Here are some ways to help kids with sexual behavior problems

The Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MNCASA) sought to find ways to improve outcomes for children exhibiting sexual behavior problems. It commissioned a yearlong study, just recently published, that drew from previous work on this subject, personal stories and interviews with professionals working with children. Key findings:

• Most children who are sexually abused do not develop adult sexual behavior problems.

• Most adult offenders do not report having had childhood sexual behavior problems.

• When children receive appropriate treatment, they are at no greater risk than the general population to become adult sex offenders.

• Children should be treated as children first, and not stigmatized as "sex offenders."

• Child-care professionals and others who work with children should be offered training in how to recognize and respond to such behaviors to get the child back on a healthy track.

Parents should be concerned when their child's sexual acts or behaviors have one or more of the following characteristics:

• Take place between children of widely differing ages (such as a 12-year-old who acts out with a 4-year-old) or between children of different abilities.

• Are initiated with strong, upset feelings, such as anger or anxiety.

• Cause harm or potential harm (physical or emotional) to any child.

• The child doesn't respond to typical parenting strategies (such as discipline).

• The acts involve coercion, force or aggression of any kind.