NCJ Number
26249
Journal
Corrections Magazine Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 1974) Pages: 53-64
Date Published
1974
Length
12 pages
Annotation
AN OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS OF THE WASHINGTON STATE TREATMENT PROGRAM FOR SEX OFFENDERS IN WHICH OFFENDERS LINE IN SMALL GROUPS, RUN THEIR OWN THERAPY SESSIONS, AND MAINTAIN THEIR OWN DISCIPLINE.
Abstract
THE PROGRAM IS OFFERED AT THE TREATMENT CENTER FOR SEXUAL OFFENDERS AT THE WESTERN STATE HOSPITAL IN FORT STEILACOOM, NEAR TACOMA. THE CENTER PROVIDES A RANGE OF SELF-HELP THERAPIES THAT GIVE AN INDIVIDUAL OFFENDER AT LEAST 25 HOURS OF THERAPY WEEKLY. ABOUT 80 PERCENT OF ALL CONVICTED SEX OFFENDERS ARE SENT TO THE CENTER BY THE COURTS. TWO THIRDS OF THEM STAY FOR EXTENSIVE TREATMENT BEYOND AN INITIAL OBSERVATION PERIOD, AND TWO THIRDS OF THOSE WHO REMAIN FINISH THE TREATMENT PROGRAM AND ARE RELEASED. THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE PROGRAM ARE OUTLINED, AND JUDICIAL ACCEPTANCE AND USE OF THE PROGRAM ARE DISCUSSED. ALSO EXAMINED ARE THE RELATIVE COSTS OF THE PROGRAM AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE OFFENDERS. THE FOUR PHASES OF THE SEX OFFENDER TREATMENT PROGRAM ARE DESCRIBED, AND CASE EXAMPLES FROM THE GROUP THERAPY SESSIONS ARE PROVIDED TO ILLUSTRATE THE TECHNIQUES USED AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THESE TECHNIQUES. SPECIAL FEATURES OF THIS PROGRAM INCLUDE THERAPY SESSIONS FOR MARRIED OFFENDERS IN WHICH WIVES OF THE OFFENDERS PARTICIPATE, AND USE OF MALE AND FEMALE THERAPISTS AND VOLUNTEERS FROM THE COMMUNITY.