NCJ Number
195778
Editor(s)
Barbara K. Schwartz Ph.D.
Date Published
2002
Length
500 pages
Annotation
This book presents the latest developments in sex offender management and focuses on emerging theories and techniques for children, adolescents, and adults with sexually inappropriate behavior.
Abstract
Over the past decade, two different paths have emerged in dealing with sex offenders. One is a systems approach that emphasizes a team approach to sex offender treatment. States were taught how to encourage cooperation between supervision and treatment and some areas incorporated polygraphy into this unit. Effective programs that stress competent treatment along with effective supervision can dramatically reduce recidivism. Another path has initiated a more controversial approach featuring public notification of the whereabouts of sex offenders and involuntary civil commitment. The Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act provided for the registration of sex offenders in a community with the police. This law was amended, resulting in Megan’s Law, which requires States to release relevant information on registered sex offenders or be subjected to a 10 percent reduction in Federal block grant funds for criminal justice purposes. Part 1 discusses theoretical issues such as the JRI Model for Treating Varied Populations with Inappropriate Sexual Behavior, The Role of Attachment in Sexual Offending, and Locus of Control, Coping, and Sexual Offenders. Part 2 focuses on Systems Issues, such as treatment efficacy, characteristics of an effective sex offender therapist, and community-based treatment. Part 3 presents Legal Issues, focusing on involuntary commitment of sexually violent predators and the expert witness in the sex offender case. Part 4 discusses adult treatment issues such as group therapy and domestic violence approaches. Part 5 focuses on adolescent sex offenders and the issues of family therapy and standards of care for youth in sex offense-specific residential programs. Part 6 discusses emerging populations such as the assessment and treatment of the nonoffending parents and sexual harassment. Appendices, index