as indices of impulsivity or low self-control)
• All Recidivists:  Sexual victimization was the only risk factor associated with an increase in the risk of sexual, violent, and overall recidivism

Implications for Professionals

While using different methodologies, several studies, including the present Carpentier and Proulx contribution, have yielded the same conclusion. Only a very small number of youth who offend sexually (in this study, 10%) go on to offend sexually again. But a far higher number commit other general criminal offenses. With an increasing understanding of the factors leading to sexual recidivism, professionals need to: 1) focus on intervention approaches, particularly in the years immediately following an offense, that limit contact with younger children; 2) target therapy/treatment approaches that address the ramifications of paternal abandonment (perhaps a proxy for attachment issues); 3) address the impact of sexual victimization and teach self and energy modulation practices (including the use of appropriate medication) for those with comorbid conditions such as ADHD.

 

Implications for the Field

With the increasing research about recidivism in adolescents who sexually abuse, the field should use every available opportunity to change public opinion and the public narrative from “once an offender always an offender” to “once a sexually abusive adolescent rarely an adult sexual offender”. The findings suggest that early intervention is key in the lives of these children and adolescents. The authors also challenge us all to see the harm of labeling all adolescents who sexually abuse as “sex offenders” when so few continue to abuse sexually. Further, this study suggests the need to explore the positive impact of strong male relational opportunities as a protective factor and the powerful impact that prevention approaches can have on future victimization given the victim-victimizer correlates.

 

Abstract

The Carpentier and Proulx study investigates the recidivism rates of a sample of 351 male adolescents who sexually offended, and were assessed at an outpatient psychiatric clinic in Montreal. Over an 8-year follow-up period, 45% (n = 158) of the participants were charged with a new criminal offense, 30% (n = 104) were charged with a violent offense, and 10% (n = 36) were charged with a sexual offense. Cox regression results suggest that overall, violent, and sexual recidivism can be predicted by a variety of developmental, social, and criminological factors. Paternal abandonment, childhood sexual victimization, association with significantly younger children, and having victimized a stranger were associated with a higher risk of sexual recidivism. Previous delinquency, attention deficit disorder, and childhood sexual victimization were found to increase the risk for both violent and overall recidivism. Also, the use of violence during a sex crime and victimizing a stranger were associated with violent recidivism, and school delay and association with delinquent peers were predictive of overall recidivism. The results confirm that a significant proportion of adolescents who have sexually offended pursue a criminal activity beyond adolescence, although few specialize in sexual offending.

 

Citation

• Carpentier, J and Proulx, J. (2001). Correlates of Recidivism Among Adolescents Who have Sexually Offended.  Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment, 23, 434-455.

 

Here is the most recent registration form for the upcoming training on Feb 23-24. Click the link below to download registration form.

NOJOS Feb 23-24 training-2

by Steven Bengis, David S. Prescott, and Joan Tabachnick

 

Question

With the sexual abuse scandals emerging at Penn State, Syracuse, and other institutions, why did it take so long for people to act?

The Research
In 1994, Christy and Voigt were among the first researchers to look at how witnesses respond to child abuse. Based upon the wealth of bystander literature, they developed a model for determining whether a witness would intervene based on four broad categories. From 567 college students and faculty, these researchers found that 48% of respondents had witnessed child abuse in a public setting, yet only 26% intervened. Data analyses identified 40 statistically significant factors related to whether a bystander intervened. Among the significant findings in each of the four broad categories:

• Bystander Characteristics:  The typical intervening witness was someone who:  believed that the way a parent treats a child “is my business” and felt personally responsible to act; was certain about what to do and how to do it; and typically had been victimized as a child or had witnessed abuse.
• Situational Characteristics:  The typical situation where someone intervened had:  less confusion about what was happening and the intervening witness felt some connection to or communicated with the other witnesses if present.
• Victim Characteristics: Victims were more likely to get help if they:  had some connection with the witness and if the bystander felt some connection or similarity to the victim.
• Perpetrator Characteristics:  The data showed bystanders who took action:  typically knew the people who were abusive and were more likely to act if they observed a situation involving more than one perpetrator.

Finally, the research showed that people intervened both directly (e.g., talked with the person who may be abusive) and indirectly (e.g., called authorities about what they saw) and that the characteristics for direct intervention varied across all four categories.

 

Implications for Professionals

It is vital for practitioners crafting a safety plans to give friends and family members the tools they need to step in, intervene and help guide a youth towards a healthier lifestyle. This includes:

1. Supporting people and organizations in a youth’s social support network to foster an attitude that “it is my business” to talk with the teen or child whenever he/she begins to step away from the safety plan
2. Teaching the skills needed to intervene
3. Providing organizations working with that teen with information needed to develop policies about both appropriate boundaries and effective responses when an adolescent begins to test those boundaries.

Finally, clinicians can help send a clear message that the more connected an adolescent feels to those around him/her, the more likely others will help maintain everyone’s safety.

 

Implications for the Field

Through a variety of institutional crises in the last decade from the Catholic Church to the Penn State tragedy, unique opportunities are emerging.  People are asking for more information about both those who perpetrate sexual abuse and those who remain silent. Because of these questions, clinicians now have the opportunity to influence a broader range of professionals concerned with community safety.  Working in a community-based environment can offer enhanced broader range of resources to youth in treatment and open the door for clinicians to share their expertise about assessment, treatment, management, and prevention.

 

Abstract

Bystander responses to public episodes of child abuse were surveyed among 269 self-reported witnesses. Respondents completed an 80-item self-report questionnaire which inquired into a broad range of events, experiences, and behaviors surrounding naturally occurring incidents of perceived child abuse witnessed in public places. Almost one-half of the sample reported having witnessed at least one event of child abuse in public, but only one out of four witnesses acted to intervene. Data analyses identified 40 statistically significant variables across four categories: characteristics of the bystander, situation, victim, and perpetrator. Results were generally consistent with predictions and findings from previous research on bystander intervention, but a number of new and significant variables were identified that characterized intervention events. Direct and indirect forms of intervention were also distinguished. Implications of the findings are discussed, and educating people to intervene on behalf of abused children is proposed.

 

Citation

• Christy, C. A. and Voigt, H. (1994), Bystander Responses to Public Episodes of Child Abuse. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 24: 824-847.

 

We have update our Credential List! For a list of the most up to date NOJOS certified providers, please visit the website, or download the 2011 1216 CRED LIST now!

Please click on the link below to download the November meeting minutes.

2011 11 NOJOS Minutes