NCJ Number
80209
Date Published
1980
Length
51 pages
Annotation
A descriptive and evaluation study of psychiatric counseling for sexual offenders in California State prisons is presented, in accordance with the requirements of State Senate bill 1716.
Abstract
The study, which was submitted to the State legislature in June 1980, focused on the psychiatric counseling given to inmates convicted of sexually aggressive crimes (rape, sodomy, and oral copulation). The descriptive aspect of the study obtained data from administration reports on the sexual offenders in psychiatric treatment at the time of the study. The evaluative task was accomplished by a clinical review panel that visited six correctional facilities; interviewed samples of inmates and staff; and determined the extent to which the treatment was consistent with current knowledge and clinical practice, was regarded as helpful and relevant by consumers, and could be shown to be effective in reducing recidivism. Most of the sexual offenders receiving psychiatric counseling were at the two designated treatment facilities, California Medical Facility (CMF) and California Men's Colony (CMC). Over half (82 of 157) of the sexual offenders at CMF were in active treatment at the time of the study, and about one-fifth (60 of 305) of those at CMC were actively involved in therapy. Treatment typically consisted of weekly group therapy sessions, which most inmates described as helpful, but not necessarily relevant to the problem of sexual aggression which caused their incarceration. Neither institution had a treatment project, assessment procedure, or therapy group specifically designed for the sexually aggressive offender, and therapists at CMF and CMC were operating without the benefit of ongoing clinical supervision or specialized training in the treatment of sexual aggressives. Data on treatment outcomes (effects on recidivism) were generally unavailable to the study panel. Such information will require continuing longitudinal study. Recommendations for improvement are offered. Senate bill 1716 and other materials relevant to the study are appended. For the appendix discussing common elements of current treatment programs for rapists, see NCJ 80210. (Author summary modified)