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

No description available.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) exhibit a strong influence on later functioning in adolescence and adulthood, including impacts on physical and mental health, as well as behavioral and risk-related outcomes. A dose-response effect is evident, in that as the number of ACEs increase, the likelihood of detrimental outcomes similarly rises. Important outcomes associated with increased ACEs include: physical health problems like cancer or heart disease, risky sexual behaviors, diagnosis of a trauma-related disorder, and criminality (Felitti et al., 1998; Espleta et al., 2018; Lew & Xian, 2019; Ramakrishnan et al. 2019; Van Niel et al., 2014). More recently, the exploration of the impact of ACEs has demonstrated differential accumulated risk in offender populations, with ACEs that are more prevalent and a more intensified dose-response relationship between ACEs and outcomes associated with sexual offending and other violent behaviors (Harlow, 1999; Levenson, Willis, & Prescott, 2014; Baglivio et al., 2014; Stinson, Quinn, & Levenson, 2016). One such population evidencing increased risk are youth who have engaged in sexually abusive behaviors. These youth have experienced ACEs at higher rates than other typical youth in the community, or those involved in the justice system (Baglivio & Epps, 2016; Levenson, Willis, & Prescott, 2016), resulting in them being categorized as high-risk. Predictors like out-of-home placements have been linked to an earlier onset of aggression and sexually abusive behaviors (Hall, Stinson, & Moser, 2017). Conversely, ACEs and the youth’s own behavior are two important factors to consider when evaluating the timing and persistence of an out-of-home placement. The current study evaluates the temporal relationship between two main factors (specific ACEs and the youth’s own behavior) and out-of-home placements. We also plan to examine the relationship between these two factors and the persistence of specific placements. Data for this study consisted of archival records that were collected from a nonprofit inpatient treatment facility for adolescents who had engaged in sexually abusive behavior. The sample was comprised of 290 males and 5 females between the ages of 10 and 17 years of age (M = 14.8, SD = 1.56). The mean age was 14.8 years at time of first admission (SD = 1.56; range: 10-17 years). The sample was minimally diverse with regard to ethnicity: 83.1% Caucasian, 9.5% African American, 0.7% Hispanic, 4.4% mixed race, and 2.4% unspecified. The majority of participants were referred by the state’s Division of Children’s Services (68%), while others were referred by court representatives (20%), parents/guardians (3%), mental health providers (4%), insurance representatives (0.7%), or others (0.3%). These referrals were often used as an alternative to formal legal sanctioning (i.e., court diversion). Prior to admission, the majority of participants were residing in either a family member’s home (40.3%), residential care (78.3%) and/or foster care (48.4%), though others came from group homes (37.3%), inpatient care (36.9%), and/or a friend’s home (4.4%). The majority had only one admission to the current facility (89.5%), while approximately 10% had two or more admissions. It is expected that physical and sexual abuse will be the most significant predictors for placements like juvenile detention centers and residential treatment facilities. It is also expected that ACEs will prompt more immediate but also longer out-of-home placement decisions resulting from the youth’s own behavior. This study is for an honors thesis and has a completion deadline set for next month. For this reason, statistical analyses are still underway. Results and implications for this research will be discussed.

No description available.

According to the U.S Department of Health and Human services, each year approximately 826,000 children were the victims of abuse, and/ or neglect, which does not include other types of victimization like parental substance abuse and domestic violence within the home. Primary violence exposure (e.g., physical and sexual abuse) in childhood can result in anxiety, depression, and difficulty forming attachments. Secondary violence exposure (e.g., neglect, parental substance abuse, and domestic violence) can cause chronic stress in children and negatively impact physical, cognitive, and emotional growth. Unfortunately, examining the impact of primary and secondary victimization is complicated by the interrelatedness. This current study aims to examine the unique impact of primary and secondary violence on mental health outcomes in a sample of youths receiving residential sex offender treatment. We hypothesize that primary violence exposure will be highly associated with the number of mental health diagnoses, and use of psychotropic medications, while controlling for the impact of 2017 Appalachian Student Research Forum Page 177 secondary exposure. The sample includes male adolescents (N=245: 84.1% Caucasian) who have engaged in sexually abusive behaviors and received residential treatment. Data were collected from archival records. Participants' mean age is 14.77 (SD=14.77) at time of first admission in the facility. Additionally, participants seeking mental health treatment were, on average, 10.22 years of age (SD= 4.187) at the time of first mental health diagnosis. Variables include exposure to physical or sexual abuse, experience of neglect, the presence of domestic violence and substance abuse in the home of origin, the types of mental health diagnosis, use of psychotropic medications, and the age of onset of earliest diagnosis. First, we used partial correlations to find associations between type of violence exposure and mental health diagnoses, age of first diagnosis, and use of psychotropic medications, while extracting the influence of the alternate type of exposure. Correlations between primary violence exposure and diagnoses of mental health concerns, yielded significant associations between primary exposure and mood disorder (r=.133, p=.041) diagnoses. Also, a significant association was found between primary exposure and anxiety/trauma- related disorders (r=.160, p=. 013). Significant associations were found for both mood disorder (r=.162, p=.012) and behavioral disorder (r=.212, p=.001). Age of onset of first mental health diagnosis was not significantly correlated with primary violence exposure or secondary violence exposure. While partialing out secondary violence exposure, primary violence was associated with use of mood stabilizers (r=.127, p=.05) and antipsychotic medications (r=.146, p=.024). Secondary violence exposure was exclusively related to use of any psychotropic drugs (r=.127, p=.004), mood stabilizers or antidepressants (r=.127, p=.05), and antipsychotic medications (r=.180, p=.05). Chi-square analyses will be conducted to further differentiate these outcomes following primary and secondary violence exposure.

No description available.

Background: Exposure to greater Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) has been associated with increased likelihood of general and sex offending behaviors. However, few studies consider both the impact of varied ACE exposures and other early experiences on pathways to offending behaviors in adolescents who have engaged in sexually abusive behaviors. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of ACEs and sexual boundary problems within the home on the development of delinquent and sexually abusive behavior. Participants & setting: Data were collected from archival records of male adolescents (N = 285) who had received treatment for sexually abusive behavior at a youth facility. Methods: This study investigated the effects of individual adverse experiences on delinquent nonsexual and sexually abusive behaviors through structural equation modeling. Results: Structural equation modeling revealed a three-factor model for ACEs. Direction and significance of paths between ACEs and the onset, persistence, and nature of maladaptive behaviors differed. Household dysfunction was related to an earlier onset (β = 1.19, p = 0.013) and more persistent nonsexual delinquent offending (β = 1.05, p = 0.048) and contact sexual offending (β = 1.19, p = 0.010). Conversely, sexual abuse and exposure to sexual boundary problems were associated with an earlier onset of sexually abusive behavior (β = −1.08, p = 0.038) as well as indicators of adolescent-onset (β = −1.30, p = 0.002), less persistent (β = −1.53, p = 0.001), and nonviolent (β = −1.89, p = 0.001) delinquency. Conclusions: Findings suggest variations in ACE exposures differentially influence the onset, severity, and persistence of delinquent and sexually abusive behaviors among these youths.