Preventing sexual abuse of children with developmental disabilities

In this interactive session participants will explore how children and youth with developmental disabilities have traditionally been silenced in the areas of sexuality and sexual health resulting in placing them at a... [ view full abstract ]

In this interactive session participants will explore how children and youth with developmental disabilities have traditionally been silenced in the areas of sexuality and sexual health resulting in placing them at a disproportionate and increased risk for sexual abuse. This session will examine an emergent practice in including various stakeholders to have increased comfort and skill in preventing sexual abuse of children with developmental disabilities. Participants will gain practical tools to integrate into their repertoire of skills and program delivery.

This presentation will emphasize the findings of a pilot program that was created in conjunction with community members to address the sexual health information needs of children and youth with developmental disabilities. This program was designed based on research in the area of sexuality and the philosophical approach to the program borrowed from feminist and critical theory. The program was evaluated using a Utilization-Focused Evaluation Model and several means of inquiry occurred including surveys, focus groups, interviews, and organizational ethnography observation. This presentation will also include interactive activities that occurred during our actual pilot program.