NEW JERSEY’ S COLLABORATIVE RESPONSE TO PROBLEMATIC SEXUAL BEHAVIORS IN YOUTH
Nydia Y. Mongas, PsyD, Director of Training and Statewide Initiatives, New Jersey Children’ s Alliance
June 2026
The New Jersey Children’ s Alliance( NJCA) is a statewide nonprofit organization that provides training, resources, advocacy, and leadership to New Jersey’ s 21 county‐based Child Advocacy Centers( CACs). NJCA’ s mission is to ensure that every child abuse victim in the state receives a coordinated, compassionate, and effective response through multidisciplinary collaboration.
NJCA oversees New Jersey’ s Problematic Sexual Behaviors( PSB) Program, which provides access to specialized medical and mental health services for children and adolescents whose behaviors raise concern but do not meet the statutory threshold for a child protective services response. Problematic sexual behaviors are defined as,“ sexual behaviors demonstrated by youth that are developmentally inappropriate and potentially harmful”. These behaviors are often characterized by coercion, significant age or power differentials, or persistence despite appropriate adult intervention or guidance( Chaffin et al., 2008). National research indicates that approximately one-third of child sexual abuse cases involve another minor as the initiating individual, underscoring the importance of early identification and intervention( Finkelhor et al., 2009).
While some PSB cases require joint involvement from child protection investigators and law enforcement, many do not rise to the level of a criminal offense or a child protective services investigation. Even when a formal investigative response is not warranted, families in these situations often need access to mental health treatment, medical evaluations, and education to address the behavior and reduce the risk of future harm— resources that may be inaccessible to families due to cost, availability, or accessibility. Recognizing this service gap, the New Jersey Department of Children and Families( DCF) convened a statewide PSB workgroup to develop a comprehensive and consistent response for youth and families at the earliest point of concern.
The PSB Program was developed based on the framework and recommendations of this statewide workgroup, which included representatives from DCF, law enforcement agencies, Child Advocacy Centers( CACs), care management organizations( CMOs), medical and mental health providers, and other child‐ and youth‐serving professionals. Through coordinated efforts among these partners, the program improves access to specialized services, strengthens cross‐system communication, and ensures families receive accurate information, timely support, and access to specialized treatment at no cost to families. A structured referral process was established that includes the State Central Registry( SCR), law enforcement, and newly created positions employed by CMOs, Specialized Care Coordinators( SCCs). SCCs receive referrals for cases that do not warrant a child protective services investigation, collaborate with law enforcement to determine appropriate family contact, and then engage families to offer information, education, and referrals. The program is supported by a growing statewide network of specialized medical and mental health providers. In addition, SCCs and NJCA conduct education and outreach across New Jersey to raise awareness of the PSB Program, dispel common myths about youth who engage in PSB, and share available resources.
Funding from DCF supports program costs, including the SCC positions and the Child Treatment Assistance Fund, which covers medical and mental health treatment expenses. Together, these efforts are designed to enhance safety, reduce recidivism, and promote positive outcomes for youth without unnecessarily deepening their involvement in the justice or child welfare systems.
In the program’ s second year, more than 300 youth participated in services such as specialized medical evaluations and evidence‐based mental health treatment. In addition, SCCs spoke with over 600 additional families and provided education and resources related to PSB, trauma, treatment options, and strategies for keeping children safe. Since its launch, the program has also provided training and educational information on problematic sexual behaviors to more than 10,000 professionals from partner agencies and community organizations.
Problematic sexual behaviors among youth present complex situations that often fall outside traditional criminal or child protective thresholds, yet still require timely, informed intervention to promote safety and prevent future harm. The New Jersey PSB Program offers a practical, collaborative option for addressing these cases by connecting families to specialized developmentally appropriate services without unnecessary system involvement. Law enforcement officers are encouraged to learn about the PSB Program and contact their local Specialized Care Coordinators so that referrals can be made when concerns arise. Early identification and referral can reduce recidivism, support families, and strengthen community safety while ensuring youth receive the right response at the right time.
To learn more, visit the New Jersey Children’ s Alliance website at www. njcainc. org.
New Jersey Police Chief Magazine / 43