Management of Sex Offenders in Community Settings

Abstract

After a number of high-profile, sexually violent crimes against children in the 1980s and 1990s, reducing sexual violence became a legislative priority in the United States. Because most sex offenders return to the community at some point after conviction, both state and federal laws were passed addressing not only their sentencing but also their management upon release from incarceration. This chapter reviews and critically evaluates several approaches to the community management of adult sex offenders that resulted from this surge in legislation. First, sex offender recidivism data are briefly reviewed. Next, specific community management techniques are examined, including registration and notification, residency restrictions, and electronic monitoring. Then, two integrative approaches to sex offender community management, the containment model and Circles of Support and Accountability, are assessed. And finally, overall conclusions regarding community management of sex offenders and recommendations for future research are offered.