NCJ Number
204797
Date Published
2003
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This chapter discusses the issue of risk for adolescents that sexually abuse.
Abstract
Within every individual there is a potential for change. Interventions need to be developmentally appropriate and fit the developmental needs of the young person. Adolescence needs to be appreciated in all its complexities. It is characterized by a number of changes such as physiological development, increased questioning of identity, and importance of peer relationships as an alternative to the family. There are two types of adolescents that show anti-social behavior; those whose behavior is temporary and limited to adolescence, and those whose anti-social behavior starts in childhood as conduct disorder and persists through adolescence and into adulthood. Treatment should distinguish between the adolescent that offends sexually as part of a pattern of general anti-social behavior and the young person that offends specifically in a sexual manner in the fulfillment of deviant sexual interests. Since the former are at higher risk for general offending, they may be more likely to benefit from treatment targeting general delinquency factors. For the latter group, the focus of treatment might more usefully be upon individualized and situational factors that increase the risk of sexual offending. Not all theories and materials are transferable between adults and young people that sexually abuse. In light of research into adolescence, adolescent delinquency and characteristics of adolescents that sexually abuse, it can be concluded that programs should aim to integrate an individual’s treatment goals into their community and social systems. This is essential if any treatment gains are to be maintained after intervention and follow-up. 62 references