Parents United Against Child Sexual Abuse
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Our mission is "to reduce the incidence, trauma, and secrecy of child sexual abuse by providing professionally guided, self-help groups for child, adult victims and their families."

Parents United Against Child Sexual Abuse is affiliated with Parents United, a world-wide, guided self-help program offering services to sexually abused children, their families, adult victims, offenders, and all support persons. The program began in the 1970's in California and has since sprouted chapters throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Guam.

"Parents United Against Child Sexual Abuse" includes Parents United Against Child Sexual Abuse, AMAC (Adults Molested as Children) United, and Daughters and Sons United (DSU). Each chapter functions under the auspices of a sponsoring agency. Parents United Against Child Sexual Abuse began in Nebraska in 1981, and its sponsoring agency is Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska.

The organization is run by the members who hold meetings, elect officers and raise funds. Each chapter is affiliated to Parents United International, based in Modesto, California. Parents United of the Midland's dues are $1.00 per week ($12.00 per cycle) per adult member.

The organization's goals are to:

• Offer support and promote fellowship among members
• Provide opportunities for self-education, advocacy and restitution
• Promote community awareness

The Support Groups

Parents United Against Child Sexual Abuse
Parents (non-offending parents and offenders) of children who have been sexually abused can become members of Parents United Against Child Sexual Abuse.

• Provides support and assistance during the initial crisis
• Provides a safe environment for the discussion of sexual abuse and its repercussions
• Promotes awareness of the pattern, cycles, beliefs and behaviors associated with sexual abuse
• Develops the self awareness and self-esteem necessary for safe, healthy, trusting family relationships
• Reduces the possibility of recidivism on the part of the offender

AMAC (Adults Molested As Children) United
Adults who were molested when they were children can become members of AMAC United.

• Provides a safe and supportive environment for the discussion of childhood sexual abuse
• Promotes awareness of patters, cycles, beliefs and behavior associated with childhood sexual abuse
• Creates an atmosphere of hope and validation
• Develops the self-awareness and self-respect necessary for safe, healthy, trusting relationships

Daughters and Sons United
Children and young people from age 8 to 18 who have been sexually abused by a family member or caretaker can join. Their siblings are also welcome.

• Alleviates trauma by providing support during disclosure
• Provides a safe environment to express feelings about the sexual abuse
• Develops self-protective attitudes through self-respect and assertiveness
• Reduces destructive and self-destructive behavior

Cost
There is no charge to participate in Daughters and Sons United.

Professionals, such as a professional volunteer or a Master's level therapist, volunteer their time to facilitate support groups.

Criteria for Membership

• Members must comply with all court orders and legal obligations regarding the sexual abuse and its consequences
• Members must attend individual, marital or family therapy throughout their participation in Parents United Against Child Sexual Abuse
• Members must attend group regularly
• Members must attend group sober and free of illegal drugs
• Adult members must have an initial screening interview
• Adult members must sign releases allowing communication between Parents United Against Child Sexual Abuse Staff and group facilitators and other involved professionals
• Offenders must provide Parents United Against Child Sexual Abuse Staff with a recent psychological evaluation

For more information, please call (402) 342-7007