Program Information

The Huntington Adolescent Safe Options Treatment Program (HASOTP) works with youth who have exhibited sexually problematic or aggressive behaviors as well as survivors of abuse. The program began in 1984 and continues to provide help and support to youth and their families in resolving issues of sexual victimization and stopping the cycle of sexual abuse.

Importance of Home and Community Based Services

The primary goal of home and community based service is to strengthen and support the youth and families we serve within their own environment.  Providing such services keeps children near their natural support system of caregivers, friends, siblings, extended family, school, and community.  HASOTP guidelines and procedures have been set up to allow youth to continue to reside in the community while working through the therapeutic process and program curriculum.

The main goal of HASOTP is to lower the risk of youth who have caused harm to others.  Throughout the course of treatment, HASOTP assesses an individual’s safety and level of risk, working closely with caregivers and other support systems.  HASOTP helps youth to become more aware of emotions and how to appropriately express them, increase the ability to comfortably talk about difficult feelings and events, understand the cycle of abuse, realize that past abuse was not their fault while also accepting responsibility for behaviors that harm others, and create an individualized safety plan that utilizes their strengths while targeting areas of risk.

HASOTP helps youth to:

  • Understand how events from the past can still impact them in the present
  • Understand the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
  • Learn about healthy relationships and sexuality
  • Build self-esteem, communication and social skills
  • Manage their overwhelming or difficult emotions
  • Gain an understanding of empathy
  • Accept responsibility for their behaviors while also realizing that past abuse was not their fault

HASOTP helps families to:

  • Develop a better understanding of sexual abuse dynamics
  • Develop open and supportive communication
  • Establish new limits and boundaries for their child and family
  • Understand how family issues and roles can affect behavior within a family system
  • Establish safety plans that utilize their strengths and natural resources

  • Individual therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Meetings with collateral services
  • Referrals for specialized services
  • Supportive advocacy
  • Training opportunities

  • Youth ages 6-18 that have been sexually reactive or aggressive
  • Youth ages 6-18 that have experienced a single or repeated experience of sexual abuse
  • Youth assessed to need specific treatment for sexual acting out behaviors
  • Youth amenable to community based treatment

HASOTP takes referrals from the Department of Social Services and Probation Departments of participating Counties.

HASOTP has found that with parent/family involvement in treatment, youth are better able to gain control over their behavior. Foster parents and/or legal guardians are encouraged to participate in the program.

Program Supervisor

Mary Brunet, LMSW
mbrunet@hfcsyr.org