Sex Offender Program Research Articles

Dropout From Sex-Offender Treatment and Dimensions of Risk of Sexual Recidivism

The extent to which general criminality and sexual deviance are associated with dropout or expulsion from a sex-offender treatment program was examined. Participants were 52 offenders who dropped out of, or were expelled from, their last sex-offender program and a comparison group of 48 program completers. As expected, the general criminality items of the Static—99 were significantly associated with dropout/expulsion but the sexual deviance items were not. Thus, risk for sexual recidivism and risk for dropout/expulsion from sex-offender programs do not appear to be synonymous. Basing estimates of risk for dropout/expulsion on general criminality rather than sexual deviance may be a more effective and efficient strategy for managing sex offenders.

Assessing Risk for Violence in Adolescents Who Have Sexually Offended

As the youth justice system has evolved, clinicians have been increasingly asked to make judgments about the likelihood that a youth who has committed a sexual offense will reoffend. However, there is an absence of well-validated tools to assist with these judgments. This study examined the ability of the Juvenile Sexual Offense Recidivism Risk Assessment Tool—II (J-SORRAT-II), Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth (SAVRY), and Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol—II (J-SOAP-II) to predict violent behavior in 169 male youth who were admitted to a residential adolescent sex offender program. Total scores on the SAVRY and J-SOAP-II significantly predicted nonsexual violence but none of the instruments predicted sexual violence. The J-SOAP-II and SAVRY were less effective in predicting violent reoffending in youth aged 15 and younger than in older youth. The implications of these findings are discussed.

An Investigation of the Validity and Reliability of the Criminal Sentiments Scale in a Sample of Treated Sex Offenders

The Criminal Sentiments Scale (CSS) purports to measure attitudes and values pertaining to and in support of criminal conduct (Andrews & Bonta, 2003). A sample of 72 sex offenders treated in a high intensity sex offender program completed the CSS pre- and post-treatment and was followed up for approximately 3 years. The CSS demonstrated high internal consistency. Correlational and ROC analyses indicated that the CSS is a robust predictor of non-sexual violent and non-violent recidivism. The CSS also correlated significantly with the General Statistical Information on Recidivism Scale which assesses non-sexual recidivism risk. Similar analyses showed that the CSS did not predict sexual recidivism nor did it correlate with a tool that assesses sexual recidivism risk-the Static 99. The CSS scores changed significantly in the predicted direction following treatment. The present results suggest that the CSS is an internally consistent tool for the assessment of criminal sentiments among sex offenders and that it predicts non-sexual but not sexual recidivism.

An Investigation of the Validity and Reliability of the Criminal Sentiments Scale in a Sample of Treated Sex Offenders

The Criminal Sentiments Scale (CSS) purports to measure attitudes and values pertaining to and in support of criminal conduct (Andrews & Bonta, 2003). A sample of 72 sex offenders treated in a high intensity sex offender program completed the CSS pre-and post-treatment and was followed up for approximately 3 years. The CSS demonstrated high internal consistency. Correlational and ROC analyses indicated that the CSS is a robust predictor of non-sexual violent and non-violent recidivism. The CSS also correlated significantly with the General Statistical Information on Recidivism Scale which assesses non-sexual recidivism risk. Similar analyses showed that the CSS did not predict sexual recidivism nor did it correlate with a tool that assesses sexual recidivism risk—the Static 99. The CSS scores changed significantly in the predicted direction following treatment. The present results suggest that the CSS is an internally consistent tool for the assessment of criminal sentiments among sex offenders and that it predicts non-sexual but not sexual recidivism.

Variables Associated with Treatment Failure Among Adolescent Sex Offenders

While an adolescent sexual offender's response to treatment is thought to be impacted by both static and dynamic factors, there is no objective method of assessing the likelihood of success or failure in treatment. The assessment of amenability to treatment is generally a subjective process completed by clinicians in the field. Using descriptive discriminant analysis, pre and post treatment data collected from a residential sex offender program for adolescent males (N = 138) are examined. Participants were identified as belonging to one of three groups: Adolescent sex offenders entering residential sex offender treatment (n = 56); adolescent sex offenders who have completed residential sex offender treatment (n = 63); and, adolescent sex offenders who entered residential treatment, but failed to complete treatment (n = 19). Two treatment outcome variables assessing the level of offender cognitive distortions and three demographic/background variables (the level of intellectual functioning, history of witnessing domestic violence, and history of personal victimization) were identified as having the strongest potential to discriminate between offenders who completed treatment and those who did not enter or did not complete treatment. Implications of these findings for determining treatment amenability and future research are discussed.

Adult Sex Offenders on Community Supervision

Sex offenders present challenges to treatment providers and probation officers. This article reviews recent developments in assessing risk and gauging their treatment progress. Probation departments in many jurisdictions have recently created specialized sex offender programs that provide intensive supervision and treatment. This article also reviews studies that have carefully evaluated these new probation strategies. In addition, it surveys the literature on treatment effectiveness and the predictors of treatment failure. Finally, the current article discusses directions for future research and implications for professional practice.

Refusers, dropouts, and completers: measuring sex offender treatment efficacy.

A sex offender program delivered in a medium-security prison followed 109 treatment completers and 37 noncompleters for 2 years after release. Noncompleters, those who refused treatment or dropped out, had 6 times the rate of sexual and violent reoffending relative to completers. Among those who completed the program, however, positive evaluations of treatment change, such as quality of disclosure and enhanced victim empathy, found in posttreatment assessments did not correlate with recidivism. Furthermore, completers did not differ in their rates of recidivism from pretreatment rates predicted by the Static 99, an actuarial measure of anticipated sexual and violent recidivism. We conclude that the program did not influence propensities for sexual and violent recidivism but rather served as a prolonged screening instrument for sex offenders whose failure to comply with treatment attendance predicted higher rates of recidivism.

A comparison of two treatment studies: CBT and MDT with adolescent male sex offenders with reactive conduct disorder and/or personality traits.

This paper compares results of two separate published studies regarding adolescent males with conduct disorders and/or personality disorders/traits. Both studies were published in Behavior Analyst Today, Vol. 3, No. 4, Vol 5, No. 1, respectively. The concept is to evaluate two treatment research studies that represent the best practices for each intervention. The first paper in this comparison represented a group of 10 adolescents, treated with a manual-based cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) called Thought Change. The results of study were promising at time of publication. The second paper was a group of 10 adolescent males at same residential treatment center. There was one therapist who was involved in treatment in both studies, first author of this paper. The second paper used mode deactivation therapy (MDT) (Apsche, Ward, & Evile 2001; Apsche & Ward 2002). Although both papers produced promising results, potential usefulness of comparison in current paper is to examine what intervention might hold more promise for this typology of adolescents. Keywords: Mode Deactivation Therapy; Cognitive Behavior Therapy; Thought change; Best practices; Adolescents with conduct and/or personality disorders. ********** Examining comparative data between two published studies, one CBT and other MDT as a CBT was interesting for many reasons. Both studies were conducted at same facility, a residential sex offender program for adolescent males and had first author of this paper as one of therapists. The CBT study was completed first. Thought Change, CBT methodology, was an effort to establish an effective manual-based treatment to address complexities of adolescent male sexual offender's. MDT was developed to address more reactive adolescents who were not successful in regular CBT. The MDT individuals did not or could not complete Thought Change (CBT) program and needed methodology to be adjusted for their extreme dichotomous, emotional dysregulation and reactive aggression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Thought Change (TC) as a CBT methodology was designed to treat a conglomerate of personality disorders. The treatment of higher risk, aggressive sex offender focuses on specific deviant sexual arousal and antisocial sub-structure. For same-sex offender of young children who continues to show deviant interest in young victims, Thought Change addresses specific indices of this sub-group. Thought Change explores deficits in self-esteem, social competency, and frequent depression. Many of these youths display severe personality disorders with psychosexual disturbances and high levels of aggression and violence; therefore, Thought Change also focuses on specific individual indices of these issues by identifying and modifying complex system of beliefs. The Thought Change curriculum consists of a structured treatment program, which addresses dysfunctional beliefs that drive sex offending behaviors. Topics in Thought Change curriculum include following: Daily Record of Negative Thoughts, Cognitive Distortions, Changing Your Thoughts, Sexual Offense System, System of Aggression and Violence for Sex Offenders, Moods (how to change them), Beliefs (how it all fits together), Responsibility, Health Behavior Continuum, Beliefs and Substance Abuse, Beliefs and Empathy, The Beliefs of Victim/Offender, The Victim/Victimizer, and Mental Health Medication System. The sections of Thought Change Workbook are designed to progress sequentially through therapy. It is a record of dysfunctional beliefs prior to, during, and following sexual offense. Mode Deactivation Therapy (MDT) as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) The focus of MDT is based on work of Aaron Beck, M.D., particularly his recent theoretical work, system of modes (Beck, 1996, Alford & Beck, 1997). …

Collaborative Treatment for Sexual Behavior Problems in an Adolescent Residential Center

Abstract Many residential treatment and sex offender programs for adolescents historically have used coercion-based interventions. Treatment programs employing coercive techniques often replicate the same destructive and intrusive behaviors they seek to eliminate. Tension between departments coupled with poor communication and discomfort around sexual behavior issues within the staff of residential treatment centers are more likely to inhibit the progress of the youths they serve. Collaboration among residential, educational, and clinical components enables staff to work in a direct, genuine, and respectful fashion with students who have histories of sexually abusive behavior. It further assists in maintaining a safe and predictable environment for these students. Finally, it helps students eliminate destructive behaviors by directly and consistently addressing four key areas: sexually abusive behavior, antisocial attitudes, social/emotional functioning, and overall self-care. It is not the author's inten...

Characteristics of adolescent sex offenders in New South Wales

AbstractCharacteristics of adolescents who sexually offend, their patterns of their offending behaviour and the defining features of their victims are firmly established in the overseas literature. The research literature in Australia, however, is less developed. This study describes the characteristics of a sample of clients of the Sex Offender Program of the New South Wales Department of Juvenile Justice and examines patterns of offence behaviours and related descriptions of victims. Adolescents who sexually offend in NSW have backgrounds of low educational attainment and abuse and a range of other social risk factors, and they are most likely to victimise female children. A typology of adolescent sex offenders based on their offending behaviour is offered.

Commentary on "The economics of child sex-offender rehabilitation programs."

Commentary on "The economics of child sex-offender rehabilitation programs."

Maximizing therapeutic effects in treating sexual offenders in an Australian correctional system.

In Australia, the community response to sexual offenders is marked by uncertainty as to whether offenders should be incarcerated as punishment or provided treatment in order to reduce the likelihood of re-offense. The incarceration of sexual offenders results in particular management, ethical, and political issues. Nevertheless incarceration can provide leverage to encourage the offender to participate in treatment while delivering punishment for wrongdoing and acting to protect the community. In the state of Victoria the CORE Sex Offender Programs have developed a statewide strategy in the public correctional system in order to assess, manage, and treat male sexual offenders. However, such offenders are notoriously reluctant to engage in treatment to address offending behaviors. A critical element of the strategy has been the Victorian Adult Parole Board, an entity that can determine that an offender needs to engage in treatment before he is considered for parole. Using the therapeutic jurisprudence framework as outlined by Wexler (1990), strategies to minimize the anti-therapeutic effects of the Victorian Adult Parole Board and maximize the therapeutic effects of the CORE Sex Offender Programs are highlighted.

A Community-Based Programme For Sex Offenders Who Deny Their Offending Behaviour

Sex offender programmes for those who have accepted their guilt are now both widespread and considered effective in reducing the risk of reoffending. However, there are currently few resources directed at sex offenders in denial. Here, Bron Roberts and Clark Bairn explain the fundamentals of an innovative pilot programme which aims to constructively address the risk posed by this group.

Pretreatment Variables Associated with Treatment Failure in a Residential Juvenile Sex-Offender Program

Pretreatment demographic variables, including age and extent of sexuality knowledge, along with psychometric test variables measuring psychological maladjustment, impulsivity, defensiveness, criminal prosecution, and preoccupation with sexual thoughts, were used to classify juvenile sex offenders as either likely or unlikely to complete treatment. Participants were 78 juvenile child molesters, ages 12 to 17 years, who were residents of an inpatient, sex-offender specific residential treatment program. Age and impulsivity produced the best fit model, correctly classifying 76.9% of the sample. This model represents a significant improvement over chance alone that would yield a rate of 52.6%. Cross-validation of this two-factor model on a different sample of 35 juvenile offenders with similar demographic characteristics, including age, ethnicity, IQ, criminal prosecution, and grade, correctly classified 71.43% of this sample.

Adolescent Sex Offenders: Investigating Adult Commitment-Rates Four Years Later

the purpose of this study was to investigate the long term community re-adjustment of adolescent sex offenders released from a state residential group treatment program between 1988-1990. The results suggest: (1) the post-release behavior of adolescent sex offenders may not present the degree of personal risk assumed by the public; (2) the majority of adolescent sex offenders who eventually enter the adult correctional system will be committed on property related charges; and (3) serving adolescent sex offenders within an agency's main campus peer group treatment program may produce long term recidivism rates comparable with those reported among specialized treatment models. The findings are discussed in relation to the current demand for specialized sex offender programs and the need for correctional practitioners to develop strategies for this population of youth offenders.

Changing populations in the public sector: responding to the needs of Texas youth.

Treatment of sexually abused and abusing youth requires careful program planning and implementation. Led by its Quality Improvement Council and with considerable staff involvement, Waco Center for Youth in Waco, Texas developed a dual-track approach to treatment of this underserved, often misunderstood, adolescent client population. The sexual abuse survivors' program focuses on the issues of trust, safety, self-esteem, assertiveness, and education. The sex offender program is built on the concepts of self-responsibility; diminishing cognitive distortions; identification of stressors, and their relationship to the offending cycle; and relapse prevention. The staff of Waco Center for Youth are engaged in ongoing analysis of behavioral indicators for successful treatment of sexually abused and abusing adolescents.

Relapse prevention observations from a sex offender program

Abstract This paper describes observations made while doing relapse prevention with sex offenders over a three-year period. The purpose of the paper is to assist both the treatment provider and those doing community supervision with sex offenders. The relapse process extends beyond the actual high risk behaviors associated with the offense. A psychosocial approach includes such areas as personal attitude and interpersonal relating, lifestyle behaviors, other addictive behaviors, and other sexual behaviors. A final category describes the fantasy and ritual behaviors associated with acting out, which are found to be replications of the offenders' victimization. Suggestions are made concerning the importance of these issues for treatment and supervision.

Training multi-disciplinary teams to work with sex offenders: Effects on staff attitudes

Abstract A recent British Prison Service initiative has focused on providing sex offender programmes facilitated by multi-disciplinary teams of staff. A three week long training programme was designed to provide staff with the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to facilitate these structured treatment groups. Following the training, staff indicated they were more confident in their ability to provide treatment and showed a greater belief that treatment could be successful. In addition, they showed significantly more positive attitudes towards sexual offenders and to offenders in general. However, participants did not indicate undue concern about working in a sensitive treatment area. This pattern continued at six month follow-up, indicating that the training changed attitudes as expected, and that the training was seen by participants as adequately preparing them to undertake provision of a structured sex offender treatment programme in a secure setting.

Sex and chernobyl: An overview and theoretical basis of the sex offender treatment program at westmorland institution

Abstract This paper provides an overview and theoretical basis of the sex offender program offered at Westmorland Institution, Dorchester, New Brunswick, Canada. The offender is viewed as an individual who has more than a problem with his/her sexuality. The root causes of this type of behavior are at the core of the individual. A treatment approach is described that keeps with this view of the offender. One of the most effective means for helping the offender achieve victim empathy is to facilitate a therapeutic environment that allows the individual to approach his or her own victimization in a meaningful manner. The main source for this paper has been the labor itself. Both authors have been working, researching, and teaching in this area for several years. It is important in the treatment process to approach the inner world of the offender, to build a bridge between therapist and inmate. With this in mind the necessity of ongoing supervision is discussed. Low recidivism rates indicate the benefits of this type of approach.

Safety Considerations in Developing an Adolescent Sex Offender Program in Residential Treatment

This paper describes safety precautions utilized in the development and management of a specialized residential treatment program for adolescent sex offenders. Topics include the screening of admissions, the selection of staff and the development of a separate living unit for sex offenders. Guidelines for both resident and staff safety are presented as critical considerations in developing such a program. A strong emphasis is placed on the need for residential treatment facilities to address these safety concerns in order to enhance treatment.