NCJ Number
229197
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 18 Issue: 6 Dated: November-December 2009 Pages: 583-593
Date Published
December 2009
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article explores the use of risk assessing procedures based on offender and victim characteristics for addressing specific risk questions.
Abstract
Two approaches to specific risk questions are described: conditional probability calculations, and the development of risk assessment instruments. Results conclude that specific risk questions should be addressed by the use of established instruments for assessing risk of general sexual recidivism rather than by the development of additional specific risk assessment instruments. Judicial decisionmakers have the difficult task of determining the level of contact between sexually abusive parents and the siblings of abused children that will serve the best interests of these children. Results of scientific research studies concerning incestuous offenders should be brought to bear on such questions. It is argued that established risk assessment instruments, supported by a body of research, can be applied more usefully to specific risk questions than can the results of scientific studies about offenders. It is important for legal practitioners, researchers, and clinicians to consider whether the current level of accuracy of standardized sexual offending risk instruments is sufficient to assist judicial decisionmakers about the level of risk presented to other children as part of their deliberations concerning contact with sexually abusive parents. Table and references