Workshop Description: Sexual behavior in children and adolescents is often misunderstood and adults struggle to know how to address the behavior and to distinguish between age appropriate sexual development and sexually problematic behavior. This interactive workshop will explore sexual development in children and adolescents and identify sexually problematic behavior. Family factors, social emotional development, sexual attitudes, values, media, and trauma will be examined as we look at behavior utilizing case studies.

Participants will learn:

1. To distinguish developmentally appropriate sexual behavior from a sexual behavior problem.
2. Interventions for youth presenting with touching problems.
3. How to identify issues and apply intervention strategies based on their role with youth.
4. How to address situations and engage in conversations about sexual behavior.

 Jill Novacek is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who graduated from the University of Illinois with her MSW. She has served for over 2 decades in social services working with children, adolescents, adults, and families with a variety of counseling needs, including sexual behavior problems. She has experience with youth and adults involved in the justice and child welfare systems and provided crisis intervention. She is a strong believer that behavior has meaning and there is always hope for a healthy future. She is certified in a number of trauma treatments and holds a child welfare license as well as licenses as a Sex Offender Treatment Provider and Sex Offender Evaluator. Ms. Novacek is a clinical member of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers. She is the Program Director at CYN Counseling Center.

WAFCA has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6778. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. WAFCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. Visit the WAFCA-CE registration page for more information on fees and policies.