NCJ Number
156622
Date Published
1991
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Researchers and practitioners discuss the current state of knowledge about successful interventions with sex offenders and their victims.
Abstract
Over 260 people attended the conference, including representatives from the fields of adult and juvenile corrections, law enforcement, victim and offender treatment, research and policy, and citizen organizations. Conference papers note that various approaches to sex-offender intervention include efforts to teach self-control and relapse-prevention skills, individual and group psychotherapy, attempts to evoke empathy for victims, hormonal treatment, and various forms of supervision; all aim to reduce repeat criminal behavior and protect the public. Speakers also report that the best treatment programs address the causes of sex offenses, are acceptable to offenders, and are designed for those at the highest risk of reoffending. Further, sex offenders are noted to be a diverse group, and effective assessment, treatment, supervision, and other interventions must be individualized. Adolescent sex offenders have characteristics and needs that are different from adult offenders and require distinct kinds of intervention. Other topics discussed are the quality of evaluations of treatment programs, the impact of sex offenses on victims, the monetary costs of sex offenses, and the nature and effectiveness of prevention programs.