Workshop Description: Problematic sexual behavior (PSB) of children is a commonly misunderstood behavioral health concern. The taboo nature of the topic of “sex” hinders openness to understanding even typical sexual behavior of children. Decisions are made on myths rather than on research on PSB in children, including its responsivity to treatment.  This presentation will begin with foundational information on the continuum of sexual behavior in youth, prevalence of problematic and illegal sexual behavior, common misconceptions, and components of effective interventions. Problematic Sexual Behavior: Cognitive Behavior Therapy will be described and information provided on the learning collaborative training process and how to access training.

Speaker Biography: Jane F. Silovsky, PhD, Professor, is a licensed clinical child psychologist and serves as the CMRI/Jean Gumerson Endowed Chair and Director of the Center on Child Abuse and Neglect.  Dr. Silovsky received her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Alabama.  Currently, she is a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.  Dr. Silovsky is the Director of the National Center on the Sexual Behavior of Youth and also provides training and technical assistance to communities implementing evidence-based treatment for youth with problematic sexual behavior.  Since 1997, she has been the Director of the Children with Sexual Behavior Problems program, an assessment, treatment, and research program for preschool and school age children with problematic sexual behavior.  Dr. Silovsky’ s research and expertise are in the areas of problematic sexual behavior of youth, systems change, implementation and sustainability of program, and prevention of child maltreatment.