Treatment for Adolescent Sex Offenders in Richmond, Virginia

Child-on-child sexual offenses are a reality no one wants to talk about, but more and more people are talking this problem because more and more sexual violence is being committed by children. These adolescent sex offenders differ from adult sex offenders in many key ways—the most important may be that when juveniles receive treatment for their sexually violent behavior, they have a lower rate of recidivism as adults.

That is why Thriveworks Richmond offers therapy for juvenile sex offenders: children and teens who receive interventions for sexually abusing, harming, or violating another person often learn healthy ways of coping with life and relating to others. Therapy may reduce a child’s chances of committing another sexual offense. It may protect future victims and give child perpetrators a future.

Child Sex Offenders

In approximately one quarter of all sexual crimes reported to law enforcement officials, the offender is under the age of 18. The statistics are difficult to read, but many researchers have given the world a clearer picture of when, where, why, and how children commit sexual offenses against other children.

The majority of children who are arrested for sexual crimes are between the ages of 15 and 17—approximately 45 percent. Approximately 40 percent are 12-14. Although the vast majority of sexual crimes committed by juveniles are committed by preteens and teens, young children are capable of sexually violating another person. About 5 percent juveniles arrested for sexual crimes are under the age of 9. The vast majority—over 90 percent—are males.

These sexual offenses range from child pornography to fondling to rape to sodomy and more. Certain child offenders pose a serious future risk while others do not. In studies, many pedophiles have admitted that they began sexually violating younger children when they were themselves children—a very dangerous pattern. Other cases are less threatening, for example, when teens are arrested for sexting their boyfriend or girlfriend.

Victims of child-on-child sexual offenses are often younger than the perpetrator and almost always known to the perpetrator—either family, acquaintances, or friends. Victims are male and female at almost equal rates. Within a home and at school are the two locations where sexual victimization is most likely to occur.

Therapy for Juvenile Sex Offenders

Adolescent sexual offenders differ from adult sexual offenders in significant respects, and therefore, their treatments will differ as well. Because a child’s brain is still developing, their behavior patterns are more fluid and can be redirected more easily than adult’s. Therapists who work with juveniles may work on:

• Understanding and taking responsibility for their sexual offense.
• Empathizing with their victims and acknowledging the impact they have caused in another person’s life.
• Sex education about healthy sexual boundaries.
• Correcting deviant sexual arousal.
• Emotional development.
• Controlling impulses.
• Identifying their own triggers and risk factors.
• Healing past trauma.

Group as well as individual therapies are available to juvenile offenders, and courts are increasingly relying upon these interventions as a replacement for or in addition to juvenile detention. These interventions may be in-patient or out-patient.

One of the most effective treatments is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Through CBT, juvenile sex offenders may learn how to handle their impulses and emotions in a positive way; modify thinking that promotes their offending behaviors; manage their sexual arousal; meet their needs through positive actions; create and expand a support system.

Therapy for Juvenile Sex Offenders at Thriveworks Richmond

When a child or teen is arrested for a sexual offense, the moment is a decision point. Difficulties and problematic behavior rarely goes away without intervention. For juvenile sex offenders, treatments are available. Thriveworks Richmond has skilled and experienced therapists who work with juvenile sex offenders.

If you are ready to reach out and schedule an appointment with a mental health professional for your child, know that Thriveworks Richmond accepts most insurance plans. We offer weekend and evening sessions, and many first-time clients meet with their counselor within 24 hours of their call.

If you are ready to get started, so are we. Call Thriveworks Richmond today at (804) 554-0356.