Family and Adolescent Complex Comprehensive Treatment

Sexual Abuse Trauma Treatment Program

Oesterlen’s community based Sexual Abuse Trauma Treatment Program has evolved in response to an ever increasing need for comprehensive treatment for children, adolescents, and families who have experienced sexual abuse either through victimization or through sexually aggressive/ offending behaviors. Oesterlen’s Outclient Services provides a diverse range of services for boys and girls, ages 5 to 18 years, their families and referring agencies.

The goal of the program is the protection of victims and the community from sexual abuse trauma through the following:

• Juvenile Sex Offender treatment which focuses upon prevention of re-offending behavior.
• Juvenile Victim Trauma treatment which assists victims with their healing process.

Oesterlen Outclient Services becomes involved when parents or child care referral sources contact Oesterlen and an appointment is scheduled. The family physician, school personnel, court officials, or a friend may also suggest a family seek counseling. In many cases, the local courts and/or referring community agencies will mandate individual and family counseling/therapy at Oesterlen.

Juvenile Sex Offender Treatment

ASSESSMENTS

Assessments are available for juveniles who have committed offenses and are court-involved, and also for juveniles who are sexually aggressive or at risk of committing offenses. The referral process is initiated by referral sources sharing any existing documentation of the juvenile history; social, educational, and medical information; and reason for the assessment request. Assessments are done in three (3) to four (4) weekly, one hour sessions with the offender and family members.

TREATMENT

Psychoeducational Group – Phase One of treatment is for juveniles, ages 12 to 18 years, who are assessed as appropriate for community based treatment. Sessions require parental involvement and weekly assignments. This is a 7 week education group in which members address the following topics: psychology of the offender, victim empathy, thinking errors, sexual maturation, puberty, dating relationships, and offense cycles.

Ongoing Groups – Phase Two of treatment is an open-ended process group for identified offenders, ages 12 to 18 years. Multi-family groups are scheduled once a month. Treatment focuses upon accountability and responsibility for personal behavior, honesty, use of fantasy journals, relapse prevention, and victim empathy. Length of treatment may vary, but is usually a minimum of 12 months.

Sexually Reactive Group – for youth ages 7 to 11 years. This group focuses on sexually acting out behaviors that are not assessed as predatory in nature, but rather a response to sexual victimization.

Keys to Successful Treatment

• Court Mandate
• Parental Participation
• Treatment Team Approach

Victim Trauma Treatment

ASSESSMENTS

Child/Adolescent victims of sexual abuse are assessed by trained clinicians utilizing anatomically correct dolls, play therapy, and other resources. Assessments vary in focus and length depending upon the victim’s age, emotional stability, and other client specific factors. Close coordination with the referral source and other key service providers is essential in order to develop the most sensitive and complete assessment possible.

Treatment

Victims’ Groups – Groups are for a limited number of sessions focusing upon identification of the traumatic event, expression and resolution of victim’s emotions, and ways to prevent future victimization. Groups are age specific and are facilitated by one or two clinicians.

Family Therapy – Similar issues as in Victims’ Groups are addressed as well as helping the non-offending parent(s) to keep the victim safe, prevent future victimization, and facilitate family reunification when appropriate.

Other Programs

Individual & Family Counseling

Sessions are scheduled with professional licensed and trained clinicians regarding personal, social, school and/or family conflicts.

Group Counseling

Short and long term groups are offered at various times to address:

• victims of abuse
• juvenile sex offenders
• sexually reactive children

Some groups are ongoing; others are formed as needed to address issues related to:

• social skill development
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• problem solving
• violent behavior (individual or family)
• misconduct behavior

Cost

A family’s cost of counseling treatment is based upon a sliding scale that considers income and family size. Clients who have Medicaid coverage and/or private insurance are welcome.

Referral Appointment Information

To make a referral or to schedule an appointment contact the Community Services Secretary at (937) 399-6494.

Oesterlen’s Agency Credentials

Oesterlen is licensed by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services. The Ohio Department of Mental Health also certifies services provided by Oesterlen. We are full members of the Ohio Association of Child Caring Agencies and the Child Welfare League of America. Oesterlen is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and its synods in Ohio.