Sex Offender Specific Treatment with Juveniles: Critical Components

• NCJ Number: 123183
• Author(s): J F Bremer
• Date Published: Unknown
• Length: 21 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Paper presented at the Conference on Initial Effects and Long-Term Outcome of Child Abuse and Neglect, "Breaking the Cycle," University of Leeds, England, July 19-21, 1988

Annotation

Juvenile sexual offenders constitute a unique and critical population; there are clear legal and social distinctions in how society responds to juvenile versus adult sexual offenders.

Abstract

Juveniles are clearly distinguishable from the adult population in that they are at the initial stage of psychobiological maturity. Evidence indicates that many adult sexual offenders begin their offending patterns during the juvenile years; therefore, successful treatment of juvenile sexual offenders can have significant impact for ending sexual abuse. Treatment must recognize that juvenile sexual offenders are involuntary clients, that most adolescents who sexually abuse are male, and that juveniles often have a misunderstanding of themselves in relation to others. Further, the sexualization of nonsexual needs is a major issue with most juvenile sexual offenders. Goals in the successful treatment of juvenile sexual offenders are to enhance personal accountability, aid youth in defining their sexual assault cycle with interventions, produce an accurate life history, develop a prosocial sexual identity, teach assertive behavior, and provide victim reconciliation. 14 references.