Core Values

IN-AJSOP believes:

1. Juveniles who cause sexual harm to others can be affected by various developmental, psychological, social, and behavioral variables. The clinical challenges presented by this population are distinct and unique from other behavioral health syndromes or clinical populations. Effective treatment for this population requires adherence to best practice standards.

2. Every practitioner working with the sexually maladaptive youth population should have comprehensive training with established standards for demonstrating competency. Practitioner training and education should be on a continuous basis in order to stay updated on current research and best practice.

3. Individuals, agencies, courts, or others who refer sexually maladaptive youth for intervention have the responsibility to ensure that agencies or individuals providing for this specialized population have demonstrated competencies to provide effective treatment.

4. The rehabilitative work required with this population is complex and personally challenging. As such, practitioners must be held accountable to specific professional code of ethics and conduct.

5. Juveniles who have exhibited sexually maladaptive behaviors should be treated in the least restrictive setting possible. Comprehensive and specialized assessment by a qualified professional is the most appropriate determinant for level of care.

6. Community reintegration can be accomplished with the majority of youth who have exhibited sexually maladaptive behaviors. Family or other caregiver participation in care, when clinically appropriate, enhances positive outcomes for this population.

7. Treatment provided to this population should always include consideration of cultural, gender, and developmental variables.