NCJ Number
241428
Date Published
2012
Length
9 pages
Annotation
After a brief introductory summary of the prevalence of sexual offenses by juveniles in the United States, this paper discusses the characteristics of juvenile sexual offenders, including female juvenile sex offenders, their assessment, and treatment.
Abstract
Each year in the United States, an estimated one-fifth of reported rapes are committed by juveniles, and one-half of the child molestations are perpetrated by juveniles (Hunter, 2000). These juveniles are usually between 12 and 17 years old and are mostly male, although some studies have identified a number of female and prepubescent perpetrators. Juvenile sexual offenders are a diverse population, which makes it difficult to attribute universal causal factors related to their offending; however, it is common for juvenile sex offenders to have been victimized by sexual and physical abuse, neglect, and/or exposure to family/domestic violence. They tend to be loners with few close friends. Female juvenile sexual offenders may molest youth of both genders, with the victims typically being relatives or acquaintances. Juvenile sexual offenders may share other characteristics, including high rates of learning disabilities, other behavioral problems, and poor impulse control. Valid and reliable assessment is critical in matching a juvenile sexual offender's needs to the appropriate type and level of treatment, which can range from community-based programming to intensive residential treatment. Community-based programs should not compromise community safety by admitting juveniles who are aggressive and violent. This paper briefly reviews clinical assessment and assessment of the juvenile's living arrangements, including whether the parents are capable of providing supervision. Regarding treatments, funding problems and ethical issues have made it difficult to conduct controlled outcome studies of treatment methods for juvenile sexual offenders; consequently, no evidence-based treatment guidelines have been established for juvenile sexual offenders; however, research to date has shown that the overall prognosis for children with sexual behavior problems is good. 2 tables and 35 references