HOW WE HELP
The H.O.P.E. Program
Family-focused, evidence-based treatment for children ages 7 to 14 with problematic sexual behavior, and support for the caregivers who love them.
About the program
H.O.P.E. stands for Helping Overcome through Prevention and Education. Sexual behaviors in children are often the result of curiosity, but there are times when these behaviors become harmful to the children or others. When sexual behaviors threaten the safety or well-being of the youth or others, it is crucial for families and communities to intervene by appropriately identifying the issue, providing support, and ensuring access to treatment.
The Tree House offers family-focused, trauma-informed, evidence-based treatment for youth with problematic sexual behavior. The Tree House is the only provider in Maryland that offers this specialized therapy. Like every Tree House service, it is free of charge and available in English and Spanish.
This is a sensitive and often lonely topic for families. You are not the first parent to face it, and you do not have to face it by yourself. We are here to help you recognize, understand, and approach these concerns with care and empathy.
When sexual behavior becomes a concern
Children aged 7 to 14 with inappropriate sexual behaviors that are excessive or resistant to redirection may be eligible for the H.O.P.E. Program. If you are unsure where a behavior falls, that uncertainty is exactly the right reason to reach out.
Normal
Voluntary, infrequent, spontaneous, experimental behavior between children of the same age, ability, and physical size. Not accompanied by strong, uncomfortable, or upset feelings.
Cautionary
Sexual behavior that progresses in frequency, intensity, or intrusiveness over time. Any sexual play or behavior that continues despite clear requests to stop. Sexual behavior that occurs in public.
Problematic
Causes harm, potential harm, or distress to any child. Involves planning, force, coercion, or aggression. Involves strong, upset feelings. Occurs between children of different ages and functioning. Continues after redirection has been provided.
You do not need to have it all figured out before you call. If something does not feel right, reach out, and we will help you make sense of it together.
How treatment works
H.O.P.E. uses the Problematic Sexual Behavior, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy model, often shortened to PSB-CBT. It is a proven approach that involves both the child and the caregiver, because children do best when the adults who love them are part of the healing.
The goal of treatment is to stop the unwanted behavior and to give children and families the tools to move forward with confidence. Topics covered in treatment include:
For children
- The Sexual Behavior Rules
- Coping skills and self-control skills
- Social skills
- Accurate names for body parts and basic sex education about puberty
- Abuse prevention skills
- Age-appropriate empathy and remorse
For caregivers
- Providing increased supervision and monitoring
- Understanding the origins of the child's problematic sexual behavior
- Increasing behavior management skills
- Improving the caregiver-child relationship
- Exploring feelings about being the caregiver of a child with problematic sexual behavior
- Helping their child control their behavior and make better decisions
- Understanding abuse prevention and moral development
Treatment involves weekly group sessions for about four to six months. By the end, families have a shared language, clearer boundaries, and real hope for what comes next.
Support for caregivers, teachers, and partners
You are not alone in this, and you do not have to be an expert to take the first step. The Tree House offers information and guidance for the different adults in a child's life.
For caregivers
Whether your own child is showing behaviors that worry you, or your child has been affected by another child's behavior, we are here to help you understand what is happening and how to respond with care. We can share trusted guides on children's sexual development, healthy boundaries, and how to support your family through a hard season.
For teachers
As a teacher, it can be alarming when a child in the classroom is exhibiting sexual behavior and remains unresponsive to redirection. You may feel uncertain about the appropriate next steps to address the issue effectively.
We offer resources to help you respond calmly, support the child, and know the right next steps.
For multidisciplinary team partners
Partners can coordinate a thorough, trauma-informed response that puts safety first, supports everyone affected, and connects the child to the right help. We share decision tools and guidance used to inform an MDT response.
If you are a mental health provider, medical professional, or other provider working with a child who has problematic sexual behavior, contact us and we will point you to helpful resources.
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You do not have to face this alone
When your family is ready for ongoing support, the Tree House is here, free of charge. If you think a child needs help, we are here. Families and community partners can start a referral, and our team will guide you through w
