A criação de sistemas de informação e a preocupação em disponibilizar informações de diferentes naturezas (sociais, econômicas, saúde) é crescente no Brasil. Não obstante, o estudo do crescimento somático e da aptidão física de crianças e adolescentes pode trazer informações valiosas para que profissionais que atuam com essa faixa etária possam melhor desenvolver programas de educação física e esportes. Dessa forma, o objetivo geral desse estudo é o de mapear o crescimento somático, aptidão física e os indicadores sociais georreferenciados de crianças e jovens brasileiros, de 10 a 15 anos, estratificados por sexo e por estados do sul do Brasil. A amostra é composta por 33.875 crianças e jovens, sendo 16.689 do sexo feminino (Paraná 4.055, Rio Grande do Sul 8.670 e Santa Catarina 3.964) e 17.186 do sexo masculino (Paraná 3.807, Rio Grande do Sul 9.228 e Santa Catarina 4.161. A amostra foi retirada do banco de dado do Projeto Esporte Brasil. Utilizamos a técnica de “mapas e cenários” (mapping). O estudo foi composto por três mapas e um cenário. Para a descrição dos dados nos mapas utilizou-se a média, o desvio padrão e a freqüência de ocorrência. Para a composição do cenário foi utilizada o teste quiquadrado e o risco estimado. Para o tratamento dos dados utilizamos o programa SPSS for Windows. Os resultados demonstraram que no mapa do crescimento tanto os meninos quanto as meninas do Rio Grande do Sul (RS) são mais altos e mais pesados que nos outros dois Estados. No percentual de ocorrência para índice de massa corporal observamos que os avaliados do RS apresentam uma maior ocorrência acima do ponto de corte nos dois sexos seguidos pelos avaliados no Paraná (PR). No mapa da aptidão física, constatou-se que os avaliados em Santa Catarina têm os melhores índices, em média, nos dois sexos, para: resistência geral e abdominais em 1 minuto. Os avaliados no RS e PR oscilaram com índices inferiores aos dos SC nessas variáveis. O mesmo ocorreu para flexibilidade no sexo masculino. No entanto, no sexo feminino as PR atingiram melhores índices. No mapa dos indicadores sociais georreferenciados observamos que o RS apresenta a menor densidade demográfica dos três estados. Ao citarmos os indicadores econômicos SC apresenta o maior PIB/per capita dos três Estados e ao mesmo tempo tem a menor participação no PIB nacional. Nos indicadores sociais SC se destaca positivamente quando comparado aos outros dois estados. É o melhor índice de desenvolvimento humano, melhor índice de desenvolvimento juvenil, a melhor distribuição de renda (coeficiente de Gini) e a menor taxa de analfabetismo. O RS apresenta a menor taxa de mortalidade infantil. No cenário elaborado, realizamos uma associação entre o IMC e as variáveis da aptidão física relacionada à saúde de acordo com a bateria de testes do PROESP. Constatamos que existem associações significativas entre as variáveis IMC - Resistência Geral e IMC - Força/Resistência Abdominal (p=0,000). Já com relação à associação entre IMC – Flexibilidade não houve associação significativa (p>0,005). Assim o risco estimado para os avaliados que não atendem o ponto de corte para a resistência geral é de 147% (RR=2,47) para os meninos e 88% (RR=1,88) para as meninas, de também não atingirem o ponto de corte do IMC. Na força/resistência abdominal 96% (RR=1,96) de risco dos meninos que não atingiram o ponto de corte nessa variável de também não atingirem no IMC, ao fazer essa mesma análise para o sexo feminino constatou-se que existe um risco de 90% (RR=1,90). Os pontos de corte utilizados para as duas variáveis são propostas pelo PROESP-BR (2009). A utilização da técnica de mapas e cenários nos permite ter uma ampla visão dos resultados atingidos pelo PROESP-BR, disponibilizando subsídios, georreferenciados, para aprofundar nossos estudos sobre determinados fenômenos referentes ao crescimento somático e aptidão física de crianças e jovens. / The development of information system and the need for available information of different natures (social, economic, health) is crescent in Brazil. Nevertheless, the somatic growth and physical fitness study of children and adolescents can bring valuable information to professionals that act with this age group so they can develop better physical education and sports programs. Thus, the general goal of this study is to map the somatic growth, physical fitness and social georeferences indicators of Brazilian children and youth of 10 to 15 years old stratified by sex and locations in the Southern Brazilian States. The sample was composed by 33.875 children and youth, 16.689 girls (Paraná State 4.055; Rio Grande do Sul State 8.670; Santa Catarina State 3.964) and 17.186 boys (Paraná State 3.807; Rio Grande do Sul State 9.229; Santa Catarina State 4.161). The sample was taken from the PROJETO ESPORTE BRASIL database. We used map and scenario (mapping) technique. The study was composed for three maps and one scenario. We used mean, standard deviation and occurrence to describe the maps. To the scenario composition we used the qui-square test and estimate risk. The SPSS for windows program was used for data treatment. The results showed that somatic growth map for both sexes for the individuals from Rio Grande do Sul State are taller and heavier than the others States. The occurrence of individuals above the body mass index cut offs was bigger in Rio Grande do Sul State for both sexes, followed by Paraná State. Regarding the Physical Fitness map, we observed that the individuals from Santa Catarina State had the higher means, for both sexes, in general endurance and in muscular strength/resistance. The same occurred in flexibility levels of boys. However, girls from Paraná State had the best results. With regards to the social georeference indicators map, we observed that Rio Grande do Sul State showed the lower demographic density. Santa Catarina State had the bigger gross domestic product per capita and the lower national gross domestic product participation. Santa Catarina State had positive highlight social indicators compared to the others two States And also had the best human development index, the best youth development index, the best distribution of income (Gini coefficient), and the best illiteracy rate. Rio Grande do Sul State showed the lower infant mortality rate. At the elaborated scenario we used the body mass index and general endurance association. We identified an association between the variables (p=0,000) and the estimated risk for those individuals who did not attend the general endurance was 147% (RR=2,47) and 88% (RR=1,88) for boys and girls respectively, bigger than those individuals who attended the general endurance cut offs to be into the group that did not attend the body mass index cut offs. The cut offs used for both variables are proposed by PROJETO ESPORTE BRASIL (PROESP, 2009). The maps and scenarios technique utilization allowed us to have a broad vision of PROJETO ESPORTE BRASIL results, providing subsidies, georeferenced, to deepen our studies about children and youth somatic growth and physical fitness.

Dream/Hope/Love/Create/Act (and back) is a collaborative arts-based research project on the experiences that support workers have with enacting support, care and education practices in the disability support and education field. Five support workers were interviewed using arts-based and collaborative methods. Conversations focused on the disciplining power that policies, systems and structures have over the support practices provided to young people labeled with an intellectual disability. Questions were formulated on support worker experiences with enacting care, behaviour support, and curriculum. The following four issues were central to the inquiry: child development and the pressure for language acquisition; issues of consent in everyday practice and clinical spaces; the creation and enactment of behaviour plans; and disability labels and the diagnosis process. The in-depth, unstructured arts-based individual and group conversations were collaboratively designed with research participants, and topics of care, support and professional ethics were intentionally politicized. Conversations took place during the creation of poetry, painting and collage to grapple with practitioners’ own power in shaping the worlds of young people. By way of experimenting with diffractive approaches to analysis, assemblages of poetry, art and theory were created as thresholds for entry into the larger thesis assemblage. Transcripts and art were analyzed while thinking with various theoretical threads from critical disability studies, feminism, queer theory, critical race theory and social justice, with the purpose of blurring and resisting harmful and normative support practices. This study shows that support workers are honouring the bodies and communications of resistance of the young people with disabilities they support. This study also shows support workers as deeply self-reflexive as they engage in critical practices in resistance to ableism. Dream/Hope/Love/Create/Act (and back) has implications for informing research, training and education that grow support work practices to become increasingly consensual and designed with and for young people with a variety of disability labels. / Graduate

Since the year of 2000, some of the country and city governments had already established regulations or sent out official documents to encourage the schools under them to implement ¡§Primary School After-School-Care Service¡¨. 2003, it is officially classified into Children and Youth Welfare Act as a part of the law, and established ¡§After-School-Care services for Primary schools and staff qualification standards¡¨ to propose to the whole country. Its goal is to encourage women to give birth and to enable the parents to work without burdens, especially for those families who are receiving double-income, so that their children can grow up healthy. Also, schools which are located in the mountains, remote areas, or islanders, aborigines have the privilege to establish first, and the care service have to match the work hours of the parents. This research is taking Zuo-Zheng, Tainan as sample, and is researching on the conditions of remote primary schools¡¦ After-School-Care Service. We interviewed the principals of the primary schools, the head of administrative organizations and unofficial groups, and also did survey on the parents. We used descriptive statistics to analyze, and make discusses on if it is correspondent with the needs and goals, if gaps are found during the execution of the policy, and related advices are made for references. The conclusion of the founding are listed below: 1. After-School-Cares at remote areas cannot meet the needs. 2. After-School-Cares at remote areas are facing difficulties. 3. After-School-Cares at remote areas did not practice well. 4. The idea of After-School-Care is lack of cognition. 5. The policy of After-School-Care is complex and lack of continuity. At last according to the founding, we came up with advices for government organization of education: 1. Establish supplementary measures according to different regions. 2. Enhance the propaganda of the policy to enable the establishment of common views.

Studiens syfte var att undersöka hur utvalda organisationer arbetar mot kränkande behandling på nätet bland barn och unga. Metoden som användes var kvalitativ och det empiriska materialet inhämtades genom intervjuer. I studien deltog sex respondenter, fyra av respondenterna var från de olika organisationerna Friends, Bris, Tjejjouren samt Barn- och elevombudet som kommer i kontakt med kränkande behandling på nätet. Två av respondenterna arbetade som skolkuratorer inom skilda elevhälsoteam på två skolor. Resultatet analyserades med hjälp av innehållsanalys och ett teoretiskt ramverk som bestod av institutionell teori och isomorfism. Resultatet visade att arbetsgrunden hos de olika organisationerna skiljde sig åt då de arbetade efter olika lagar och teorier. Organisationerna arbetade med olika insatser, exempelvis genom stödverksamhet, föreläsningar och utbildningar till olika målgrupper. Gemensamt för organisationerna var att de arbetade med liknande metoder mot kränkande behandling på nätet som de använde sig av mot traditionella kränkningar. Resultatet visade att det finns olika sätt för samverkan att bildas mellan organisationer, detta kan vara genom formell samverkan eller informell samverkan. Flera av organisationerna i vår studie riktade sitt arbete mot skolan och resultatet visade att det finns brister i hur den samverkan genomfördes. / The purpose of this study was to explore selected organizations work against degrading treatment on the internet among children and youths. We used a qualitative method and the empirical material was collected by interviews of six participants. Four of them were from the different organizations Friends, Bris, Tjejjouren and Child and School Student Representative which somehow were connected to the issue degrading treatment on the internet. Two of the participants worked as school counselors in various student health teams at two high schools. The material has been analyzed using content analysis and the theoretical framework of institutional theory and isomorfism. The result showed that the working basis of the organizations differed according to laws and theories. The organizations worked with different actions, for example supporting activities, lectures and educations to different target groups such as e.g., school. The organizations had in common that they worked with similar methods against degrading treatment on the internet as against traditional degrading treatment. The results showed that there were different ways to form cooperation between organizations, for example through formal or informal agreements. Several of the organizations in our study directed their work toward the school and the result showed that there are shortcomings in how the cooperation was performed.

Children and youth inactivity and sedentary at school is increasing. This means that some of the students have a significant unhealthy lifestyle with physical inactivity, which in turn implies risks of suffering from various diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, all related to a sedentary lifestyle. To prevent illness, it is important that children and young people early get a positive attitude towards physical activity. The purpose of this study was to study the causes of child and adolescent physical inactivity in school, based on teachers 'and parents' perspectives. A qualitative research has been selected. To achieve the study objectives, the author has conducted seven semi-structured interviews, with an appropriate choice of five teachers and two parents with children in school. Data was analyzed with a manifest content analysis. The results show that teachers and parents felt that physical activity is a protective factor for children's health. There are several reasons for physical inactivity in students today, blah new technologies, various transportation facilities and family finances. Some measures that can reduce the physical inactivity, for example be to increase sports lesson 'time and by starting with children and young people's interest to make them feel joy in moving, which increases the interest in physical activity. The conclusion of this work is that children's movement is important for their health. Children and youth in elementary school in need of physical activity so that they feel good. Both schools and parents have a responsibility to promote children's physical activity so that they can preserve their health, before improving their learning ability, have more energy and to manage the school in a good way.

<p>This dissertation consists of three parts of empirical analyses investigating temporal patterns and consequences of (childhood) overweight and obesity, mainly in the United States and the People's Republic of China. Based on the China Health and Nutrition Survey, the first part conducts hierarchical age-period-cohort analyses of childhood overweight in China and finds a strong cohort effect driving the overweight epidemic. Results from the growth-curve models show that childhood overweight and underweight are related such that certain socio-economic groups with higher levels of childhood overweight also exhibit lower levels of childhood underweight. The second part situates the discussion on childhood obesity in a broader context. It compares temporal patterns of childhood overweight in China with these of adulthood overweight and finds that the salient cohort component is absent in rising adulthood overweight, which is dominated by strong period effects. A positive association between human development index and overweight/obesity prevalence across countries is also documented. Using multiple waves of survey data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, the third part analyzes the (latent) trajectory of childhood overweight/obesity in the United States. It finds that individuals with obesity growth trajectories are less likely to avoid mental depression, tend to have higher levels of neuroticism and lower levels of agreeableness/conscientiousness, and show less delinquent behaviors.</p> / Dissertation

This study addresses the hitherto limited research on sexually abusive children and youths in New Zealand (NZ). It encompasses children (12 years or younger) and youths (13 to 19 years) referred to the three largest specialised community sexual offender treatment programmes in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch over a 9½ year period. Additionally, three special populations are considered: female sexually abusive youth, youth with ‘special needs’ and children (12 years and under). To increase our understanding of the individual, offending and family characteristics of these children and youths in specialised community treatment programmes in New Zealand Study One audited client’s clinical files (N = 702). Consistent with international research, New Zealand children and youth who engaged in sexually abusive behaviours not only presented with sexually abusive behaviour(s) but also had other psychological and behavioural issues. These included a history of childhood sexual and physical abuse (38%, n = 263 and 39%, n = 272 respectively), behavioural (63%, n = 442) and mental health problems (65%, n = 457), drug and alcohol misuse (22%, n = 156) and a history of suicide ideation or deliberate self-harm (27%, n = 187). They often had poor social skills (46%, n = 326) and had struggled to establish appropriate peer relationships (44%, n = 306). Many of the children and youth came from multi-problem and chaotic family backgrounds (e.g., 55%, n = 387 of parents were divorced or separated, 38%, n = 267 were exposed to domestic violence and 32%, n = 222 had family member(s) with a substance abuse problem) and had experienced numerous out-of-home placements (57%, n = 389). Factors associated with resiliency were also investigated. It was found that children and youth primarily victimised male and female children (12 years or younger) (70%, n = 1407), who were acquaintances (57%, n = 1295) or relatives (32%, n = 730). Very few victimised strangers (7%, n = 86 of victims were strangers). They engaged in both ‘hands on’ (e.g., penetrative acts) and ‘hands off’ offences (e.g., voyeurism). Study Two was a naturalistic treatment outcome study to explore treatment outcomes and involved 682 sexually abusive children and youth who attended three specialised community treatment programmes in New Zealand. The main outcome of interest was sexual recidivism (prevalence rate of re-offending during the follow-up period) with secondary outcome variables of general and violent recidivism. The follow-up period ranged from 1 year to 10 years (mean 4.5 years, SD = 2.2). Three groups were compared: the ‘Comparison’ group (referral or assessment only, n = 300), ‘Treatment Dropout’ group (those who prematurely terminated their involvement in treatment, n = 165) and the ‘Treatment Completer’ group (those successfully completing treatment, n = 217). To allow for triangulation of offences that were dealt with through the youth and adult justice system’s recidivism data were collected from multiple sources (Child, Youth and Family , Youth Court, and Police criminal charges and convictions data). Post-treatment sexual, general (nonsexual and non-violent) and violent recidivism are reported from each data source as well as overall sexual, general and violent recidivism. Sexual, general and violent re-offending that occurred while the children and youths were attending treatment are also presented. Changes in behavioural problems and the psychological functioning of sexually abusive children and youth between assessment and the end of treatment (as assessed by the Child Behavior Checklist, Youth Self Report and Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory) contribute additional outcome measures. This naturalistic outcome study found that the treatment programmes were effective in reducing sexual recidivism amongst sexually abusive children and youth who completed treatment compared with those who did not complete treatment. Less than 3% (2.8%, n = 8) of Treatment Completers sexually re-offended compared with 6% (n = 17) of the Comparison group and 10% (n = 16) of the Treatment Dropout group. Treatment Dropouts were found to be at highest risk of sexual, general and violent recidivism. Recidivism for the three special populations (children, females and ‘special needs’ youth) are also presented. The results from the psychological measures indicate a general pattern of reduction in behavioural and psychological problems between assessment and end of treatment. Logistic regression analysis was used in Study Three (N = 682) to explore factors associated with the risk of sexual and nonsexual (violent and general offending) re-offending post-treatment and dropping out of treatment. The factor predictive of sexual recidivism risk was having three or more victims and was associated with a decreased risk of sexual recidivism. Older age at first known sexual offence was associated with increased chance of nonsexual recidivism. Dropping out of treatment and having a history of nonsexual offending were associated with a decreased risk of nonsexual recidivism. Older age at referral and having no external mandate to attend treatment were associated with increased risk of youth dropping out of treatment. A history of mental health problems was associated with a decreased risk of treatment dropout. Conclusions This is the first study of the characteristics and treatment outcomes of sexually abusive children and youth in New Zealand. Its strengths include the large sample size, length of the follow-up period, use of a comparison group and data triangulation to determine recidivism. This study, therefore, compares favourably with international studies. This research enhances understanding of the individual, family and offending characteristics of sexually abusive youth in New Zealand as well as children, females and special needs youth. The Cognitive Behavioural Theory (CBT) based approach of the community programmes in New Zealand was found to be effective in reducing recidivism amongst children and youths who completed treatment. Specific recommendations relevant to treatment programmes and statutory agencies around programme development, referral processes and identification of sexually abusive children and youth are made. Directions for future research are also discussed. These include research exploring outcomes, other than recidivism, for those attending the Maori programmes, possible exploration of typologies within New Zealand sexually abusive children and youth, and subsequent follow-up research. / University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship

This study addresses the hitherto limited research on sexually abusive children and youths in New Zealand (NZ). It encompasses children (12 years or younger) and youths (13 to 19 years) referred to the three largest specialised community sexual offender treatment programmes in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch over a 9½ year period. Additionally, three special populations are considered: female sexually abusive youth, youth with ‘special needs’ and children (12 years and under). To increase our understanding of the individual, offending and family characteristics of these children and youths in specialised community treatment programmes in New Zealand Study One audited client’s clinical files (N = 702). Consistent with international research, New Zealand children and youth who engaged in sexually abusive behaviours not only presented with sexually abusive behaviour(s) but also had other psychological and behavioural issues. These included a history of childhood sexual and physical abuse (38%, n = 263 and 39%, n = 272 respectively), behavioural (63%, n = 442) and mental health problems (65%, n = 457), drug and alcohol misuse (22%, n = 156) and a history of suicide ideation or deliberate self-harm (27%, n = 187). They often had poor social skills (46%, n = 326) and had struggled to establish appropriate peer relationships (44%, n = 306). Many of the children and youth came from multi-problem and chaotic family backgrounds (e.g., 55%, n = 387 of parents were divorced or separated, 38%, n = 267 were exposed to domestic violence and 32%, n = 222 had family member(s) with a substance abuse problem) and had experienced numerous out-of-home placements (57%, n = 389). Factors associated with resiliency were also investigated. It was found that children and youth primarily victimised male and female children (12 years or younger) (70%, n = 1407), who were acquaintances (57%, n = 1295) or relatives (32%, n = 730). Very few victimised strangers (7%, n = 86 of victims were strangers). They engaged in both ‘hands on’ (e.g., penetrative acts) and ‘hands off’ offences (e.g., voyeurism). Study Two was a naturalistic treatment outcome study to explore treatment outcomes and involved 682 sexually abusive children and youth who attended three specialised community treatment programmes in New Zealand. The main outcome of interest was sexual recidivism (prevalence rate of re-offending during the follow-up period) with secondary outcome variables of general and violent recidivism. The follow-up period ranged from 1 year to 10 years (mean 4.5 years, SD = 2.2). Three groups were compared: the ‘Comparison’ group (referral or assessment only, n = 300), ‘Treatment Dropout’ group (those who prematurely terminated their involvement in treatment, n = 165) and the ‘Treatment Completer’ group (those successfully completing treatment, n = 217). To allow for triangulation of offences that were dealt with through the youth and adult justice system’s recidivism data were collected from multiple sources (Child, Youth and Family , Youth Court, and Police criminal charges and convictions data). Post-treatment sexual, general (nonsexual and non-violent) and violent recidivism are reported from each data source as well as overall sexual, general and violent recidivism. Sexual, general and violent re-offending that occurred while the children and youths were attending treatment are also presented. Changes in behavioural problems and the psychological functioning of sexually abusive children and youth between assessment and the end of treatment (as assessed by the Child Behavior Checklist, Youth Self Report and Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory) contribute additional outcome measures. This naturalistic outcome study found that the treatment programmes were effective in reducing sexual recidivism amongst sexually abusive children and youth who completed treatment compared with those who did not complete treatment. Less than 3% (2.8%, n = 8) of Treatment Completers sexually re-offended compared with 6% (n = 17) of the Comparison group and 10% (n = 16) of the Treatment Dropout group. Treatment Dropouts were found to be at highest risk of sexual, general and violent recidivism. Recidivism for the three special populations (children, females and ‘special needs’ youth) are also presented. The results from the psychological measures indicate a general pattern of reduction in behavioural and psychological problems between assessment and end of treatment. Logistic regression analysis was used in Study Three (N = 682) to explore factors associated with the risk of sexual and nonsexual (violent and general offending) re-offending post-treatment and dropping out of treatment. The factor predictive of sexual recidivism risk was having three or more victims and was associated with a decreased risk of sexual recidivism. Older age at first known sexual offence was associated with increased chance of nonsexual recidivism. Dropping out of treatment and having a history of nonsexual offending were associated with a decreased risk of nonsexual recidivism. Older age at referral and having no external mandate to attend treatment were associated with increased risk of youth dropping out of treatment. A history of mental health problems was associated with a decreased risk of treatment dropout. Conclusions This is the first study of the characteristics and treatment outcomes of sexually abusive children and youth in New Zealand. Its strengths include the large sample size, length of the follow-up period, use of a comparison group and data triangulation to determine recidivism. This study, therefore, compares favourably with international studies. This research enhances understanding of the individual, family and offending characteristics of sexually abusive youth in New Zealand as well as children, females and special needs youth. The Cognitive Behavioural Theory (CBT) based approach of the community programmes in New Zealand was found to be effective in reducing recidivism amongst children and youths who completed treatment. Specific recommendations relevant to treatment programmes and statutory agencies around programme development, referral processes and identification of sexually abusive children and youth are made. Directions for future research are also discussed. These include research exploring outcomes, other than recidivism, for those attending the Maori programmes, possible exploration of typologies within New Zealand sexually abusive children and youth, and subsequent follow-up research. / University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship

This study addresses the hitherto limited research on sexually abusive children and youths in New Zealand (NZ). It encompasses children (12 years or younger) and youths (13 to 19 years) referred to the three largest specialised community sexual offender treatment programmes in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch over a 9½ year period. Additionally, three special populations are considered: female sexually abusive youth, youth with ‘special needs’ and children (12 years and under). To increase our understanding of the individual, offending and family characteristics of these children and youths in specialised community treatment programmes in New Zealand Study One audited client’s clinical files (N = 702). Consistent with international research, New Zealand children and youth who engaged in sexually abusive behaviours not only presented with sexually abusive behaviour(s) but also had other psychological and behavioural issues. These included a history of childhood sexual and physical abuse (38%, n = 263 and 39%, n = 272 respectively), behavioural (63%, n = 442) and mental health problems (65%, n = 457), drug and alcohol misuse (22%, n = 156) and a history of suicide ideation or deliberate self-harm (27%, n = 187). They often had poor social skills (46%, n = 326) and had struggled to establish appropriate peer relationships (44%, n = 306). Many of the children and youth came from multi-problem and chaotic family backgrounds (e.g., 55%, n = 387 of parents were divorced or separated, 38%, n = 267 were exposed to domestic violence and 32%, n = 222 had family member(s) with a substance abuse problem) and had experienced numerous out-of-home placements (57%, n = 389). Factors associated with resiliency were also investigated. It was found that children and youth primarily victimised male and female children (12 years or younger) (70%, n = 1407), who were acquaintances (57%, n = 1295) or relatives (32%, n = 730). Very few victimised strangers (7%, n = 86 of victims were strangers). They engaged in both ‘hands on’ (e.g., penetrative acts) and ‘hands off’ offences (e.g., voyeurism). Study Two was a naturalistic treatment outcome study to explore treatment outcomes and involved 682 sexually abusive children and youth who attended three specialised community treatment programmes in New Zealand. The main outcome of interest was sexual recidivism (prevalence rate of re-offending during the follow-up period) with secondary outcome variables of general and violent recidivism. The follow-up period ranged from 1 year to 10 years (mean 4.5 years, SD = 2.2). Three groups were compared: the ‘Comparison’ group (referral or assessment only, n = 300), ‘Treatment Dropout’ group (those who prematurely terminated their involvement in treatment, n = 165) and the ‘Treatment Completer’ group (those successfully completing treatment, n = 217). To allow for triangulation of offences that were dealt with through the youth and adult justice system’s recidivism data were collected from multiple sources (Child, Youth and Family , Youth Court, and Police criminal charges and convictions data). Post-treatment sexual, general (nonsexual and non-violent) and violent recidivism are reported from each data source as well as overall sexual, general and violent recidivism. Sexual, general and violent re-offending that occurred while the children and youths were attending treatment are also presented. Changes in behavioural problems and the psychological functioning of sexually abusive children and youth between assessment and the end of treatment (as assessed by the Child Behavior Checklist, Youth Self Report and Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory) contribute additional outcome measures. This naturalistic outcome study found that the treatment programmes were effective in reducing sexual recidivism amongst sexually abusive children and youth who completed treatment compared with those who did not complete treatment. Less than 3% (2.8%, n = 8) of Treatment Completers sexually re-offended compared with 6% (n = 17) of the Comparison group and 10% (n = 16) of the Treatment Dropout group. Treatment Dropouts were found to be at highest risk of sexual, general and violent recidivism. Recidivism for the three special populations (children, females and ‘special needs’ youth) are also presented. The results from the psychological measures indicate a general pattern of reduction in behavioural and psychological problems between assessment and end of treatment. Logistic regression analysis was used in Study Three (N = 682) to explore factors associated with the risk of sexual and nonsexual (violent and general offending) re-offending post-treatment and dropping out of treatment. The factor predictive of sexual recidivism risk was having three or more victims and was associated with a decreased risk of sexual recidivism. Older age at first known sexual offence was associated with increased chance of nonsexual recidivism. Dropping out of treatment and having a history of nonsexual offending were associated with a decreased risk of nonsexual recidivism. Older age at referral and having no external mandate to attend treatment were associated with increased risk of youth dropping out of treatment. A history of mental health problems was associated with a decreased risk of treatment dropout. Conclusions This is the first study of the characteristics and treatment outcomes of sexually abusive children and youth in New Zealand. Its strengths include the large sample size, length of the follow-up period, use of a comparison group and data triangulation to determine recidivism. This study, therefore, compares favourably with international studies. This research enhances understanding of the individual, family and offending characteristics of sexually abusive youth in New Zealand as well as children, females and special needs youth. The Cognitive Behavioural Theory (CBT) based approach of the community programmes in New Zealand was found to be effective in reducing recidivism amongst children and youths who completed treatment. Specific recommendations relevant to treatment programmes and statutory agencies around programme development, referral processes and identification of sexually abusive children and youth are made. Directions for future research are also discussed. These include research exploring outcomes, other than recidivism, for those attending the Maori programmes, possible exploration of typologies within New Zealand sexually abusive children and youth, and subsequent follow-up research. / University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship

This study addresses the hitherto limited research on sexually abusive children and youths in New Zealand (NZ). It encompasses children (12 years or younger) and youths (13 to 19 years) referred to the three largest specialised community sexual offender treatment programmes in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch over a 9½ year period. Additionally, three special populations are considered: female sexually abusive youth, youth with ‘special needs’ and children (12 years and under). To increase our understanding of the individual, offending and family characteristics of these children and youths in specialised community treatment programmes in New Zealand Study One audited client’s clinical files (N = 702). Consistent with international research, New Zealand children and youth who engaged in sexually abusive behaviours not only presented with sexually abusive behaviour(s) but also had other psychological and behavioural issues. These included a history of childhood sexual and physical abuse (38%, n = 263 and 39%, n = 272 respectively), behavioural (63%, n = 442) and mental health problems (65%, n = 457), drug and alcohol misuse (22%, n = 156) and a history of suicide ideation or deliberate self-harm (27%, n = 187). They often had poor social skills (46%, n = 326) and had struggled to establish appropriate peer relationships (44%, n = 306). Many of the children and youth came from multi-problem and chaotic family backgrounds (e.g., 55%, n = 387 of parents were divorced or separated, 38%, n = 267 were exposed to domestic violence and 32%, n = 222 had family member(s) with a substance abuse problem) and had experienced numerous out-of-home placements (57%, n = 389). Factors associated with resiliency were also investigated. It was found that children and youth primarily victimised male and female children (12 years or younger) (70%, n = 1407), who were acquaintances (57%, n = 1295) or relatives (32%, n = 730). Very few victimised strangers (7%, n = 86 of victims were strangers). They engaged in both ‘hands on’ (e.g., penetrative acts) and ‘hands off’ offences (e.g., voyeurism). Study Two was a naturalistic treatment outcome study to explore treatment outcomes and involved 682 sexually abusive children and youth who attended three specialised community treatment programmes in New Zealand. The main outcome of interest was sexual recidivism (prevalence rate of re-offending during the follow-up period) with secondary outcome variables of general and violent recidivism. The follow-up period ranged from 1 year to 10 years (mean 4.5 years, SD = 2.2). Three groups were compared: the ‘Comparison’ group (referral or assessment only, n = 300), ‘Treatment Dropout’ group (those who prematurely terminated their involvement in treatment, n = 165) and the ‘Treatment Completer’ group (those successfully completing treatment, n = 217). To allow for triangulation of offences that were dealt with through the youth and adult justice system’s recidivism data were collected from multiple sources (Child, Youth and Family , Youth Court, and Police criminal charges and convictions data). Post-treatment sexual, general (nonsexual and non-violent) and violent recidivism are reported from each data source as well as overall sexual, general and violent recidivism. Sexual, general and violent re-offending that occurred while the children and youths were attending treatment are also presented. Changes in behavioural problems and the psychological functioning of sexually abusive children and youth between assessment and the end of treatment (as assessed by the Child Behavior Checklist, Youth Self Report and Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory) contribute additional outcome measures. This naturalistic outcome study found that the treatment programmes were effective in reducing sexual recidivism amongst sexually abusive children and youth who completed treatment compared with those who did not complete treatment. Less than 3% (2.8%, n = 8) of Treatment Completers sexually re-offended compared with 6% (n = 17) of the Comparison group and 10% (n = 16) of the Treatment Dropout group. Treatment Dropouts were found to be at highest risk of sexual, general and violent recidivism. Recidivism for the three special populations (children, females and ‘special needs’ youth) are also presented. The results from the psychological measures indicate a general pattern of reduction in behavioural and psychological problems between assessment and end of treatment. Logistic regression analysis was used in Study Three (N = 682) to explore factors associated with the risk of sexual and nonsexual (violent and general offending) re-offending post-treatment and dropping out of treatment. The factor predictive of sexual recidivism risk was having three or more victims and was associated with a decreased risk of sexual recidivism. Older age at first known sexual offence was associated with increased chance of nonsexual recidivism. Dropping out of treatment and having a history of nonsexual offending were associated with a decreased risk of nonsexual recidivism. Older age at referral and having no external mandate to attend treatment were associated with increased risk of youth dropping out of treatment. A history of mental health problems was associated with a decreased risk of treatment dropout. Conclusions This is the first study of the characteristics and treatment outcomes of sexually abusive children and youth in New Zealand. Its strengths include the large sample size, length of the follow-up period, use of a comparison group and data triangulation to determine recidivism. This study, therefore, compares favourably with international studies. This research enhances understanding of the individual, family and offending characteristics of sexually abusive youth in New Zealand as well as children, females and special needs youth. The Cognitive Behavioural Theory (CBT) based approach of the community programmes in New Zealand was found to be effective in reducing recidivism amongst children and youths who completed treatment. Specific recommendations relevant to treatment programmes and statutory agencies around programme development, referral processes and identification of sexually abusive children and youth are made. Directions for future research are also discussed. These include research exploring outcomes, other than recidivism, for those attending the Maori programmes, possible exploration of typologies within New Zealand sexually abusive children and youth, and subsequent follow-up research. / University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship