NCJ Number
157645
Date Published
1994
Length
56 pages
Annotation
In 1990, the Washington State Legislature passed the Community Protection Act, a comprehensive set of laws that increase prison terms for adult sex offenders, authorize funds for treating adult and juvenile sex offenders, and provide services for sexual assault victims.
Abstract
The Act imposes a registration requirement on adult and juvenile sex offenders. Those found guilty of a sex offense must register with the local sheriff in their county of residence. In addition, sexually violent predators can be confined in treatment facilities until they are found safe to be released. The legislation also directs the Washington State Institute for Public Policy to evaluate the effectiveness of State-supported programs targeting sex offenders. An evaluation of the Community Protection Act during its first 4 years is presented that focuses on recidivism patterns of sex offenders; adult sex offender sentences, criminal histories, and treatment; juvenile sex offender adjudication, criminal histories, demographics, and treatment; compensation for sexual assault victims; sex offender registration and community notification; and victim services. Tables and figures