Katie Good, MS, LIMHP, NCC, is the Mental Health Coordinator with Nebraska Alliance of Child Advocacy Centers.

Within her role, she works with Nebraska accredited CAC members to ensure children and families have timely access to quality mental health care.  Katie has over a decade of experience within the realm of mental health as a therapist and supervisor providing mental health services to individuals and families impacted by sexual abuse, trauma and involved in the child welfare and legal systems. 

Katie has been trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Advanced TF-CBT for Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children, Advanced TF-CBT for Problematic Sexual Behaviors, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), EMDR Child Specialist Intensive Program and has completed the clinical endorsement training for youth with problematic sexual behaviors.

For those working in juvenile justice, child welfare, or mental health fields, what is one key piece of advice you would offer to better support juveniles who exhibit problematic sexual behavior?

One key piece of advice would be to focus on early intervention and holistic, family-centered approaches. Research shows that involving families in treatment and providing community-based interventions can significantly improve outcomes for juveniles with problematic sexual behaviors.

What challenges do multi-disciplinary teams face when trying to work together on these cases, and how can these challenges be overcome to provide more effective support for juveniles?

Challenges I've noticed include communication barriers, differing professional perspectives, and lack of coordinated efforts. To overcome these challenges, it's crucial to establish clear communication channels, regular meetings, and shared goals. 

Problematic sexual behavior (PSB) often comes with a lot of complexities. What are some of the common misconceptions or myths about juvenile PSB that you'd like to dispel?

1. All youth with PSB have been sexually abused: While some youth with PSB have experienced abuse, many have not. Other factors like exposure to family violence or inappropriate sexual material can also contribute.

2. Youth with PSB cannot safely remain in the community: Many youth with PSB are successful in outpatient treatment while remaining safely in the community, participating in pro-social activities, attending school, and living at home.

3. Youth with PSB will become adult sex offenders: Most youth with PSB do not continue these behaviors into adulthood, especially with appropriate intervention.

When working with juveniles exhibiting problematic sexual behaviors, how do you approach involving their families or caregivers without further stigmatizing the child?

Involve caregivers/families from the beginning, focusing on education and support. Provide caregivers with information about PSB and its treatment, emphasizing that the goal is to help the child develop healthy behaviors. Encourage open communication and involve families in the treatment process to reduce stigma and promote a supportive environment.

If you could time-travel and give one piece of advice to your younger self just starting out in the field, what would you say?

Believe everything and believe nothing. Working with juveniles exhibiting problematic sexual behaviors can be challenging, but approaching each case with compassion and a willingness to listen to each perspective can make a difference.