One of the greatest challenges in foster care is working with the increasing number of children who have been sexually abused or exhibit severe emotional and behavior problems. This book is intended as a practical guide with basic information and training tips for therapists and foster parents working with the sexualized child. It reviews research and clinical knowledge specifically relating to the sexualized child in foster care and the interventions that may be helpful in working with them. The developmental needs and normal sexual behavior of the preschooler, latency-aged child, and adolescent are all reviewed since clinical signs of sexual abuse appear slightly different in each of these groups. Chapter 1 discusses sexuality. Chapter 2 reviews what is normal sexual behavior. Chapter 3 presents the signs and symptoms of sexual abuse. Chapter 4 discusses assessment standards. Chapter 5 presents treatment options. Chapter 6 explains the sexually aggressive children in foster care. Chapter 7 considers the emotional factors for therapists working with these children. A resource section contains list of books; videos for children and adults; organizations that are available for abuse protection; and a list of assessment instruments. (Contains 66 references.) (JDM)