Sexual Abuse Family Education (SAFE) group, also known as a “non-offender” or “chaperone” course, is a 15-week psychoeducation group that provides education and support around issues related to those impacted by sexual abuse and problematic sexual behavior. The group is designed to help participants better understand sexual abuse, its impacts, and how to navigate relationships and responsibilities when someone in their life has committed a sexual offense or has problematic sexual behavior.

The group is open to anyone who has a sexual offender/someone who has engaged in problematic sexual behavior in their life, including:

• Family members

• Friends

• Parents or caregivers

• Individuals supervising visitation

• Anyone seeking education or guidance about these issues

Participants do not need to be a parent or caregiver to attend.

The Department of Health and Human Services may recommend or request that individuals participate in this group if they are seeking to safely supervise or chaperone someone in their life who has engaged in problematic sexual behavior or committed a sexual offense. However, individuals are also welcome to participate if they are not planning to directly supervise someone or are interested in self-referring for educational purposes.

Please note that this group is designed for individuals supporting or navigating relationships with someone who has engaged in problematic sexual behavior, and it is not intended for individuals who have engaged in such behaviors themselves.

Topics covered in group include:

• Sexual development

• Signs and effects of sexual abuse

• How to talk about sexual abuse

• Facts about sexual abuse

• Consent

• Federal and Maine state laws related to sexual offenses

This is primarily a psychoeducational group, and completing it in a group setting is more effective than doing it individually. Group participation allows you to receive feedback on skills and ask for support when needed or when you feel comfortable. During telehealth sessions, your first name will be visible and used when you are called on. Each session includes a brief mood check-in, as well as a review of the homework, before reviewing the week’s topic.

Group participants are expected to complete weekly homework assignments. Weekly homework is assigned to reinforce the concepts discussed in group, build on previously learned skills, and support participants in applying and strengthening their knowledge.

No. The S.A.F.E. group does not use a traditional pass or fail system.

Instead, completion of the program is based on engagement and participation throughout the 15-week group. Facilitators look at several factors to determine whether a participant has successfully completed the group.

These factors include:

• Attendance at group sessions

• Completion of weekly homework assignments

• Active participation in group discussions and activities

• Knowledge gained, as demonstrated through the pre-group and post-group assessments

The goal of the program is to support participants in building understanding, skills, and awareness, rather than evaluating them through a pass/fail model.

If you are participating in the group in order to become an approved supervisor, there may be additional requirements. These requirements will be reviewed during your intake appointment and discussed further throughout the group sessions.

Yes. All participants must complete a scheduled intake session before joining the SAFE. group. During this meeting, facilitators will gather information about your history, current situation, and goals for participating in the group. This helps ensure that the group is a good fit and allows facilitators to better support your learning and participation.

As part of the process, facilitators will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan based on your goals for the group. Treatment plans are reviewed every 90 days to assess progress and make any necessary updates.

New participants may join the group every 5 weeks, depending on holidays and the current module schedule.

If you are interested in joining the SAFE group or have questions, please call our office at (207) 941-0879 or complete our online group intake paperwork to begin the process.

Please note that we do not require referrals for SAFE group.