It’s not a subject easily discussed, and it affects such a small portion of the population that most people don’t know it exists. But for those affected by it, it can be devastating. It is problematic sexual behavior (PSB) in children between the ages of 7 and 12, behavior that is not only age-inappropriate but is generally predatory in nature. And until last year, there was nowhere for parents and caregivers to turn to for help in Tarrant County. That changed last year when Lena Pope, an 80-year-old Fort Worth nonprofit devoted to helping children and families via counseling and education programs, opened the doors on Project SAFeR. Through Project SAFeR (Safety and Family Resiliency), counselors aim to fill the gap in social services for children and families dealing with PSB by offering specialized therapy for both the child and the adults to modify the predatory behavior. It is the only program of its type in Texas.

Some of the behaviors considered problematic are those in which it is harmful, or potentially harmful, to the child or others; in which the child coerces or forces others to participate in sexual behavior; and when the sexual behavior is between children of significantly different ages or developmental abilities.

Todd Landry, Lena Pope’s executive director, said that until the project got off the floor, “families had to face the challenge [of PSB] with minimum or no support. And it is a very difficult challenge to deal with. But I believe these are behaviors that can be changed. The children need to be taught new behaviors, and the parents need to know how to help curb the problematic behavior.”