Update: Our training at Utah Youth Village

"Help one child ~ Help a generation to come."

Micah and I have completed the first five days of a nine day training period. We both have really enjoyed attending the classes and learning all that we have in those days.

UYV has an amazing program they use to aid in the treatment of the children they have. The techniques they have taught us will not only be useful working with the children within the program, but also when we have children of our own.

Micah and I have yet to decide what population of children we would like to work with, but we do not want to limit ourselves with one group: girl vs boy; 6-10 year old, or teenagers. So we are going to keep our options open - we have been asked to consider helping children who are sexual reactive*.

* Micah and I do not know all the details of sexually reactive children, but we have started to research the issue and found this:

Though there is no rigid profile of the sexually reactive child, there are some characteristics that are found most often in these children, and include:

• A history of sexual abuse.
• Acting out with children younger than themselves.
• Has a knowledge of sex that is beyond their age level. (Ex: Vibrators, dildos, condoms, etc).
• Simulates copulation with dolls, toys, other children, and even animals and adults.
• Appears to have little or no age-appropriate fear of strangers.
• Has no sense of boundaries, modesty, or privacy where their personal physical space is concerned.
• Often acts in a flirtatious or promiscuous ways that are not age-appropriate.
• Uses coercion, bribery, or force in what would appear to be otherwise normal sex play with same-age friends.
• Sexual contact with other children appears to be more adult in nature than age-appropriate.
• Demands secrecy, and makes threats of harm if the acts are disclosed.
• Lies or manipulates when confronted with knowledge of the sexual contact.
• Uses objects, violence, or weapons during a sex act.
• Touches children and adults inappropriately, and in public (breasts, vagina, groin, buttocks). Excessive masturbation and exposure.
• Sexualized themes during play and conversations, including drawing, painting, and playing with dolls and dollhouses.

Utah Youth Village is looking for concerned people who want to be foster parents. Earn an income working with kids in your home. We have a 40 year tradition of helping children throughout Utah. We are looking for motivated and caring couples to provide structured foster care in their homes.
Training and 24 hour support provided.