Foster parenting a child who has been sexually abused presents unique challenges. Children who enter care with a history of being sexually abused carry with them psychological scars that result in emotional problems and behavioral issues. Some children suffer in silence, others deny the abuse, while others act out sexually. Richard Delaney, PhD., and Betsy Keefer Smalley, LSW, provide insight into the world of the abused child and how foster parents can help.

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

• state the definition and types of child sexual abuse
• describe the dynamics of child sexual abuse
• know different sexual behaviors that can constitute child sexual abuse
• understand the characteristics of children who have been sexually abused
• understand the complexity of issues surrounding recovery from sexual abuse and the challenges caregivers face