Health · Mental Health · 22 hrs ago
Australian program treats children who have sexually harmed other children
New Street Services in Australia provides therapy for children who have sexually harmed other children, with a separate service for children under 10.
The state-run program works with young people aged 10 to 17 through 12 centres staffed by more than 60 clinicians.
Its aim is to prevent further sexual harm, while helping children understand their actions and develop ways to change.
Treatment is tailored to each child, involves parents, and includes the perspective of the child who was harmed.
A 2014 analysis found 89 per cent of adolescents who completed the program had stopped the behaviour by the time they left; the effects for the others were not known.
Many families who could benefit cannot access services because funding is insufficient and some areas lack local support.
Treatment can take six months to two years, and a young person completes it after reaching their goals.
New Street Services treats children and teenagers who have sexually harmed another child or teenager, aiming to prevent further harm.
The state-run Children and Young People’s Sexual Safety Program operates 12 centres and has more than 60 clinicians.
Its treatment includes the perspective of victim-survivors and can take from six months to two years.
The program serves young people aged 10 to 17 through New Street Services and children under 10 through SafeWayz.
A 2014 analysis found 89 per cent of adolescents who successfully completed the program had stopped their inappropriate behaviours by the time they left.
- Who
- New Street Services and SafeWayz treat children and young people who have sexually harmed another child or teenager.
- What
- The state-run program provides therapeutic treatment intended to prevent further sexual harm.
- When
- The program began on July 1, 1998. The article was published on November 9, 2026.
- Where
- The program operates 12 centres in Australia; its head office is at Westmead Children’s Hospital.
- Why
- To help young people stop carrying out sexual harm and prevent further assaults.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
New Street Services opened and closed for referrals an hour later because of high demand.
An analysis found 89 per cent of adolescents who successfully completed the program had stopped their inappropriate behaviours by the time they left.
An analysis of the Australian Child Maltreatment Study found that surveyed 16-to-24-year-olds more often reported sexual abuse by an adolescent peer than by an adult perpetrator.
The SMH article reported on the program and its treatment approach.
- Centres
- 12
- Clinicians
- More than 60
- New Street Services age range
- 10 to 17 years
- SafeWayz age range
- Under 10 years
- Treatment duration
- Six months to up to two years
- 2014 program analysis
- 89 per cent of successful adolescent completers had stopped their inappropriate behaviours by leaving the program
What people are saying
The day that we opened our doors on July 1, 1998, an hour later, we had to close for referrals – we were just flooded
We’re seeing [a] massive increase in children being sexually exploited, either by their peers or by adults.
If they’re supported therapeutically, then there’s a lot of potential that they can cease carrying out sexual harm, and can become good and protective citizens