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Running head: CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE RESOURCE GUIDE
Child Sexual Abuse: A Resource Guide for Foster Parents
Trica L. Peterson. B.A., doctoral student
Deborah A. Gerrity, Assistant Professor
Counseling, Educational and School Psychology
Center for Development of Human Services/University at Buffalo Partnership
Jere Wrightsman. Unit Director
FA01 Foster Care
Acknowledgement:
This research project was funded by the Office of Children and Family Services, Award: 23672,
Project: 1021316, Task 2, through the Center for Development of Human Services, Research
Foundation SUNY, Buffalo State College.
© 2003 CDHS/Research Foundation of SUNY/BSC
CSA Resources
Table of Contents
…………………………………………………………………
4
What is the Definition of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA)? …………………….
4
How Many Children Actually Get Sexually Abused?………………………
4
Why Does This Topic Concern Foster Parents?…………………………….
4
What Will This Handbook Cover?………………………………………….
5
………………………………………………………
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Introduction
Warning Signs of CSA
Why Do I Need To Know About Sexual Abuse If The Children In My
Home Were Not Sexually Abused?…………………………………
6
Reporting Suspected CSA ……………………………………………………….
8
What Should I Do When A Child Discloses Sexual Abuse to Me?…………
8
Do I Have To Report It?……………………………………………………..
9
What Happens After the Report is Made?…………………………………...
9
Living/ Working with a Sexually Abused Child …………………………………
10
What Should I Know if I Was Sexually Abused as a Child?…………….…..
10
Boundaries & Privacy Issues…………………………………………………
10
Protecting Against Victimization/Revictimization………………………..…
11
Consequences of Sexual Abuse for Children………………………………...
11
Your Relationship With The Child’s Parents………………………………...
14
Finding the Right Treatment Services…………………………………………….
16
How Do I Choose a Therapist for my Foster Child?…………………………
16
What is the difference between a Psychiatrist, Psychologist and
Social Worker?…………………………………………………….….
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What Types of Treatment Are Available to Children Who Have Been
Sexually Abused?……………………………………………………..
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What Is My Role In The Counseling Process?………………………………..
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Local Organizations
…………………………………………………….…...
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National Organizations
…………………………………………………….…...
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Educational/Training Opportunities in Buffalo ……………………………..……
28
Why Should I Attend More Training?…………………………………………
28
Recommended Readings/Related Resources ……………………………….…….
30
……………………………………………………………..…..
33
References
© 2003 CDHS/Research Foundation of SUNY/BSC
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Introduction
What is the Definition of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA)?
According to the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information
(2002), "Sexual abuse includes fondling a child's genitals, intercourse, incest, rape, sodomy,
exhibitionism, and commercial exploitation through prostitution or the production of
pornographic materials" (p. 3).
How Many Children Actually Get Sexually Abused?
It is estimated that 7-36% of women and 3-29% of men are sexually abused during
childhood. The actual number of children who have been sexually abused will never truly be
known due to families’ not reporting its occurrence.
Why Does This Topic Concern Foster Parents?
You May Get A Sexually Abused Child
 More than half of sexually abused children are removed from their homes
and put into foster homes
 Many, some say up to 75%, of the children in foster care have been
sexually abused
 You may not know that one of your foster children has been sexually
abused, especially if the child is a boy. Boys report abuse less often than
do girls for fear of being considered homosexual or weak for having
“allowed” the abuse to happen.
© 2003 CDHS/Research Foundation of SUNY/BSC
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What You Don’t Know Could Hurt You Or Someone Else!!!
Lack of training could produce:
 Sexual abuse allegations against foster parents
 Risk of your biological children or other foster children being
sexually victimized
 Possibility of the sexually abused foster child being revictimized
What Will This Handbook Cover?
 How to identify child sexual abuse
 How to report suspected child sexual abuse
 Common situations encountered in foster care with sexually abused children
 How to locate proper therapy for children who have been sexually abused
 Local organizations that deal with sexual abuse or foster care concerns
 National organizations and resources available for sexual abuse or foster care concerns
 How to get sexual abuse training in the Buffalo area
 Books for children and adults concerning sexual abuse and foster care issues
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Warning Signs/Characteristics of CSA
Why Do I Need To Know About Sexual Abuse If The Children In My Home Were Not
Sexually Abused?
 Many instances of previous sexual abuse go unreported by children until after
they are placed
 To protect and educate your own children to prevent their victimization
Any of The Following Can Be Potential Warning Signs of CSA:
 Constipation or Diarrhea
 Pain or itching in genitals, pain when urinating or repeated urinary tract infections
 Sexually transmitted diseases or early pregnancy
 Gagging, spitting, vomiting, nausea, digestive problems
 Wetting or soiling, during day or night
 Aggressiveness
 Exploration or overly sexualized behavior with other children
 Fear of being touched
 Few friendships
 Bad hygiene (May be an attempt to make themselves unattractive to abuser)
 Overly sexualized child
 Masturbation to the point of injury or by inserting objects into vagina or anus
Many of these can also be symptomatic of other problems, such as emotional and
physical abuse or medical problems. If the child has some of these problems, you should a)
discuss them with the child’s physician, b) the caseworker, or c) a mental health practitioner
© 2003 CDHS/Research Foundation of SUNY/BSC
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to determine what may be creating these symptoms in the child. Other common behaviors
associated with sexually abused children are mentioned in the living/working with a sexually
abused child section of this manual.
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Reporting Suspected CSA
What Should I Do When A Child Discloses Sexual Abuse to Me?
When discussing the abuse with the child, it is important to keep the following in mind:
 Talk in a private setting
 Make eye contact with the child and keep a relaxed posture
 Control your emotions
 Avoid making the child feel bad or embarrassed about the situation
 Reassure the child by using the words (s)he is using and giving them permission to
talk about the abuse
 Ask specific questions about the abuse situation in order to understand it better
 Let the child know that other people have experienced the same thing
 BELIEVE AND SUPPORT THE CHILD
It is not your job to investigate the claim, just support the child.
Contrary to myth, children very rarely lie about sexual abuse. Even if
they do, they are making a serious cry for help and need professional
intervention.
If you ever have reason to believe that a foster child in your home has been sexually
abused (even if (s)he does not tell you directly that it has happened), you should contact foster
care agency personnel and the child’s therapist, if he/she has one. Also, refer to the reporting
policies given to you by your foster parent agency. It is likely that the foster care personnel will
report the suspected abuse for you. If this is not the case, the child abuse reporting hotline
number is 1-800-635-1522.
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In order to report suspected abuse, you do NOT have to be absolutely sure that it is taking
place or has taken place. If you SUSPECT abuse, then you are required to make sure a report is
made. Do not investigate, that is the job of CPS.
Do I Have To Report It?
As a foster parent, you are responsible by law to make sure that any suspected sexual
abuse of the children in your care gets reported to the hotline or Child Protective Services.
Therefore, even if you tell the foster care agency or the therapist, you are still legally responsible
to ensure that a report gets made. You can do this by checking with the foster care agency or the
therapist to see if (s)he have made the phone call.
What Happens After the Report is Made?
Within 24 to 48 hours of the report being made to the hotline or Child Protective Services
(CPS), CPS will open an investigation into the alleged abuse. This will involve interviewing all
people who may have knowledge about the suspected abuse, including the foster parents. The
child may be taken for a physical examination to determine if any medical signs of sexual abuse
are present. Several different agencies become involved in the case in a very short period of
time. In Buffalo, children who are believed to have been sexually abused are most often taken to
the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) whose staff coordinate and conduct the necessary interviews
and collect relevant information. More information about the Child Advocacy Center and its
services can be found in the local organizations’ section of this manual.
© 2003 CDHS/Research Foundation of SUNY/BSC
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Living/ Working with a Sexually Abused Child
What Should I Know if I Was Sexually Abused as a Child?
It may be significantly more difficult for foster parents who were abused as children to
handle the emotional stress related to caring for a sexually abused child. Foster parents in this
situation are encouraged to examine their ability to provide adequate support for the child. If
foster parents have not gone through their own process of accepting the abuse and resolving their
feelings toward it, caring for a sexually abused foster child is not recommended. It is likely to
reopen emotional wounds for the parent and make it difficult for the child to get his/her
emotional needs met.
Boundaries & Privacy Issues
 Intimacy and touching involved in normal family life may be confusing
for sexually abused children, as their previous affection may have come
solely from sexual contact.
 Child may exhibit sexualized behaviors with other children or foster
parents
 The child is asking for attention and affection in the only way (s)hes
knows how. Working with the therapist to find ways to meet the child’s
emotional needs will likely show a decrease in those behaviors.
 Don’t spank sexually abused children, it involves force and makes the
child relive the role of helpless victim. Learn about and use alternative,
non-forceful behavioral rewards and consequences.
 Foster children should not be permitted into the foster parents’ bedroom
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 Institute a “No Touching Without Permission” rule in the house
 Anyone old enough should bathe, dress, and go to the bathroom in private
 Prohibit suggestive language and clothing in the home
 Only one child to a bed at all times
Protecting Against Victimization/Revictimization
Closer Supervision
 Due to previous trauma and the potential lack of information about a
new child coming into your home, the child’s behavior is extremely
unpredictable
 Sexually abused children are likely to act immaturely…as though they are
still at the age when they were abused
Communication
 Set aside time for all children in the home to communicate with you
individually
 Institute a “No Secrets Rule”, to encourage children to be open with you
Consequences of Sexual Abuse for Children
Their Negative Feelings
 Blames his/herself for tearing apart family (guilt)
 Shame at being abused/different/bad
 Poor self-esteem
© 2003 CDHS/Research Foundation of SUNY/BSC
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 Depression
 Fear
 Anger
 Anxiety
 Powerlessness/ Helplessness
 Loneliness
 Worthlessness (May include thoughts of suicide)
Common Sexualized Behaviors
 Masturbation
 Extreme flirtatious behavior
 Sexually aggressive behaviors
 Excessive discussion of sexual abuse events or sexual topics
 Behaviorally re-enacting the abuse situation
Common Non-sexualized behaviors
 Bedwetting and Soiling
 Thumb Sucking
 Inability to trust or form relationships
This is often due to many reasons:
1. Most sexual abuse if committed by family members or close
family friends. The abuse involves the violation of a trusting
relationship.
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2. Fear of abandonment, as when the child was not
protected from being abused by her/his caretaker and then was
taken out of the home after disclosing the abuse.
 Become withdrawn or isolated
 Have eating or sleeping problems
 Aggressive or extremely passive behaviors
 Fearlessness of adults or excessive fearfulness
 Crying often or very little and not expecting any comfort from others
 Dissociation
The child distances him/herself from the emotions (s)he is feeling
by mentally going to another place. (S)he may appear as though
(s)he is staring or daydreaming. You may be talking to him/her and
realize that (s)he is not paying attention.
 Avoid Eye Contact
 Poor school achievement and/or Truancy
 May become sick when asked to eat vanilla ice cream, tapioca pudding, or
cream of wheat type substances
Flashbacks Due to Triggers
Sexually abused children will at times misinterpret a situation in the foster
home as the beginning of another sexually abusive experience. It is crucial to get
as many details about how the child was sexually abused from the child’s records,
or other agency personnel involved, to avoid hitting some of the child’s triggers
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for abuse. Some things that you do in your home as a matter of normal family life
may have been involved in the child’s past abuse. Below is a list of a few
common triggers, however, there are many more depending on each child’s
specific abuse experiences.
 Nicknames (Sweety, Honey, Baby, etc.)

Abuser may have called them a specific nickname and hearing a
foster parent use it may make the child think that (s)he will be
abused again or create an emotional or physical reaction
 Cologne

Abuser may have used a certain brand of cologne that the child
remembers.
 Types of Music

Abuser may have listened to a certain type of music, or used loud
music to cover up the abuse taking place
 Wrestling or Hugging

Abuser may have used these activities to lead into the abuse

Also, some sexually abused children prefer to avoid all physical
contact
Your Relationship With The Child’s Parents
 Negative reactions by you, or other professionals involved, toward the
child’s mother will hinder the child’s healing process
© 2003 CDHS/Research Foundation of SUNY/BSC
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 It is important to not talk negatively about the child’s family, even if the
offender is a family member
 Positive interactions with the child’s birth family helps in many ways:
1. Can teach effective parenting skills and how to keep child safe
2. Can reassure that you are not trying to become the “real parent”
3. Can provide the biological parents with opportunities to ask for
support, advice, information
4. Can encourage biological parent to seek counseling services, as
well.
© 2003 CDHS/Research Foundation of SUNY/BSC
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Finding the Right Treatment Services
How Do I Choose a Therapist for my Foster Child?
It is likely that a foster child who has been sexually abused in the past will already have
an assigned counselor when (s)he arrives at your home. In cases where sexual abuse is revealed
after the child is living in foster care, the decision regarding whom to see for counseling may be
determined by the case planner or foster care agency personnel.
If you are faced with making the decision, a list of agencies in the Buffalo area treating
children who have been sexually abused has been included in the local organizations’ section of
this manual.
What is the difference between a Psychiatrist, Psychologist and Social Worker?
 A psychiatrist (medical degree, board certification, license) is a medical doctor
who has completed medical school and is qualified to prescribe medicine,
hospitalize children and adults, and, for some, provide therapy, as well.
 A psychologist (doctoral degree and license) can specialize with children or
adults, provide therapy, and administer and interpret psychological tests.
 A social worker (master’s or doctoral degree) often specializes in child and family
issues.
What Types of Treatment Are Available to Children Who Have Been Sexually Abused?
Individual Therapy
For young children who have been sexually abused, individual therapy
typically consists of play therapy. Children play in the therapy office, while
© 2003 CDHS/Research Foundation of SUNY/BSC
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discussing their feelings about the sexual abuse experience with the therapist.
Individual therapy with older children may involve more clearly defined goals
and activities. Children may have homework assignments, such as writing in
journals or reading certain books, to complete in between sessions. Therapy tends
to focus on topics such as self-esteem, shame, guilt, and depression.
Individual therapy is often used as the initial form of therapy for sexually
abused children. This provides the child with a less threatening environment in
which to form a trusting relationship with the therapist and begin to explore
her/his feelings about being abused, revealing the abuse, and the aftermath of the
abuse. Children in individual therapy are often involved in family and/or group
therapy at the same time.
Group Therapy
Nationally, group therapy is the most widely used form of therapy for
children who have been sexually abused. It is also considered by many to be the
most effective form of therapy for sexual abuse treatment. One of the overall
goals for group therapy for children of any age is for the children to see that other
children have also been abused and to realize that the abuse was not the child’s
fault. Group also helps children learn to form appropriate relationships and often
focuses on feelings regarding abuse and the perpetrators, feelings the child has
toward him/herself, sex education, sexual abuse prevention, court preparation, and
identification of a support system.
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Group therapy activities can be very different depending on the age of the
children involved. Groups for very young children often use play therapy (as
mentioned above) and incorporate an informal, educational portion of group to
teach children how to prevent abuse from reoccurring. Groups for children around
7-12 years of age tend to use more discussion between the children in the group
and provide more education around sexual abuse topics. Groups for children 12
and over, often also include information about forming healthy sexual
relationships, and making healthy choices about their bodies and their lives.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is often used along with individual or group therapy to
help the child and his/her family deal with the abusive situation and resulting
feelings. Family sessions seek to increase family communication and often give
the children in the family the opportunity to express their feelings toward specific
family members. For example, if a child was sexually abused by his/her father,
that child may be angry at the mother for not knowing about or stopping the
abuse from occurring.
 Regardless of the type of therapy provided, it is important for the child to talk
about the abuse with supportive, compassionate and knowledgeable people.
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What Is My Role In The Counseling Process?
Foster parents are members of the treatment team for the child. The overall goal
is to work with the therapist to help the child learn about healthy, appropriate family life,
to handle her/his feelings about the abuse and the perpetrator. and to begin to develop
normally. It is advisable that you ask the child’s therapist how (s)he would like for you to
assist in the child’s treatment. The therapist is likely to ask you to encourage the child to
complete his/her homework assignments and to complete some assignments with the
child, or (s)he may provide other ways in which you can be of assistance.
In most cases, a child’s individual therapist will ask the foster parent, as well
as the other professionals involved in the child’s life, to keep her/him informed of the
child’s behaviors in the home and at school. It is also likely that you may be asked to
attend individual sessions with the child at some point.
In addition, there may come a time during your care of a sexually abused child, or
any foster child, that you may wish to seek counseling for your own needs. Part of your
role as a foster parent is to remain aware of your personal needs, in order to best care for
the foster children in your home and any of your own biological children. Confidential,
adult counseling services or support groups are available to you through many
community agencies and you are encouraged to seek support and assistance from your
foster care agency personnel, as well.
Overall, it is your job as a foster parent to try to meet the multitude of needs that
sexually abused children have. Below is a list of suggestions for meeting those needs:
 Offer support in a clear way that can not be misunderstood by the child
 Don’t overreact to the child’s troublesome behaviors
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 Develop a daily routine and stick to it (Provides security and consistency)
 Give the child as much privacy as possible
 Give the child choices whenever possible
 Help the child label his/her feelings and express them directly in positive ways
 Help the child state his/her needs clearly
 Catch and praise the child being good
 Provide the child with physical activities
 Help the child to be a child and have fun
 Encourage creativity
 Keep the child aware of what is happening and when
 Be aware of the potential for further abuse and take steps to prevent it
 Don’t overload yourself with other foster children, take only those whom you can
manage effectively
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Local Organizations
Child Sexual Abuse Resources
Child Advocacy Center (CAC)
Edward Suk, Director
556 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 886-5437
Services:
Multidisciplinary program designed to aid in the investigation and
treatment of sexual abuse in children. Children can receive an initial
screening interview, physical examination for signs of sexual abuse, and
therapy at this office. This program decreases the number of times a child
must disclose the abuse details to legal representatives, by streamlining the
process. Staff are trained extensively regarding the specific needs of
children who have been sexually abused, making the CAC a valuable
resource to the Buffalo community.
Often this is the first stop for children who have been sexually abused. If
a child has just recently revealed sexual abuse, (s)he will likely come to
the CAC. However, if the child has been in previous therapy for the
sexual abuse and now requires therapy at a new location closer to the
foster home, one of the agencies listed below may be appropriate. You
may contact the CAC for more information regarding specific therapists in
Buffalo who have training in sexual abuse treatment.
How Children Are Referred:
The CAC has relationships with local law enforcement agencies, Child
Protective Services, Foster Care Agencies, local school districts and
daycares. Once a report of sexual abuse has been made, children are most
often brought to the CAC for evaluation.
Area Served: Erie County
Child and Adolescent Treatment Services (CATS)
Intake
3350 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14214
(716) 835-7807
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Services:
CATS is the parent agency for the CAC mentioned above. CATS
provides individual and family therapy services for children who have
been abused. To make an appointment, you may call the intake office
listed above.
Area Served: Many offices located throughout WNY, call for an office near you.
Catholic Charities of Buffalo
76 Humboldt Parkway
Buffalo, NY 14214
(716) 835-9745
Services:
Offers individual and family therapy for children who have been sexually
abused. Certified play therapists are available at some locations.
Area Served: Many offices located throughout WNY, call for an office near you.
Child and Family Services
330 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 842-2750
Services:
Offers individual and family therapy for children who have been sexually
abused.
Area Served: Many offices located throughout WNY, call for an office near you.
Church Mission of Help
(716) 884-7569
Services:
Provides individual and family therapy to adolescents. Younger children
who have been sexually abused are usually referred to other agencies.
Area Served: Buffalo area.
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Mid-Erie Counseling and Treatment Services
`
Elizabeth Mauro, Supervisor of Child Mental Health Clinic
11 West Main Street
Lancaster, NY 14086
(716) 681-5077
Services:
As an agency, Mid-Erie provides individual, family, and group counseling
for children with varying mental health needs. Individual and family
counseling are most commonly used for sexual abuse survivors and
survivors of other traumas, however, groups do form on an as needed
basis.
Area Served: Child Mental Health Clinic is located in Lancaster, however, MidErie has many offices located throughout WNY. Call for an office
near you.
Spectrum Human Services
2040 Seneca Street
Buffalo, NY 14210
(716) 828-0560
Services:
Offers individual and family therapy for children who have been sexually
abused.
Area Served: Erie County
Foster Parent Resources
Foster parents are strongly encouraged to contact their foster agency worker with any
questions or concerns, as they arise. The foster care worker assigned to each
individual child has the most inclusive information about the child’s history and previous
issues and has been trained to properly handle the situations that you are facing. Also,
foster care workers can help you receive additional training, as needed, and find you the
assistance you require.
Otherwise, information on foster care may be obtained from the following:
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New York State Foster & Adoptive Parents Association
Cynthia Jeffers, Program Director
200-31 Linden Blvd.
St. Albans, NY 11412
800-332-7012
(718) 949-4832
(718)949-4897 (fax)
CYNTJEFF@aol.com
Parents’ Support/Crisis Resources
Crisis Services
www.crisisservices.org
Crisis Hotline (Adults) 716-834-3131
Hotline to assist when children or others are in danger of hurting
themselves or others.
Kids Helpline 716-834-1144
Hotline for children to call when they feel emotionally distressed.
Parents Anonymous of Buffalo and Erie County, Inc.
24 Hour Parent’s Helpline 716-892-2172
Hotline for parents to call to receive immediate assistance with parenting
concerns.
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National Resources
Child Sexual Abuse
American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC)
www.apsac.org
Organization’s website contains relevant publications and information on national
trainings.
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
www.aacap.org
Provides information on a variety of mental health issues impacting children.
Publications on various topics are found in the “Facts for Families” link.
Association for Sexual Abuse Prevention (ASAP)
P.O.Box 421
Kalamazoo, MI 49005
(616) 349-9072
(216) 221-6818
Child Abuse Prevention Network
www.child-abuse.com
Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)
440 First Street, N. E.
Suite 310
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 638-2952
Mother’s Against Sexual Abuse (MASA)
www.againstsexualabuse.org
P.O. Box 2966
Huntersville, NC 28070
(704) 895-0489
(704) 895-5964 (Fax)
masa@againstsexualabuse.org (Email)
Provides educational materials and sponsors conferences and seminars on CSA
National Child Abuse Coalition
733 15th Street, N. W.
Suite 938
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 347-3666
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National Children’s Advocacy Center
106 Lincoln Street
Huntsville, AL 35801
(205) 532-3460
National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information
www.calib.com/nccanch
330 C Street, SW
Washington, DC 20447
Phone: (800) 394-3366 or (703) 385-7565
Fax: (703) 385-3206
A national resource for professionals and others seeking information on child
abuse and neglect.
Free publications concerning sexual abuse and other topics are found in the
publications link
Foster Parenting
American Foster Care Resources, Inc.
Contact: Jacob Sprouse
P.O. Box 271
King George, VA 22485
(703) 775-7410
Publishes educational materials for foster parents and children in foster care.
Foster Parenting.Com
www.fosterparenting.com
Provides information and support for foster parents.
Foster Parent Community
www.fosterparents.com
Provides online support group to foster parents and live discussions with experts
in the field.
The Foster Parent Home Page
www.fostercare.org/FPHP
Several links provide information on child issues and a chat/discussion
area where you can talk to other foster parents across the country.
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National Foster Parent Association
www.nfpainc.org
226 Kilts Drive
Houston, TX 77024
(713) 467-1850
Provides information on foster care, trainings, and provides links to other relevant
sites.
Parent Education Project Clearinghouse
Contact: Sharon Carey or Angie Grindon
University of Houston
4800 Calhoun
#106 Social Work Building
Houston, TX 77044
(713) 749-7192
Provides educational books, articles and videos on parenting issues.
Many additional foster parent national resources are available online
or from your local foster care agency
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Educational/Training Opportunities in Buffalo
Why Should I Attend More Training?
Given the various types of issues that the children coming into your home may have, it is
impossible for foster care agencies to provide training on each of those topics. Attending
seminars or workshops dealing with effective communication, parenting skills, and/or on specific
topics like child sexual abuse can provide you with new ways of handling stressful and
potentially overwhelming situations that you may eventually face in your home. Learning new
information can also help to keep you feeling fresh in your foster parenting activities, not tired or
rundown.
Below you will find a list of several training opportunities in the Buffalo area. Other
training opportunities may be available through your particular foster care agency. Contact your
foster care agency for more training details.
Foster Parent Training
Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting (MAPP)
- Training program for foster parents conducted by the Center for Development of
Human Services (CDHS)
CDHS Headquarters
1695 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14207
(716) 876-7600
(716) 796-2201 Fax
- There is a specific MAPP program titled, “Fostering and Adopting a Sexually
Abused Child”.
- Contact your foster care agency for more details.
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Parenting Skills
Common Sense Parenting
Offered by Western New York Children’s Psychiatric Center
1653 Kensington Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14215
(716) 837-4251
Effective Parenting Information for Children, Inc (EPIC)
1300 Elmwood Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14222
(716) 886-6396
Other Training Topics
Niagara Conference on Evidence-Based Treatments for Childhood & Adolescent Mental
Health
July 24-26, 2003
Queen's Landing Inn and Conference Resort
Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada
www.wings.buffalo.edu/psychology/adhd/niagara.pdf
An international interdisciplinary conference focusing on state-of-the-art,
evidence-based treatments for mental health problems in children and
adolescents. Didactic lectures and hands-on experience will be combined to teach
interested professionals the basic principles of effective psychosocial,
pharmacological, and combined treatments, including child-based treatments,
classroom management, school-wide interventions, and parent training.
It is advised that you preview the schedule of topics prior to attending the
conference to ensure that there will be subjects of interest to you.
University at Buffalo School of Social Work Summer Institute Workshops
www.buffalo.edu
Institute for Addictions Studies and Training office: 716-645-6140
UB School of Social Work offers full-day or full semester training on various
human service topics. A Trauma Certificate Program is also available.
Contact the School of Social Work Office for more details and pricing
information.
© 2003 CDHS/Research Foundation of SUNY/BSC
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Recommended Readings/Related Resources
Child Sexual Abuse Books
For Adults:
Helping Your Child Recover from Sexual Abuse
- By Caren Adams, Jennifer Fay (Contributor), A.G. Fawkes (Illustrator)
- Available from any major bookstore for approximately $10.50
When Your Child Has Been Molested : A Parent's Guide to Healing and
Recovery
- By Kathyrn Hagans, Kathryn Brohl, Joyce Case
- Available from any major bookstore for approximately $12.50
For Children:
 Before giving a sexually abused child a book that may make them
remember feelings about the abuse, talk with his/her therapist to
determine if the material and the timing of the child reading the book is
appropriate.
A Very Touching Book...for Little People and for Big People
- By Jan Hindman, Tom Novak (Illustrator)
- Available from any major bookstore for approximately $10.00
How Long Does It Hurt? : A Guide to Recovering from Incest and Sexual Abuse
for Teenagers, Their Friends, and Their Families
- By Cynthia L. Mather, Kristina E. Debye, Judy Wood (Illustrator),
Eliana Gil (Designer)
- Available from any major bookstore for approximately $12.50
In Their Own Words : A Sexual Abuse Workbook for Teenage Girls
- By Lulie Munson, Karen Riskin, Child Welfare League of America
- Available from any major bookstore for approximately $10.95
My Body Is Private
- By Linda Walvoord Girard, Rodney Pate (Illustrator), Walvoord Girard
- Available from any major bookstore for approximately $5.00
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Something Happened and I'm Scared to Tell : A Book for Young Victims of
Abuse
- By Patricia Kehoe, Carol Deach (Illustrator)
- Available from any major bookstore for approximately $6.00
The Gus Chronicles : Reflections from an Abused Kid: About Sexual & Physical
Abuse, Residential Treatment, Foster Care, Family Unification, and Much
More
- By Charles D. Appelstein
- Available from any major bookstore for approximately $12.00
The Right Touch: A Read-Aloud Story to Help Prevent Child Sexual Abuse
- By Sandy Kleven, Jody Bergsma (Illustrator)
- Available from any major bookstore for approximately $15.00
The Survivor's Guide: For Teenage Girls Surviving Sexual Abuse
- By Sharice A. Lee
- Available from any major bookstore for approximately $24.00
Trouble With Secrets
- By Karen Johnsen, Linda Johnson Forssell (Illustrator)
- Available from any major bookstore for approximately $6.00
Who Is a Stranger and What Should I Do?
- By Linda Walvoord Girard, Abby Levine (Editor)
- Available from any major bookstore for approximately $6.00
Your Body Belongs to You
- By Cornelia Spelman, Teri Wiedner (Illustrator)
- Available from any major bookstore for approximately $11.25
Foster Care Books
For Children:
Color Me in Foster Care Coloring Book
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- Discusses “whats and whys” of foster care
- Available from American Foster Care Resources, Inc.
- Cost is reported to be under $2.00
The Star: A Story to Help Young Children Understand Foster Care
- By Cynthia Miller Lovell, Angie J. Przystas (Illustrator)
- Available from any major bookstore for approximately $8.00
What’s Going to Happen to Me Coloring Book
- Discusses concerns of children in foster care
- Available from Parent Education Project Clearinghouse
 Other books and videos on sexual abuse and foster care can also be obtained
through many of the organizations listed in the national resources section of
this manual.
© 2003 CDHS/Research Foundation of SUNY/BSC
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References
* Most references were not directly cited throughout the paper. The intention was to eliminate
unnecessary distractions for the foster parents who use this resource. A complete list of the
references used is included below. All websites used for this manual can be found on the
national resources page.
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