The large‐scale provision of programmes for imprisoned sex offenders: issues, dilemmas and progress

Abstract

Serious sexual offending almost invariably attracts a custodial sentence, but sexual deviancy is among the most obviously interpersonal disorders, and the target or victim often very specific. In this context, many doubts have been expressed about the possibility of adequate assessment and treatment of sex offenders when in an institution, divorced from ordinary life, and generally also from the real objects of their desire. Since 1991 the prison service in England and Wales has progressively implemented a systematic strategy for the treatment of imprisoned sex offenders. At the heart of this is a structured group work programme designed to be delivered by para‐professional staff. The programme includes elements that, far from allowing the offender to `escape’ into the institution and its routine, bring him face to face with his cognitive distortions with respect to sexual interests and activity, possibly for the first time. By April 1994 over 700 sex offenders will have completed this programme, about half of those approached, demonstrating that such a programme is possible within a closed instituition. This paper considers issues arising in relation to the large‐scale delivery of this programme in such a setting, with particular reference to treatment integrity, selection of offenders for the programme and factors affecting offenders acceptance or refusal of the programme. The dangers of institutional reinforcement of attitudes in treatment refusers are also considered.