Adolescent Survivors of Sexual Abuse (11-17)

The Joseph J. Peters Institute understands the pain experienced by adolescents who are suffering from sexual violence, abuse, or other trauma and we understand the impact it can have on them and on other family members. We also know the paths required to help those adolescents reach a new life, beyond the trauma. At JJPI, we engage the individual and the family in a relational process to build understanding and trust, explain treatment methods, and work together with families to heal. JJPI works with the Philadelphia WRAP Court (Working to Restore Adolescents Power) to receive referrals for adolescent survivors of human trafficking.

JJPI recognizes the unique developmental needs of adolescents and works carefully with them and with their caregivers to build on strengths and bolster their functioning. We centralize our interventions through the use of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recognized evidence-based treatment. Adolescents are also encouraged to participate in trauma-specific treatment groups and psychiatric care is available as needed. Furthermore, we offer Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Prolonged Exposure Therapy to adolescents who can benefit from it.

Family treatment is an important component of treatment and has been found to be integral to long-term therapeutic success for most adolescent survivors. At JJPI, our work targets the entire family and helps to develop structural interventions to promote healing. We collaborate with other organizations in the family’s life to support continuity and build additional support for the individual and the family.