NCJ Number
177794
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 7 Issue: 3 Dated: 1999 Pages: 73-88
Date Published
1999
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Records of 126 incarcerated sex offenders who participated in a prison-based sex offender treatment program in Tennessee were reviewed to compare the demographic, criminal, psychiatric, and sex offense characteristics of the 63 offenders who completed treatment with the characteristics of the 63 who did not complete treatment.
Abstract
The data was examined using discriminant function analysis. Results revealed that offenders who completed treatment were more often diagnosed with a drug abuse disorder, had a history of nonviolent offenses, and were less often diagnosed as having antisocial personality disorder, compared to those who did not complete treatment. Findings suggested that more stringent criteria for acceptance to the sex offender treatment program and more careful screening procedures would increase the cost effectiveness of the program by reducing the number of noncompleters who use treatment resources without completing treatment. Research findings such as those in this study could be used to justify reducing or controlling the number of offenders at high risk for noncompletion who are admitted for treatment. Sex offenders are a heterogeneous group, so the focus of treatment planning should be on determining what treatment is most effective for specific offenders. Tables, appended list of admission criteria for the treatment program, and 36 references (Author abstract modified)