Qualitative Analysis of Administrator, Provider, and Stakeholder Views on the Costs and Benefits of a Treatment for Problematic Sexual Behavior of Youth

Evidence-based treatment for youth with problematic sexual behavior (PSB) has the potential for a broad range of costs and benefits, raising the importance of querying its public health impact. This qualitative study examined the impact of treatment for youth with PSB through content analysis of interviews (N = 57) with service agency administrators, treatment providers, and professional stakeholders in communities where recent implementation of interventions for youth with PSB had occurred. Interviewees emphasized multi-level impacts of the program on families (e.g., knowledge, well-being), communities (e.g., public safety, education), and public agencies (e.g., caseloads, stress). Implications for comprehensively evaluating the impact of PSB interventions are discussed.