ABSTRACT
Parallel child and parent treatment addresses individual and family dynamics concurrently throughout the therapy process. Although therapy is initiated to address the child’s inappropriate sexual behavior, parental involvement is critical to successful treatment. Family dynamics often contribute to and help maintain a child’s sexually offending behavior. In most cases, a child cannot make the changes needed to overcome sexual behavior problems without changes taking place in the family environment as well. If further abusive behavior is to be prevented, the principles learned in therapy need to be generalized to home, neighborhood, and community. Whether a family situation is permanent or temporary (e.g., foster care), this generalization cannot take place without an established partnership between therapists and parents. Parents are an integral part of the treatment process and a child’s relapse prevention plan (i.e., a plan to interrupt further abusive patterns of behavior to prevent reoffenses).
