Assessment Of Sex Offenders Research Articles

Research on Dynamic Design of Ideological and Political Education Based on Intelligent Algorithm

The digital civilization of human-computer coexistence has become a reality, thanks to the intelligent era. The widespread application of artificial intelligence technology in education has paved a new road for the collaborative and innovative development of ideological and political science teachers in universities and schools. In response to the problems of irregular, unprofessional, and unified resource sharing channels, duplicated, inverted, and disconnected teaching contents, and uncoordinated, insufficient, and unbalanced scientific research linkages in the integration process of university and college civics courses, the B/S three-layer architecture framework is used to build a university and college civics course teachers’ collaborative innovation platform that supports both PC and cell phone use by using jQuery, my structured query language (MySQL), hypertext preprocessor (PHP), juvenile sex offender assessment protocol (J-SOAP) crawlers, and other technologies. Teachers of civics courses can use the platform as a collaborative innovation tool. The goal of integrating resources, teaching, and scientific research of university and college civics courses is achieved, and the collaborative innovation development of university and college Civics teachers is promoted from theory to practice, thanks to the development of three major functions of the platform, namely, resource sharing, scientific research exchange, and teaching mutual assistance.

Quelles évolutions possibles pour l’expertise psychiatrique et psychologique en France ?

Recent controversies regarding “not guilty by reason of insanity” Court decisions in the Traore/Halimi case in France has sparked outrages amongst some people and politicians unveiling a profound misunderstanding on how the forensic assessments are done. This communication intend to resume some bills of law under process, judges and experts’ expectations regarding this practice and how the reports are built up. What could be the future of this specific mission over the next ten years? Prospect sources? How experts could adjust their practice to new questions which are emerging regarding the risk assessment for sex offenders or terrorists?

Immersive Virtual Reality Simulation in Forensic Psychiatry and Adjacent Clinical Fields: A Review of Current Assessment and Treatment Methods for Practitioners.

Background: Research has indicated that interactive, computerized case simulations using immersive virtual reality (VR) technology may be beneficial in the augmentation of conventional methods of assessment and treatment in forensic psychiatry, primarily through providing an engaging and safe environment in which the user can practice and learn skills and behaviors. However, there does not appear to be an overview of current developments available in the field, which may be an obstacle to clinicians considering the use of VR in their clinical practice.Objectives: Current, clinically relevant assessment and treatment methods applying immersive VR in forensic or adjacent clinical settings, were analyzed.Methods: This review surveyed the practical use of immersive VR in forensic psychiatry and relevant adjacent psychiatric and forensic fields from 2016 to 2020 and was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.Results: Out of the 1,105 journal articles screened, 14 met criteria for inclusion. Four articles described VR interventions directly addressing forensic psychiatric settings (treatment of general aggression and assessment of sexual offenders against children). The majority of the remaining articles were in the clinical domain of psychosis treatment. Several interventions were designed as part of comprehensive treatment programs, and others were intended as one-off assessments or paired with pre-existing psychological treatment. The degree to which the VR simulations were individualized to the user appeared to be largely dependent upon the extent of provider input. A variety of research methodologies were used in the included articles and the majority had limitations common to small-scale, non-randomized studies. None of the studies reported serious adverse effects.Discussion: There is a lack of large randomized controlled trials of current assessments or treatments using VR simulation in forensic psychiatry, let alone those with long-term follow-up, showing clear advantages of VR over standard practice. The evidence thus far is insufficient to recommend immediate and large-scale implementation of any one VR intervention, however, several have been shown to be feasible and acceptable to the participants and to provide insights and inspiration for future research and development.

ICD-11 Paraphilic Disorders: A South African Analysis of Its Utility in the Medico-Legal Context

BackgroundIn an effort to improve the clinical utility of the ICD-10, the WHO Working Group on the Classification of Sexual Disorders and Sexual Health recommended a new classification of Paraphilic Disorders in the ICD-11 to replace the ICD-10 section on Disorders of Sexual Preference. The proposed classification may have different implications for different countries. AIM: To examine South African national laws and policies, within which Paraphilic Disorders are encountered, and to assess the implications of the new classification. MethodA South African working group - representing experts within the disciplines of criminal law, psychiatry, psychology, public health, and criminology - reviewed: (i) national laws affected by reclassification, (ii) current practices in the psycho-legal assessment of sexual offenders, (iii) the implications of the reclassification for assessment and decision-making in forensic practice and other health settings, (iv) specific implications of the reclassification for diagnosis, and (v) implications of the reclassification as it relates to the demographic and sociocultural context of South Africa. OutcomesAs a rule, South African courts do not accept the existence of a Paraphilic Disorder on its own to be sufficient grounds to absolve any defendant from criminal responsibility though defence. Nevertheless, a diagnosis such as coercive sexual sadism disorder runs the risk of medicalization of criminal behavior with inappropriate use to mitigate sentences. Clinical ImplicationsThe ICD-11 approach is clinically useful in emphasizing that a broad range of sexual behavior fall under the rubric of healthy sexual behavior, but also that compulsive sexual behavior can be pathological. Strengths and LimitationsThis analysis was conducted by an interdisciplinary expert group, aligning international forensic mental health and national legal constructs in a low-middle income country (LMIC). The analysis is limited by its reliance on expert opinion rather than empirical data. ConclusionsIt is recommended that the ICD-11 includes a cautionary statement for forensic use, highlighting the fact that the mere inclusion of a diagnosis in the ICD-11 does not necessarily have forensic relevance.Artz, L, Swanepoel, M, Combrinck, H, et al. ICD-11 Paraphilic Disorders: A South African Analysis of Its Utility in the Medico-Legal Context. J Sex Med 2020;XX:XXX–XXX.

Incremental validity of the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised above and beyond the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder regarding recidivism in sexual offenders

PurposeThe diagnostic criteria of the Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) overlaps greatly with the Lifestyle and Antisocial facets of the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R), whereas the Interpersonal and Affective facets seem to differentiate between antisocial and psychopathic offenders. Previous studies investigated either the ASPD diagnosis or psychopathy measured with the PCL-R, but not the combination of both in sexual offenders. The present study tested three hypotheses that PCL-R scores are incrementally predictive above and beyond the ASPD diagnosis regarding general recidivism, non-sexual violent recidivism, and sexual recidivism. MethodsWe performed Cox regression modeling with two-fold cross validation, using a training sample (n = 755) and a testing sample (n = 368) of adult male sexual offenders from Austria. Average time-at-risk was 10.13 years. ResultsThe PCL-R scores predicted general and violent recidivism after the diagnosis of the ASPD was controlled for. The Lifestyle and Antisocial facets, in particular, were incremental. Sexual recidivism could not be predicted. ConclusionsThe current results support the use of the PCL-R in applied sexual offender assessment in addition to general clinical diagnostic procedures due to its incremental validity, despite a large overlap between the diagnostic criteria of ASPD and the PCL-R concept of psychopathy.

Procena rizika kod adolescentnih seksualnih prestupnika - prikaz slučaja

One of the most important roles of mental health professionals in the forensic evaluation of the adolescent sex offenders is to assess the risk of future delinquent behavior. A psychiatric and psychological expertise of a 17-year-old male adolescent, who was accused of rape, was conducted at court's request in order to determine the maturity of the juvenile, the risk of reoffending and the need for treatment. The current case report demonstrates risk assessment based on the structured professional evaluation. This approach integrates clinical with empirical knowledge and it has been proven highly useful in risk assessment of sexual recidivism in adolescent sex offenders. The assessment was based on the integration of that data obtained from the structured risk assessment tool Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol-II (JSOAP-II, Prentky and Righthand, 2003) and data based on standard professional expertise by forensic clinicians. The aim of the present case report was to show the advantages of a structured approach to risk assessment in adolescent sex offenders, as well as to assess the practical implications related to appropriate case management and the need for treatment.

The Victim-Perpetrator Cycle of Sexual Abuse and Offending Behavior

Background: Child sexual abuse (CSA) is highly prevalent in India and a major public health challenge. CSA victims are at a greater risk for developing a range of negative behavioral and psychological outcomes across their life span. In this case report, we highlight the diagnosis and management of a boy who sexually victimized his classmate subsequent to his trauma of being sexually abused by a peer. Clinical Description: A 10-year-old child, was referred for sexual acting out behaviors, wherein he had attempted anal penetration of a classmate. History revealed multiple stressors including the death of his mother, history of sexual abuse by an older boy, prolonged exposure to digital sexualized content, father's remarriage, adjustment problems with stepmother, relocation, and a new school. A comprehensive psychosocial evaluation was conducted including the administration of a risk assessment tool, the Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol-II. Management: The mainstay of management was psycho-education that focused on guiding his parents on the importance of intensive parental supervision, academic support, restricting the use of the Internet, and promoting healthy friendships. The child was encouraged to have healthy extracurricular interests, especially outdoor physical activities. Regular follow-up for over a year revealed significant behavioral improvement and no repeat of sexual offending behavior. Conclusion: High-risk children need to be provided with supportive family services and linked to child welfare organizations for long-term intervention. Health-care professionals can play a pivotal role in the prevention of inappropriate sexual behaviors and the promotion of healthy development among youth.

Protective Factors and Sub-Groups of Sexually Offending Adolescents: Implications for Conceptualization and Practice

ABSTRACT Adolescents who sexually offend are highly diverse both in risk and protective factors. This pilot study assesses 38 adjudicated adolescents convicted of a sexual offense residing in a secure care juvenile detention facility in order to determine which protective factors are most significantly correlated with reduced sexual re-offense risk. The study also explores differences across two sub-groups of the population by investigating the distinctions between the roles of specific protective factors among adolescents who have committed only a sexual offense (sex-only sub-group) in comparison to adolescents who have committed a sexual offense in addition to other delinquent behavior (sex-plus sub-group). Analysis was conducted utilizing the Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale, 2nd Edition, Youth Rating Scale, the Adolescent Attachment Questionnaire, and the Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol-Revised. The results indicate that sex-only adolescents demonstrate a significantly lower risk sexual recidivism and have greater affective strength compared to sex-plus adolescents. The sex-only sub-group also demonstrate large correlations for reduced sexual recidivism risk in relationship with the protective factors of School Functioning, Affective Strength, Interpersonal Strength, and Career Strength.

Factor structure of the J-SOAP-II among Black and White male youth: A confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis

The Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol-II (J-SOAP-II) is a tool used to aid clinicians in assessing the sexual and criminal reoffense risk of male youths who have committed a sex offense. Despite its popularity, the factor structure has not been thoroughly assessed. The present study used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to test the factor structure of the four subscales of the J-SOAP-II in a group of youths aged 12-18 who were confined for sexual offenses (N = 909), and whether the fit is affected by youth race. The results showed a poor fit to the data. An ad-hoc goal was added, to propose a new factor structure using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) on one half of the data, and CFA on the second half of the data. The EFA identified three-factors: Sexual Offending and Victimization History, Risk for General Delinquency, and Antisocial Beliefs and Attitudes. This three-factor model, provided an improved, but not good, fit, indicating that further modifications to the J-SOAP-II are required to meaningfully capture risk-relevant latent constructs.

Transgender sex offenders: gender dysphoria and sexual offending

PurposeTransgender sex offenders are a small, complex and atypical group. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the issues in relationship to the assessment of gender dysphoria in transgender sex offenders and approaches to risk management.Design/methodology/approachClinical and research experience as a Gender Specialist and Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist who has managed sex offender populations has informed this publication.FindingsLittle is known about the relationship between gender dysphoria and criminality. More research is required to develop a typology of transgender sex offenders and develop actuarial risk instruments. Protective factors in relation to gender affirmative care are also important to understand.Research limitations/implicationsThere is little empirical research to guide gender specialists and criminal justice professionals in the management of gender dysphoria and address risk and recidivism in transgender offender populations. The treatment of gender dysphoria could result in improved well-being and better psychosocial adjustment but cannot be relied to reduce future recidivism.Practical implicationsThere is no evidence that treatment of gender dysphoria reduces risk and recidivism in transgender sex offenders and that research is required to identify specific gender related dynamic risk factors.Social implicationsRecommendations are directly relevant to the work of prison and probation staff, community supervisors and gender identity specialists.Originality/valueAs far as the author is aware it is the first paper on the assessment and management of gender diverse sex offenders integrating approaches to gender dysphoria assessment and treatment and risk management. It has implication for gender identity specialists, criminal justice professionals, research and policy.

Indirect and Neuropsychological Indicators of Pedophilia.

The present study aimed to differentiate pedophilic child sex offenders (CSOs) from nonoffending controls (CTLs), as well as contact from noncontact CSOs. For this purpose, we investigated 21 contact CSOs, 20 noncontact CSOs (child pornography offenders), as well as 21 CTLs on neuropsychological test measures and indirect test measures of sexual interest. Multiple logistic regression models showed that three parameters of indirect tests and two neuropsychological test parameters allowed the differentiation of CSOs from CTLs with a maximum accuracy of 87%. The profile of contact and noncontact CSOs was remarkably similar and the optimal model for this group differentiation had a maximum accuracy of 66%, with slightly increased levels of risk-taking behavior and greater susceptibility for perceptual interference in contact CSOs than in noncontact CSOs. The findings suggest that standardized, objective methods can support the assessment of sexual offenders against children in forensic psychiatry and legal psychology.

Polygraph: The Use of Polygraphy in the Assessment and Treatment of Sex Offenders in the UK

Polygraph: The Use of Polygraphy in the Assessment and Treatment of Sex Offenders in the UK

Countertransference, Defense Mechanisms, and Vicarious Trauma in Work With Sexual Offenders.

This study aimed to examine the associations between countertransference induced by sex offenders, defense mechanisms, and manifestations of vicarious trauma in forensic psychiatrists and psychologists. A cross-sectional study using a mixed-methods design was performed with 56 Brazilian forensic psychiatrists and psychologists from October 2016 to May 2017. Countertransference, defense mechanisms, and vicarious trauma were assessed with the Assessment of Countertransference Scale, the Defense Style Questionnaire-40, and the Trauma and Attachment Belief Scale (TABS), respectively. Qualitative data analysis based on grounded theory was also performed to explore the influence of sex-offender assessments on the experts' personal and professional lives. Positive and moderate correlations were found between feelings of indifference and the Other-Safety TABS subscale (rho .43, P < .01) and between immature defense mechanisms and TABS total score (rho .45, P < .01). Qualitative data revealed changes in the professionals' identity, worldview, and beliefs related to safety and trust. Specific maladaptive coping strategies, such as feelings of indifference and immature defenses, during the assessment of sex offenders were associated with manifestations of vicarious trauma in forensic psychiatrists and psychologists. These findings indicate the need for awareness and care about the forensic expert's mental health.

The Application of Network Analysis to Dynamic Risk Factors in Adult Male Sex Offenders

Although dynamic risk factors are considered important in the assessment and treatment of adult male sex offenders, little is known about their interrelationships. We apply network analysis to assess their associations and to provide an analysis of their shortest pathways to sexual and violent (including sexual contact) recidivism. Analyses revealed a central position for general rejection/loneliness (in all networks), poor cognitive problem solving (in networks containing sexual or violent—including sexual contact—recidivism), and impulsive acts (only in the network including sexual recidivism). These variables represented links between clusters of dynamic risk factors composed of factors relating to sexual self-regulation, emotionally intimate relationships, antisocial traits, and self-management. Impulsive acts showed the strongest independent association with sexual and violent (including sexual contact) recidivism.

Validity of Risk Assessment Instruments Among Juveniles Who Sexually Offended: Victim Age Matters.

Research has identified meaningful subtypes among the heterogeneous population of juveniles who sexually offended (JSO). However, studies that test the validity of risk assessment tools with JSO subtypes are limited. This study compared JSO who offended against a child victim (JSO-C) and JSO who offended against an adolescent/adult victim (JSO-A) with regard to rates of recidivism and the predictive validity of two risk assessment tools (Estimate of Risk of Adolescent Sexual Offense Recidivism [ERASOR] and Juvenile Sexual Offender Assessment Protocol-II [J-SOAP-II]). Data were analyzed from case files of 185 JSO-C and 297 JSO-A aged 12 to 18 years (M = 14.11, SD = 1.44) from a consecutive sample of JSO with contact sexual offenses. A total of 34 (7.1%) juveniles reoffended sexually, with no significant difference between the subtypes. The present results suggest that the ERASOR, particularly the structured professional judgment, and to a lesser degree the J-SOAP-II are better suited to predicting sexual recidivism in JSO-A than in JSO-C.

Reliability and Predictive Validity of the Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol-II in an Australian Context.

This study investigated the reliability and predictive validity of the Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol-II (J-SOAP-II), in an Australian context, and for Australian Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth. Participants were 123 (n = 91 non-Indigenous; n = 32 Indigenous) youth assessed using the J-SOAP-II and followed up over an average period of 4 years. The reliability of the J-SOAP-II was assessed using measures of internal consistency (Cronbach's alphas and inter-item correlations). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were conducted to assess the J-SOAP-II's validity in predicting sexual and non-sexual (violent and non-violent) recidivism. Overall, the J-SOAP-II demonstrated moderate to high levels of reliability and weak to moderate levels of validity for predicting sexual and non-sexual (violent and non-violent) recidivism for the whole sample. While the J-SOAP-II total score was significantly associated with non-sexual (violent and non-violent) recidivism for non-Indigenous youth, it was not significantly associated with any of the outcome variables for Indigenous youth. Across all analyses, the dynamic scales of the J-SOAP-II predicted recidivism with greater accuracy than the static scales. However, the static scales had greater accuracy in predicting the risk of sexual recidivism for Indigenous youth. While a reliable measure, these preliminary findings raise questions about the validity of the J-SOAP-II for predicting sexual recidivism for Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth in an Australian context, and warrant further investigation.

Differences in Psychosexual Development Among Child, Peer, and Mixed Juvenile Sex Offenders.

Researchers have examined a number of typologies of juvenile sex offenders, including victim age. Using data from psychological evaluations and the Multiphasic Sex Inventory-II (MSI-II; [Psychological assessment of sex offenders, 2010]), this study compared child offenders (i.e., victims were more than 4years younger), peer offenders (i.e., victims were 4years younger or less), and mixed offenders (i.e., both child and peer victims) on variables including victim, offender, and offense characteristics, and psychosexual development. Peer offenders had more severe sexual offenses, prior status/nonviolent charges, and issues with sexual functioning. Mixed offenders began offending at a younger age and were indiscriminate in gender and relationship of the victim. Mixed offenders were also more likely than child and peer offenders to have prior sex offender treatment, meaning they had previously failed treatment. As juvenile sex offenders are a heterogeneous group, these research findings suggest that child offenders, peer offenders, and mixed offenders' treatment needs differ from each other.

Validity and Reliability of the Violence Risk Scale-Youth Sexual Offense Version.

The present study examined the validity and reliability of a youth sexual offense risk assessment and treatment planning tool, the Violence Risk Scale-Youth Sexual Offense Version (VRS-YSO), on a sample of 102 court-adjudicated youth referred to assessment and/or treatment outpatient services followed up an average of 11.7 years in the community. VRS-YSO scores demonstrated "good" to "excellent" interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs] = .64-.83). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the static and dynamic items identified three latent dimensions consistent with the extant risk literature labeled Sexual Deviance, Antisocial Tendencies, and Family Concerns. VRS-YSO scores showed strong patterns of convergence with scores from the Estimate of Risk for Adolescent Sexual Offense Recidivism (ERASOR), Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol-II (J-SOAP-II), and the Juvenile Sexual Offense Recidivism Risk Assessment Tool-II (J-SORRAT-II). VRS-YSO scores, in turn, demonstrated moderate to high predictive accuracy for sexual, violent (sexual and nonsexual), and general recidivism (significant areas under curve [AUCs] = .67-.88). Examination of pre-posttreatment change data on the subset of youth who attended treatment services found VRS-YSO change scores to be significantly associated with reductions in general recidivism, but not other recidivism outcomes. Future research and clinical applications of the VRS-YSO in youth sexual offense assessment and treatment planning are discussed.

Psychopathy, Neuroticism, and Abusive Behavior in Low Risk Child Sex Offenders

ABSTRACTPersonality traits are considered as an important aspect in the assessment of child sex offenders (CSOs). The current study sought to elucidate the association between neuroticism, psychopathy, and abusive behavior in low risk CSOs. 43 pedophilic CSOs and 21 controls (CTLs) completed the NEO-Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO-PI-R), Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version (PCL:SV), and Multiphasic Sex Inventory (MSI). Our results revealed small differences in PCL scores between CSOs and CTLs, with comparatively low levels of psychopathy in both groups. Higher levels of neuroticism were associated with higher PCL scores, in both CSOs and CTLs. However, higher PCL scores in CSOs did not correlate with higher MSI total scores on the subscale child molest. These findings suggest an ambiguous role of psychopathy in CSOs: higher levels of psychopathy co-occur with higher levels of neuroticism, but psychopathy does apparently not modulate abusive behavior, at least not in low risk offenders, as currently investigated.

Are Juveniles Who Have Committed Sexual Offenses the Same Everywhere? Psychometric Properties of the Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol-II in a Portuguese Youth Sample.

Over the last decade, we have witnessed consistent advances in risk assessment procedures, namely the validation of those used with juveniles who have committed sexual offenses. The adaptation of these instruments into other languages requires research examining the conceptual and metric equivalence of the instruments, not just translation equivalence. Informed by data from 141 boys, aged 13 to 18, the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol-II (J-SOAP-II), regarding reliability and construct validation, are presented and discussed. Factor structure, internal consistency, and interrater reliability were examined, and a reliable factorial structure that was consistent with the original validation of the J-SOAP was found. Scales 2 and 3 had good internal consistency, and Scale 1 had acceptable internal consistency. Results regarding concurrent validity revealed mostly statistically significant correlations. The implications of this research for juvenile sex offender risk assessments are discussed.