Ongoing Research & Articles
Through the contact SASS has with children, adolescents, their carers and professionals we have
identified the need to further develop resources for professionals and families in relation to young people and Problem Sexualised Behaviour.
In 2008 SASS employed T’Meika Knapp as a Research Officer to research best practice and develop
resources and group programs for children and their families who are affected by Problem Sexualised Behaviour. These programs will be piloted
in June/July 2009.
This research is to be continued by Jack Miers, Galileo House - Child and Adolescent Counsellor/Community
Education Project Worker with the final outcome being a Professional Development Training package. This will be available for teachers, carers, parents,
guidance officers and others who have contact with children/young people and their parents/carers.
An Overview by Jack;
Galileo House is dedicated to supporting children and young people dealing with the
impact of trauma in Southern Tasmania, but it is the parents, carers, friends, teachers and other professionals who can enact the
lasting change in children’s lives. As the African proverb goes “It takes a village to raise a child”, and no where is this more
relevant than in the care of children and young people experiencing trauma. There is no population which relies more on the support
of those around them than children enacting Problem Sexualised Behaviour or who have experienced Sexual Assault.
These children need your help, and we want to help you help them. For this reason Galileo House
is committed to broadening the understanding of the behaviour of traumatised children and what we as adults need to do to create an
environment where children and young people are not judged for their behaviour, but rather help them to work through it.
When working with traumatised children it soon becomes apparent that they are labelled the
‘naughty kids’, the ‘problem children’, the ‘bad kids’. They don’t do as they’re told, they won’t listen, they push our last nerves, and
they choose the worst possible time to act up.
Yes the behaviour of these children can be frustrating and aggravating, but it is these
terms ‘bad kids” – ‘problem children” that label the children rather than the behaviour that hold these kids back. Given the experiences
these children have been through it is entirely reasonable that their behaviour should reflect this horror. Children who have suffered
trauma are going to take away behavioural difficulties from these experiences; it is unreasonable to expect anything else. Traumatised
children need help to work through these behaviours; they don’t need to be judged and stigmatised.
The training we provide will endeavour to enhance understanding of these problematic and
maladaptive behaviours and help parents, carers and professionals to work with the child, and look behind the behaviour and create a
therapeutic environment characterised by understanding and care.
The training will cover; what to look out for, how to deal with situations as they arise
in a non shaming manner and how to connect children in with the help they need.
Given Galileo House works with children who have been sexually abused or who display
problem sexualised behaviour there will be a particular emphasis on the behaviour of these children, and the identification of problem
sexualised behaviour. It is anticipated that through these sessions participants will gain a greater understanding of the behaviour of
traumatised children and feel better equipped to work alongside these children.
If you are interested in booking a training or would just like further information please
contact Anne on 6231 0044 or email
anne.stephens@sass.org.au
Looking forward to working with you soon!.
Jack Miers
Child and Adolescent Counsellor/Community Education Project Worker
Galileo House
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