Free Workshop Planned for Parents Wanting to Understand Natural and Healthy Sexual Behaviors in Children

The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center is offering a free workshop to parents and caregivers interested in learning more about what normal sexual behavior is for youngsters.

Presenting will be Dr. Benjamin A. Sigel, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist and associate professor at the College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. His expertise includes assessing and treating children with a history of trauma or children who exhibit problematic sexual behavior.

Dr. Sigel says probably the most frequently asked question when he presents is whether or not a particular sexual behavior is normal. Other frequent questions are: Does this mean my child has been sexually abused? What do I do when my child engages in problematic sexual behavior?

The workshop, organized by the Health Department's Trauma Treatment Program, will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 20 on the first floor of the Lake County Health Department, 3010 Grand Avenue, in Waukegan.

"Sexual behavior in children can be a difficult and an uncomfortable topic to discuss. However, some sexual behavior in children is typical, expected, and not concerning. It is important for caregivers to be able to identify when sexual behavior becomes problematic and how to intervene effectively in these situations to reduce the risk of future problematic sexual behavior," Dr. Sigel said. "There has been a relatively recent increase to access to sexual topics and other adult material through social media and the internet. Now, more than ever, it is tremendously important for caregivers to be well-educated about supervision and abuse prevention strategies to reduce the risk of exposure to adult content and abuse."

The program is being provided through a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant designed to provide a trauma informed community. Clinicians who work in the Health Department/Community Health Center's Clinical Operations will receive a professional training by Dr. Sigel in addition to the public program.

Seating is limited, so adults interested in attending are asked to register by calling: (847) 377-8295 or send an email: to bswoboda@lakecountyil.gov.