Rehabilitation of Child Molesters: A Cost-Benefit Analysis (From Child Trauma I Issues and Research, P 417-442, 1992, Ann Wolbert Burgess, ed. -- See NCJ-137060)

• NCJ Number: 137076
• Author(s): R Prentky; A W Burgess
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 26 pages
• Grant Number(s): 82-IJ-CX-0058; MH32309; 84-JW-AX-JO10
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice (NIJ); Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP); National Institute of Mental Health; US Dept of Justice NIJ Pub
• Sale Source: Garland Publishing, Inc.
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter reports on a cost-benefit analysis of the incarceration and treatment of 129 child molesters in the Massachusetts Treatment Center and discharged between 1960 and 1985.

Abstract

Recidivism, as measured in this study, involved all charges for victim-involved sexual offenses. Over 5 years, 32 men out of the sample of 129 had a serious sexual charge filed against them (25-percent failure rate). Data entered into the cost-benefit model were total cost per offense (offender-related costs and victim-related costs), the cost of incarceration, the cost of treatment, and recidivism for those treated and those not treated. The study tentatively concludes that rehabilitation can reduce the likelihood of committing a new sexual offense. This is with a stringent definition of recidivism with a population that can be considered at high risk to recommit a sexual offense. Based on these findings, criminal justice policymakers should make proven treatment programs a part of every sentence for child molesters, since such an approach is more cost effective than punishment without treatment. 4 notes, 45 references, and appended expense variables and data