The Andrews Labor Government is helping children and young people who display problem sexual behaviours receive more support.
The Government is investing $7.51 million for Sexually Abusive Behaviour Treatment Services to 12 agencies delivering this service including a boost of $2.45 million to expand the program to 15 to 17-year-olds. This funding will also help provide more support for people under 15 years of age.
Sexually Abusive Behaviour Treatment Services seek to address problem sexual behaviours or sexually abusive behaviours in children and young people, and help families and carers understand and support the child or young person to change their behaviour.
These services work with the child or young person, their family, carers, school and community services to determine developmentally appropriate responses, such as individual and family counselling and group work.
Services for children, young people and their families are provided for up to two years, either in a voluntary capacity or subject to an order. An increasing number of young people are achieving positive outcomes through the service.
Evidence shows that brain development continues until approximately 25 years of age, making intervention services especially important for young people.
This funding directly responds to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Family Violence that call for Sexually Abusive Behaviours Treatment Services to be expanded for young people up to and including 17 years of age.
Earlier this year, the Government’s $168 million Roadmap for Reform was introduced to shift the children and family services system from crisis response to prevention and early intervention.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
“The impact of sexually abusive and problem sexual behaviour can be devastating for children, young people and other family members.”
“Often these children and young people are themselves the victims of child abuse, neglect and sexual assault, and many may have experienced family violence.”
“The Andrews Labor Government is working to prevent sexual abuse by providing the necessary support for vulnerable children and young people.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020