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Date: April 29, 2024 Mon
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Results for sex offender treatment
29 results foundAuthor: Hanson, R. Karl Title: A Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness of Treatment for Sexual Offenders: Risk, Need, and Responsivity Summary: The effectiveness of treatment for sexual offenders remains controversial, even though it is widely agreed that certain forms of human service interventions reduce the recidivism rates of general offenders. The current review examined whether the principles associated with effective treatments for general offenders (Risk-Need-Responsivity: RNR) also apply to sexual offender treatment. Based on a meta-analysis of 23 recidivism outcome studies meeting basic criteria for study quality, the unweighted sexual and general recidivism rates for the treated sexual offenders were lower than the rates observed for the comparison groups (10.9% [n = 3,121] versus 19.2% [n = 3,625] for sexual recidivism; 31.8% [n = 1,979] versus 48.3% [n = 2,822] for any recidivism). Programs that adhered to the RNR principles showed the largest reductions in sexual and general recidivism. Given the consistency of the current findings with the general offender rehabilitation literature, we believe that the RNR principles should be a major consideration in the design and implementation of treatment programs for sexual offenders Details: Ottawa: Public Safety Canada, 2009. Source: Online Resource: Accessed April 17, 2018 at: https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/2009-01-trt/2009-01-trt-eng.pdf Year: 2009 Country: Canada URL: https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/2009-01-trt/2009-01-trt-eng.pdf Shelf Number: 117105 Keywords: RecidivismRisk AnalysisSex Offender TreatmentSex Offenders |
Author: O'Brien, Wendy Title: Australia's Response to Sexualised or Sexually Abusive Behaviours in Children and Young People Summary: Responding to children and young people with sexualised or sexual offending behaviours presents significant challenges across the allied health, child protection, education and juvenile justice sectors. This report maps the specialised therapeutic services designed to effect positive behavioural change and thus divert young people with sexualised behaviours from the juvenile justice system. Accurate numbers on children with sexualised or sexual offending behaviours are difficult to determine. Recent Australian research cites international data to estimate that sexual abuse by children or young people constitutes between 40 and 90 per cent of sexual offending against children. Even the lower estimate belies the generally held assumption that perpetrators of child sexual assault are adult males. Young people are responsible for a significant proportion of sex offences against children, a fact that continues to go largely unknown. There are several factors contributing to this gap in understanding. These include entrenched ideals about children as inherently innocent, widespread ignorance about developmental sexuality, and the tendency of both young people and parents to deny or minimise incidents when they do occur. In Australia, data on children with sexualised behaviours are not collected uniformly and non-disclosure contributes to what might be large numbers of offences going undetected. Mandatory reporting requirements apply where children display sexualised behaviours and are thought to be at risk of harm. Yet a general lack of knowledge as to what constitutes appropriate behaviour means that many may respond inappropriately to incidents of sexualised behaviours. This context of confusion, denial and non-disclosure creates a hidden population of children that continues to be at risk. Attention to redressing the contexts for non-disclosure is urgently required to ensure that children in need are provided with specialised therapeutic care. Scholars and clinicians agree that the ‘earliest possible intervention’ leads to the best rehabilitative outcomes for the young people involved. Clinical studies indicate that recidivism rates are low where a full program of specialised counselling is completed. Despite these positive findings, there are a number of key challenges to the comprehensive provision of tertiary services to young people who have sexualised behaviours. This report presents qualitative data from interviews with specialised clinicians as well as submissions from service providers in both community and youth justice settings. In mapping the availability of therapeutic services, this report highlights a number of geographic and demographic gaps in service provision, including difficulties with eligibility criteria, referral pathways, funding arrangements and specialised workforce development. The intention of this research is to ascertain what therapeutic services were being delivered to all Australian children, including programs designed to reduce the numbers of Indigenous children before the courts on charges of sexual assault. Details: Canberra: Australian Crime Commission, 2010. 116p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2010 Country: Australia URL: Shelf Number: 119458 Keywords: Juvenile Sex OffendersSex Offender TreatmentSexual AbuseSexual Assault |
Author: Minnesota Department of Corrections Title: The Impact of Prison-Based Treatment on Sex Offender Recidivism: Evidence from Minnesota Summary: In evaluating the effectiveness of sex offender treatment in Minnesota prisons, this study does not use a randomized experimental design. Furthermore, due to a lack of available data, it does not control for the possible impact that post-release participation in community-based treatment may have on reoffending. Despite these limitations, however, the present study contains a number of strengths that have been lacking from most prior treatment studies. First, as discussed later in more detail, a propensity score matching (PSM) technique was used to individually match treated and untreated sex offenders. In doing so, this study minimizes the threat of selection bias by creating a comparison group whose probability of entering treatment was similar to that of the treatment group. Second, in addition to being one of the first studies in the sex offender treatment literature to use PSM, this study further controls for rival causal factors by analyzing the data with Cox regression, which is widely regarded as the most appropriate multivariate statistical technique for recidivism analyses. Third, by comparing 1,020 treated sex offenders with a matched group of 1,020 untreated sex offenders, the sample size used for this study (N = 2,040) is one of the larger sex offender treatment studies to date. Fourth, to gain a more precise assessment of the effectiveness of treatment, multiple measures of treatment participation and criminal recidivism were used. Finally, because recidivism data were collected on the 2,040 sex offenders through the end of 2006, the average follow-up period for these offenders was 9.3 years. This study thus provides a robust assessment of treatment effectiveness by tracking offenders over a relatively lengthy period of time. Details: St. Paul, MN: Minnesota Department of Corrections, 2010. 49p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 29, 2011 at: http://www.doc.state.mn.us/publications/documents/03-10SOTXStudy_Revised.pdf Year: 2010 Country: United States URL: http://www.doc.state.mn.us/publications/documents/03-10SOTXStudy_Revised.pdf Shelf Number: 121190 Keywords: Correctional ProgramsRecidivismRehabilitationSex Offender TreatmentSex Offenders (Minnesota) |
Author: Corabian, Paula Title: Treatment for Convicted Adult Male Sex Offenders Summary: Sexual offending has become a major challenge for social policy because of the high human and financial costs to victims and the social and health services as well as the high public investment in policing, prosecuting, and incarcerating sex offenders. There is an expectation that the correctional systems should make reasonable efforts to reduce the potential that convicted sex offenders will reoffend. One common approach to sex offenders’ management in countries with developed market economies is to provide specialized treatment programs. A number of different sex offender treatment (SOT) programs have been developed and are currently operating, but there continues to be controversy regarding how well they work. To evaluate the effectiveness of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy interventions delivered within SOT programs to reduce the likelihood of reoffending in convicted adult male sex offenders. Eight systematic reviews (SRs) conducted on the effectiveness of SOT interventions and programs met the inclusion criteria of this overview. All eight SRs focused on the use of psychotherapy for convicted sex offenders, whereas one also included surgical castration and hormonal medication. In these studies there was considerable variability in how interventions were classified, the types of sex offenders involved, and the definition of outcomes. According to the reviewed evidence, studies in the area of SOT outcome research have improved over the past 10 years. However, the need for more rigour remains. The following are highlights from the reviewed evidence. —— Although the debate in the scientific literature on what SOT interventions and programs are most effective for convicted adult male sex offenders remains, the results from seven moderate- to-high quality SRs show small but statistically significant reductions in sexual and general recidivism rates among convicted adult male sex offenders treated with various cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approaches. —— The most recently published high quality SR found that SOT programs using CBT approaches that adhered to the risk/need/responsivity (RNR) model for offender assessment and rehabilitation were most effective in reducing the risk of recidivism in convicted male sexual offenders. On average, programs that followed all three RNR principles reported recidivism rates that were less than half the recidivism rates for comparison groups. In contrast, there was no effect on recidivism rates for programs that did not follow the RNR model. Confidence in these findings, however, must be tempered as the available evidence is based mostly on poor quality primary research studies. —— Although one SR of moderate quality reported promising results on the use of hormonal treatments as an adjuvant to psychotherapy, wellconducted and reported controlled studies are needed to establish the effectiveness of adjuvant hormonal treatment to reduce the risk of recidivism among sex offenders. —— Overall, the results reported by the selected SRs provide little direction regarding how to improve current treatment practices. • It is still not clear whether all sex offenders require treatment or whether current interventions are more appropriate for certain subgroups and typologies of offenders. • There are still uncertainties regarding the most useful elements and components of a SOT program for convicted adult male sex offenders. • There is no clear answer on whether the setting of the SOT program affects its impact on recidivism rates. While the evidence from seven moderate-to-high quality SRs suggests that SOT has the potential to reduce sexual and nonsexual recidivism, the reported findings provide stronger support for the effectiveness of CBT approaches and for programs adhering to the RNR model. Any conclusions drawn from this overview of SRs remain tentative. Given the methodological problems of the available primary research, it is difficult to draw strong conclusions about the effectiveness of SOT programs using various CBT approaches for such a heterogeneous population. The reviewed evidence does not provide clear answers to what are the components of an optimal SOT program and to whether where the program is delivered matters. All SRs concluded that more and better research is needed to clearly answer these questions. Details: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada: Institute of Health Economics, 2010. 104p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 11, 2012 at: http://www.ihe.ca/documents/Treatment%20for%20Convicted%20Adult%20Male%20Sex%20Offenders.pdf Year: 2010 Country: International URL: http://www.ihe.ca/documents/Treatment%20for%20Convicted%20Adult%20Male%20Sex%20Offenders.pdf Shelf Number: 126676 Keywords: Male Sex OffendersRecidivismSex Offender TreatmentTreatment Programs |
Author: Minnesota. Department of Corrections Title: An Outcome Evaluation of Minnesota Circles of Support and Accountability (MnCoSA): Preliminary Results from a Randomized Experiment Summary: In 2008, the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) implemented MnCoSA, a sex offender reentry program based on the COSA model developed in Canada during the 1990s. Using a randomized experimental design, the DOC evaluated the effectiveness of MnCoSA by conducting a cost-benefit analysis and comparing recidivism outcomes in the MnCoSA (N = 31) and control groups (N = 31). The average follow-up period for the 62 offenders in this study was nearly two years. KEY FINDINGS • Compared to sex offenders in the control group, MnCoSA participants had lower rates of recidivism for all five measures. o Rearrest: 39% MnCoSA vs. 65% Control No MnCoSA participants were rearrested for a new sex offense compared to one sex offender in the control group o Reconviction: 26% MnCoSA vs. 45% Control o New Offense Reincarceration: 10% MnCoSA vs. 26% Control o Technical Violation Revocation: 48% MnCoSA vs. 68% Control o Any Reincarceration: 48% MnCoSA vs. 61% Control • Participation in MnCoSA significantly decreased three of the five measures of recidivism. The reductions in recidivism risk were: o 62 percent for rearrest o 72 percent for technical violation revocation o 84 percent for any return to prison • Due to less recidivism, MnCoSA has reduced costs to the State of Minnesota. o MnCoSA has produced an estimated $363,211 in costs avoided o The benefit per MnCoSA participant is $11,716 o For every dollar spent on MnCoSA, the program has generated a benefit of $1.82 (an 82 percent return on investment). Details: St. Paul, MN: Minnesota Department of Corrections, 2012. 36p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 10, 2012 at: http://www.doc.state.mn.us/publications/documents/9-12MnCOSAOutcomeEvaluation.pdf Year: 2012 Country: United States URL: http://www.doc.state.mn.us/publications/documents/9-12MnCOSAOutcomeEvaluation.pdf Shelf Number: 127196 Keywords: Cost-Benefit AnalysisPrisoner ReentryRandomized ExperimentRecidivismSex Offender TreatmentSex Offenders (Minnesota, U.S.) |
Author: Smith, Connie Title: Provision for Young People Who Have Displayed Harmful Sexual Behaviour Summary: Over the past few decades, children and young people who have sexually harmed others have attracted increasing attention from researchers and policy makers. Although it is known that they form a small, but significant group, there are difficulties in gaining a clear indication of incidence since much of the existing research has involved small and heterogeneous samples, many of which were not UK-based and lack of control groups for comparison. Furthermore, many incidents of sexual abuse are likely to go unreported. The nature, extent and significant negative consequences of harmful sexual behaviour for the victims and perpetrators, make this an important issue for policy development and research investigation. Overall, research and knowledge in this important area are still accumulating and much remains to be confirmed. Although recent decades have seen a movement towards greater understanding of the issue of harmful sex behaviour, a gap remains. The purpose of the project was to help address this gap in knowledge. The aim of the project was to gain an understanding of contemporary service provision for young people displaying harmful sexual behaviour in a UK context. The specific objectives were to: • Build a profile of the scope and nature of current service provision in the UK for young people displaying harmful sexual behaviour, focusing on: • profile of service users and changes over time; • referral sources, assessment, intervention, case management; • staff training and support. • Investigate the part that local and national guidance and procedures play in supporting service provision for young people displaying harmful sexual behaviour in relation to assessment, intervention, case management and staff training/support. • Identify the key principles that underpin good practice in relation to service provision for young people displaying harmful sexual behaviour. • Make recommendations for practice, policy and service provision in relation to young people displaying sexually harmful behaviour. Details: Edinburgh: The University of Edinburgh/NSPCC Child Protection Research Centre, 2013. 47p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 25, 2013 at: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/Inform/resourcesforprofessionals/sexualabuse/harmful-sexual-behaviour-pdf_wdf95465.pdf Year: 2013 Country: United Kingdom URL: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/Inform/resourcesforprofessionals/sexualabuse/harmful-sexual-behaviour-pdf_wdf95465.pdf Shelf Number: 129149 Keywords: Juvenile Sex Offenders (U.K.)Sex Offender TreatmentSexual Abuse |
Author: Dennis, J.A. Title: Psychological Interventions for Adults Who Have Sexually Offended Or Are At Risk of Offending (Review) Summary: Sexual offending is a legal construct that overlaps, but is not entirely congruent with, clinical constructs of disorders of sexual preference. Sexual offending is both a social and a public health issue. Victim surveys illustrate high incidence and prevalence levels, and it is commonly accepted that there is considerable hidden sexual victimisation. There are significant levels of psychiatric morbidity in survivors of sexual offences. Psychological interventions are generally based on behavioural or psychodynamic theories. Behavioural interventions fall into two main groups: those based on traditional classical conditioning and/or operant learning theory and those based on cognitive behavioural approaches. Approaches may overlap. Interventions associated with traditional classical and operant learning theory are referred to as behaviour modification or behaviour therapy, and focus explicitly on changing behavior by administering a stimulus and measuring its effect on overt behaviour. Within sex offender treatment, examples include aversion therapy, covert sensitisation or olfactory conditioning. Cognitive behavioural therapies are intended to change internal processes - thoughts, beliefs, emotions, physiological arousal - alongside changing overt behaviour, such as social skills or coping behaviours. They may involve establishing links between offenders' thoughts, feelings and actions about offending behaviour; correction of offenders' misperceptions, irrational beliefs and reasoning biases associated with their offending; teaching offenders tomonitor their own thoughts, feelings and behaviours associated with offending; and promoting alternative ways of coping with deviant sexual thoughts and desires. Psychodynamic interventions share a common root in psychoanalytic theory. This posits that sexual offending arises through an imbalance of the three components of mind: the id, the ego and the superego, with sexual offenders having temperamental imbalance of a powerful id (increased sexual impulses and libido) and a weak superego (a low level of moral probation), which are also impacted by early environment. Details: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2012, Issue 12. 97p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 19, 2014 at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD007507.pub2/pdf Year: 2012 Country: International URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD007507.pub2/pdf Shelf Number: 131963 Keywords: Psychological InterventionsSex Offender TreatmentSex Offenders |
Author: Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission Title: Improving Illinois' Response to Sexual Offenses Committed by Youth: Recommendations for Law, Policy, and Practice Summary: The Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission performed extensive scientific and legal research to understand the complex issues of the behavior, treatment, and rehabilitation of juvenile sex offenders and the extent to which current knowledge has resulted in practical applications throughout the state. The findings from this research shaped the Commission's recommendations, which aim to increase public safety, improve outcomes for young offenders, and allocate scarce public resources effectively. To do this, Illinois should implement evidence-informed policies for professionals who work with victims and youth offenders; provide individualized, community-based, family-focused treatments and services; and repeal counter-productive sex offender registration requirements and categorical restrictions for young people. Details: Chicago: Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission, 2014. 150p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 19, 2014 at: http://ijjc.illinois.gov/youthsexualoffenses Year: 2014 Country: United States URL: http://ijjc.illinois.gov/youthsexualoffenses Shelf Number: 132518 Keywords: Juvenile OffendersJuvenile Sex OffendersRehabilitation ProgramsSex Offender TreatmentSexual Abuse |
Author: Armstrong, Sarah Title: A Review of the Fife Circles of Support and Accountability Project Commissioned By Sacro Summary: This report presents an independent review of the Fife Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA or Circles) project run by Sacro. Circles target people convicted of sex offences who are at high risk of reoffending and social isolation. They bring a group of volunteers from the community together with the offender, called the core member, to support and hold him to account. The aims of the research were to document and assess the operation and consider the progress of the Fife Circles project over the four years of its existence. The research gathered views of those involved in the Circles scheme, observed practices on site and reviewed the available literature and programme documents to assess whether the Fife CoSA supports overall risk management of a concerning group of offenders. A key question of this research is whether an offender's risk of reoffending is likely to have been affected by the involvement in a circle. Details: Edinburgh: Scottish Centre for Crime & Justice Research, 2014. 48p. Source: Internet Resource: Report No. 04/2014: Accessed August 12, 2014 at: http://www.sccjr.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Sacro-Fife-Circles-Final-Report-30-May-2014.pdf Year: 2014 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.sccjr.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Sacro-Fife-Circles-Final-Report-30-May-2014.pdf Shelf Number: 133019 Keywords: RecidivismSex Offender TreatmentSex Offenders (Scotland)Volunteers |
Author: Heil, Peggy Title: Prison Sex Offender Treatment: Recommendations for Program Implementation Summary: Sexual offenses cause tremendous harm to the lives of victims, the victims' families and our communities. We recommend that the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation implement the "containment approach" for managing sex offenders in prison and on parole. The containment approach is a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes victim protection and community safety. Prison treatment for sex offenders can be an effective component of the containment approach. Intense prison treatment can reduce recidivism and enhance community safety. It can also reduce the substantial costs (emotional and financial) associated with recidivism. Miller, Cohen and Wiersema (1996)1 estimated that child sexual abuse crimes costs victims and society $99,000 per victimization, and estimated $87,000 per rape/sexual assault victimization. These costs are estimated to be $140,531 and $123,497 in 2007 dollars. Ninety-percent of the costs are associated with significant reduction in the quality of life for victims of these crimes. Quantifying the costs of sexual victimization seems to trivialize it nonetheless. As Miller et al. (1996:14) state, "pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life do not have a market price and cannot be bought and sold." Certainly victims would pay dearly to avoid them, as would their families and members of the community. The following report details a prison sex offender treatment program plan that is designed to reduce recidivism and avoid the costs and immeasurable harm of sex crime victimization. It provides evidence-based sex offender treatment and management recommendations to increase community safety and decrease new sex crimes by known offenders. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) requested a document that describes an empirically based prison sex offender treatment program and provides recommendations for the development and implementation of such a program in the California prison system. Program recommendations are drawn from research and clinical experience. Where possible, materials from other programs are included in appendices to facilitate implementation. Details: Sacramento: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, 2007. 567p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 23, 2014 at: http://www.casomb.org/docs/PSOT_CDCR_Report.pdf Year: 2007 Country: United States URL: http://www.casomb.org/docs/PSOT_CDCR_Report.pdf Shelf Number: 131049 Keywords: Cost-Benefit AnalysisEvidence-Based PracticesEvidence-Based ProgramsInmatesPrison ProgramsPrisonersSex Offender TreatmentSex OffendersTreatment Programs |
Author: Glaza, Thomas George Title: Community Based Registered Sex Offenders: Does One Label Fit All? Summary: The purpose of the study was to: (a) identify society's core beliefs about adult male registered sex offenders; (b) identify the primary sources from which members of society obtain their attitudes and behaviors toward adult male registered sex offenders; (c) compare these core beliefs to the findings contained in empirical research; and (d) present an objective view of adult male registered sex offenders. Details: Sarasota, FL: Argosy University, 2013. 147p. Source: Internet Resource: Dissertation: Accessed February 26, 2016 at: https://floridaactioncommittee.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Dissertation-Dr.-Thom-Glaza.pdf Year: 2013 Country: United States URL: https://floridaactioncommittee.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Dissertation-Dr.-Thom-Glaza.pdf Shelf Number: 137984 Keywords: Community Based CorrectionsSex Offender TreatmentSex Offenders |
Author: Sarver, Christian M. Title: Utah Cost of Crime. Sex Offender Treatment (Juveniles): Technical Report Summary: BLANK} In the United States (U.S.), more than 13,000 juvenile sex offenders participate in court-mandated treatment programs annually (McGrath, Cumming, Burchard, Zeoli, & Ellerby, 2009). Juvenile sex offenders are required to attend treatment for a range of offenses, including lewdness, exhibitionism, sexual assault, sexual abuse of a child, sodomy, and rape. Treatment for juvenile sex offenders commonly falls into four broad categories: psycho-social education; drug therapies, either for the purposes of castration or psychological treatment; cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and relapse prevention therapies; and individual and family counseling (Walker, McGovern, Poey, & Otis, 2004). The majority of programs rely on cognitive behavioral approaches grounded in social learning theories (Center for Sex Offender Management (CSOM), 2006) and last approximately 20 months (Daly, 2008). More than 90% of juvenile programs provide individual therapy; the majority of programs also provide group and family therapy. The most common treatment targets are victim empathy, accepting responsibility for the offense, social skills training, and development of family support networks (McGrath et al., 2009). Increasingly, criminal justice interventions are structured according to the principles of effective correctional services, which matches offenders to treatment based on their risk-level, criminogenic needs, and learning styles (Andrews & Bonta, 2006; Andrews et al., 2001; Bonta, 2001). Hanson's (2009) meta-analysis compared recidivism outcomes between sex offender programs that adhered to the principles of effective treatment (risk-needs-responsivity (RNR)) to those that did not and found that the former were associated with larger reductions in recidivism. This latter finding may shed light on the inconsistencies in sex offender treatment research. According to the RNR model, treatment targets should have an empirically-demonstrated relationship to recidivism; however, two of the three most common treatment targets in juvenile sex offender treatment programs (victim empathy and denial) are not associated with recidivism (CSOM, 2006). In 2009, McGrath et al. found that 13% of community-based juvenile sex offender programs and 20% of residential programs identified the RNR model as one of the "top three theories that best describes the[ir] program." This report details the results of a systematic review and meta-analysis for juvenile sex offenders. Details: Salt Lake City, UT: Utah Criminal Justice Center, University of Utah, 2012. 15p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 6, 2016 at: http://ucjc.utah.edu/wp-content/uploads/SO-Juvenile-Technical-Report_updateformat.pdf Year: 2012 Country: United States URL: http://ucjc.utah.edu/wp-content/uploads/SO-Juvenile-Technical-Report_updateformat.pdf Shelf Number: 138956 Keywords: Costs of Criminal JusticeJuvenile Sex OffendersSex Offender Treatment |
Author: D'Orazio, Deirdre Title: A Program Evaluation of In-Prison Components: The Colorado Department of Corrections Sex Offender Treatment and Monitoring Program Summary: This evaluation reviews the operation of the Colorado Department of Corrections Sex Offender Treatment and Management Program (SOTMP) against best practice standards based on the empirically-derived Risk, Need, Responsivity model for correctional programming. The foci of this evaluation are the prison-based features of the treatment program. It does not strive to evaluate the program features that are implemented in the community, however various points of intersect between the prison and outpatient components are commented upon. Readers should understand there are several important limitations to the current program evaluation including: - It does not include an evaluation of the program's effects on sexual recidivism. - It does not include evaluation of all components of the SOTMP (e.g. CTCF, DWCF, YOS, SCCF, Support Education, Community Transition Services). - The results of the program evaluation's research component are based upon a random sample of offenders currently participating in the in-prison treatment program (e.g. it does not include program graduates, program drop outs/removals or inmates on wait lists). - The information about and from the program and the on-site data collection that provides the foundation for the evaluation results were derived during the period 20 August, 2012 to 3 January, 2013. A few subsequent matters of clarification, terminology and increased accuracy resulted in the current draft dated 20 January, 2013. - While the study's objective is to assess the in-prison program features, it is acknowledged that the SOTMP is ensconced within a larger legislative framework including the mandates of the Sexual Offender Management Board. While not the focus of the study, certain areas of this framework greatly impact program efficacy and efficiency and therefore required comment. - Importantly, the scope of the evaluation is to identify areas of improvement. It does not strive to identify areas of strength. It should be noted that throughout this project the evaluation team received exceptional cooperation from the Colorado Department of Corrections. We were encouraged to provide unbiased and pragmatic feedback to the Department that can be used to improve this area of the Department's operation. The department is commended for its earnest approach to improving the delivery and outcome of its SOTMP. It is also important to note that several family members of inmates and advocacy groups provided helpful information to the evaluation team at a Town hall meeting and through written communication. Finally, the inmate treatment participants provided an essential cornerstone of information with a spirit of helpfulness that was of great assistance to the evaluation. Simply, the Risk Needs Responsivity (RNR) model indicates that the comprehensiveness, intensity and duration of treatment provided to individual offenders should be proportionate to the degree of risk that they present (the Risk principle), that treatment should be appropriately targeted at participant characteristics which contribute to their risk (the Need principle), and that treatment should delivered in a way that facilitates meaningful participation and learning (the Responsivity Principle). The results of this evaluation indicate the SOTMP does not adequately conform to the Risk principle of this model. To maximize resources and efficacy, the intensity of treatment should be made proportionate to the level of risk presented by offenders with lower risk offenders requiring significantly less treatment in prison than higher risk offenders. Colorado has a well-developed containment model program for the management of sexual offenders in the community under supervision. This should be sufficient to safely manage average and lower sexual risk offenders who are motivated and cooperative. Uncooperative offenders can be managed through revocation. Treatment in prison should be reserved for those who present above average risk and its purpose should be to moderate this risk to the level that can be managed in the community. Two specific models toward improving CO SOTMP's adherence to the Risk principle are articulated in the Conclusions and Recommendations section of the report. We suggest that either will contribute to a more efficient use of resources. One model will greatly reduce the number of sexual offenders requiring treatment in prison and so assist with the present miss-match of available resources and demand for treatment slots. Further, it is important that the program and parole board ally to expediently parole inmates whose level of risk can be sufficiently managed through community services. Details: [Paso Robles, Calif.?] : Central Coast Clinical and Psychology Services, Inc., 2013. 103p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 14, 2016 at: http://www.philcherner.com/Articles/CO%20SOTMP%20Program%20Evaluation%20Jan%2020%20(1).pdf Year: 2013 Country: United States URL: http://www.philcherner.com/Articles/CO%20SOTMP%20Program%20Evaluation%20Jan%2020%20(1).pdf Shelf Number: 140274 Keywords: Correctional Treatment ProgramsSex Offender TreatmentSex Offenders |
Author: Tasmania. Department of Justice, Sentencing Advisory Council. Title: Mandatory Treatment for Sex Offenders Summary: The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to better protecting the most vulnerable in our community and ensuring sex offenders take responsibility for their crimes and their rehabilitation. The Sentencing Advisory Council (SAC) has now completed its Research Paper No. 1: Mandatory Treatment for Sex Offenders, as part of its referral from the Government in 2015 regarding mandatory treatment for sex, drug and alcohol offenders. The Tasmanian community has been appalled at past revelations that serious sex offenders could elect not to take part in any treatment or rehabilitation while in jail. The Government shares the community concern and has acted on it, with a Bill to amend the Corrections Act 1997 passing the Parliament in 2015 requiring that sex offender treatment to be taken into consideration in parole and remission decisions. The SAC Paper considers mandatory treatment for sex offenders in prison and in the community, including justifications for creating a mandatory treatment regime and the legal mechanisms that may be used for this purpose. As this is a research paper it does not provide specific recommendations, but does consider options to expand the current requirements for treatment for sex offenders in Tasmania. Details: Hobart: The Sentencing Advisory Council, 2016. 60p. Source: Internet Resource: Research Paper No. 1: Accessed March 2, 2017 at: http://www.sentencingcouncil.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/368722/SAC_Research_Paper_-_Mandatory_treatment_for_sex_offenders_-_November_2016.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Australia URL: http://www.sentencingcouncil.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/368722/SAC_Research_Paper_-_Mandatory_treatment_for_sex_offenders_-_November_2016.pdf Shelf Number: 141299 Keywords: Sex Offender TreatmentSex Offenders |
Author: Belton, Emma Title: Turn the Page: Manualised Treatment Programme: Final Evaluation Report Summary: Harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) is defined as one or more children engaging in sexual discussions or acts that are inappropriate for their age or stage of development. These can range from using sexually explicit words and phrases to full penetrative sex with other children or adults. (Rich, 2011) - The NSPCC prevalence study found that two-thirds of contact sexual abuse experienced by 0-17-year-olds was committed by peers (Radford et al, 2011). As well as representing a current concern in terms of actual and potential victims, if not addressed, there is a risk that for some young people this behaviour may continue into adulthood. - Young people involved in HSB are diverse in terms of the reasons for their behaviour and the type of HSB they engage in. Many have experienced difficult family circumstances (Vizard et al, 2007) or previous abuse or trauma (Hackett et al, 2013). This in turn can lead to problems with attachment, peer relationships and deficits in self-regulation and inhibitory control (Creeden, 2013). - The treatment of young people with HSB needs to attempt to change a young person's behaviour as well as addressing the reasons they engage in HSB, their family relationships and context (Hackett, 2004). Currently, there is little research evidence on what treatment approaches are effective, and the level, content and quality of service provision varies (Home Office and DH, 2006; Hackett, 2004; NICE, 2015). - As part of the Turn the Page service, the NSPCC has been using the Change for Good manual (McCrory, 2011) to work with young males aged 12-18 years with HSB. The manual has been in use across 12 sites since 2011. It is a strengths-based intervention that addresses the young person's HSB in the context of the social and emotional challenges they are facing. - The programme is delivered over 30 sessions: 26 structured one-to-one sessions and four additional non-manualised flexible sessions used to address individual need. Details: London: National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, 2017. 52p., technical report. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 29, 2017 at: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/globalassets/documents/research-reports/turn-the-page-manualised-treatment-programme-final-evaluation-report-regular-text-version.pdf Year: 2017 Country: United Kingdom URL: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/globalassets/documents/research-reports/turn-the-page-manualised-treatment-programme-final-evaluation-report-regular-text-version.pdf Shelf Number: 145202 Keywords: Juvenile Sex OffendersJuvenile Treatment ProgramsSex Offender Treatment |
Author: Belton, Emma Title: Turn the Page: Learning from a Manualised Approach to Treating Harmful Sexual Behaviour Summary: Background - The NSPCC prevalence survey found that two-thirds of contact sexual abuse experienced by 0-17-year-olds was committed by peers (Radford et al, 2011). If not addressed, there is a risk that for some young people the problematic behaviour will continue into adulthood. - There has been little research on what treatment approaches are effective for HSB, and provision is variable in terms of volume, content and quality (DH and Home Office and DH, 2006). - The NSPCC delivers a manualised treatment programme for young males aged 12-18 with HSB. The programme uses the Change for Good manual (McCrory, 2011), a strengths-based intervention that addresses the young person's HSB in the context of the social and emotional challenges they face. - The manual is delivered over 30 sessions: 26 structured one-to-one and four additional flexible sessions, used to address individual needs. The programme has been delivered by NSPCC practitioners at 11 sites across the UK since 2011. Method - A range of standardised measures, matched to the main treatment components of the manual are administered with young people and parents/carers pre and post programme to measure change. Longer-term change will be assessed through three and five-year post-programme reconviction studies. Both these components will be reported on at a later date. - The qualitative evaluation presented in this report focused on the use of the manual in a social care context. A case study approach was used, so where possible, in-depth interviews were held with the young person, their parent or carer, the referrer and the NSPCC practitioners delivering the programme. - It was not always possible to hear all four perspectives on each case but despite this, the final sample was diverse and included 13 different cases and 40 interviewees. - One limitation of the sample is that it does not include directly the perspective of young people who did not complete the programme or found it a negative experience. Findings - Motivation to attend and engage with the programme varied and sometimes changed over time. Young people with intrinsic motivation recognised that their behaviour was problematic and wanted help to move forward with their life. These young people were often determined to stick with the programme even if it was difficult. - External pressure to attend the programme from parents, carers or referrers sometimes encouraged young people to attend and eventually engage; in other cases it resulted in a superficial level of engagement where young people did not take on the messages from the programme. - Programme length influenced motivation in some cases, with young people at times beginning to feel that the programme was taking too long. Practitioners managed this by either truncating the programme so the young person attended for a fixed number of further sessions, or by increasing the frequency or length of sessions to finish the programme more quickly. - Practitioners used a range of creative methods to help engage young people with the programme material. Having the flexibility to adapt the delivery method to each young person and respond to individual needs, was important in helping maintain young people's level of interest. - Young people's level of commitment to the home projects was highly variable. When completed, it sometimes helped reinforce the programme and get young people to think about the work between sessions. However, not all young people completed the home projects and even when completed, the quality was mixed. - Some parents and carers played an important role in reminding young people about the home project and helping them with any queries. However, not all of them felt able to fulfil this role; they were not always aware that a home project had been set or did not know enough about the work undertaken in the session. - Parents and carers helped in supporting young people to attend the programme and in reinforcing the work at home. However, not all parents or carers had come to terms with the young person's HSB or had the capacity to give the support that was needed. Practitioners often filled this gap and worked with parents or carers, but this sometimes presented a challenge in terms of how much time they could spend on this. - Referrers could pick up work with parents or carers, or additional issues young people needed support with that were outside the remit of the programme. However, not all referrers were actively involved in the case while the programme was being delivered, and some had even closed the case. - Outcomes identified for young people included more understanding of what is unacceptable sexual behaviour; the triggers for HSB, and having strategies to manage these. The programme also helped young people to think things through before acting and to become more aware of other people's perspectives. - Young people also became more confident and less withdrawn. Having the time to discuss their background, previous experiences and the role these may have played in getting involved in HSB helped young people to make sense of their lives and feel better about themselves. - The therapeutic relationship between the young person and practitioner was important in helping young people engage in the programme and have these conversations. Often young people did not have anyone else they could talk to or get advice from. The discussions helped clarify things they were unsure about or release emotions they had bottled up. - A number of young people had previous experience of abuse, neglect or changing foster placements. This sometimes made it difficult for them to focus on the sessions or meant that practitioners had to spend additional time supporting them. - Practitioners felt they had followed the manual quite closely and met the objectives for the session, but used more creative methods to deliver the material. Where practitioners had moved away from the manual, this was a result of responding to individual problems faced by young people. - Some young people found it difficult to implement the strategies learnt in the programme when the input from practitioners finished. External support had sometimes been built in through the use of mentors or follow-up appointments to provide continued support. Details: London: National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, 2017. 68p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 1, 2017 at: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/globalassets/documents/evaluation-of-services/turn-the-page-report.pdf Year: 2014 Country: United Kingdom URL: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/globalassets/documents/evaluation-of-services/turn-the-page-report.pdf Shelf Number: 145217 Keywords: Juvenile Sex Offenders Juvenile Treatment Programs Sex Offender Treatment |
Author: Mews, Aidan Title: Impact evaluation of the prison-based Core Sex Offender Treatment Programme Summary: The aim of the research was to extend the evidence base on the effectiveness of treatment for sexual offenders. This study measures the impact of the prison-based Core Sex Offender Treatment Programme (SOTP) on the re-offending outcomes of sex offenders in England and Wales, whilst controlling for the different observable characteristics, needs, and risk factors of offenders. Core1 SOTP is a cognitive-behavioural psychological intervention designed by the HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) for imprisoned men who have committed sexual offences. The Programme is intended to reduce sexual reoffending amongst participants by identifying and addressing known criminogenic needs. It was accredited for use in prisons in 1992 by the then HM Prison and Probation Service Prison and Probation Services Joint Accreditation Panel, which later became the Correctional Services Accreditation and Advice Panel (CSAAP). The CSAAP help the MOJ and HMPPS to develop and implement high quality offending behaviour programmes and promote excellence in programmes designed to reduce reoffending. Programmes are assessed against a set of criteria derived from the "what works" evidence base. These include having a clear model of change, effective risk management, targeting offending behaviour, employing effective methods, ensuring relevance to individual learning styles, and maintaining the quality and integrity of delivery. Changes have been made to the targets, the content, and the methods used in Core SOTP since its introduction in response to emerging research. As a result, during the course of this study (and in the period thereafter) the Programme has changed. However, it remains a cognitive behavioural group based treatment approach. It was, and remains, available in approximately one-sixth of male prison establishments in England and Wales and is intended for individuals sentenced to 12 months or more, who had either a current or previous (sentence) sex offence, were willing to engage in treatment, and were not in denial of their offending. There were 2,562 convicted sex offenders who started treatment under the prison-based Core Sex Offender Treatment Programme between 2000 and 2012 in England and Wales. These were matched to 13,219 co Police National Computer (PNC) records, SOTP treatment records, and the Offender Assessment System (OASys) database (where available). Standardised mean differences between the matched treated and comparison groups for the matching factors showed that the matching quality achieved was excellent. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match sexual offenders who participated in Core SOTP (treated sex offenders) to similar sexual offenders who did not. PSM is a statistical matching technique which uses factors theoretically and empirically associated with both receiving the treatment and the outcome variable (i.e. reoffending) to predict a 'propensity score', which represents the likelihood of entering treatment. This propensity score is then used to match treated individuals to comparison offenders who are similar to them. The matched treatment and comparison groups were then compared on an extensive range of proven reoffending outcomes (sexual and non-sexual). These outcome measures were calculated over a period of up to 13.9 years (average of 8.2 years) starting from each offender's release from prison between 2002 and 2012, with the follow-up period finishing in October 2015. For all individuals in this study (the treatment group plus the unmatched comparison group), the binary reoffending rate for all offences was 38.3% and the sexual reoffending rate excluding breaches,4 was 7.5%. These are low when compared to international studies but are within the range of other UK-based studies on reconviction rates for sex offenders (Craig et al., 2008). PSM can provide a robust quasi-experimental approach, although offenders can only be matched on observable variables. While extensive efforts were undertaken in identifying relevant factors, it is possible that unobserved factors could influence the findings that emerge from this research. Such factors include deviant sexual interest, general self-regulation problems and the degree of violence associated with the current sexual offence. Key findings The main findings of the analysis were as follows: - Some statistically significant differences were detected over an average 8.2 year follow up period. They were small in magnitude although they widened over the follow-up period. In particular: - More treated sex offenders committed at least one sexual reoffence (excluding breach) during the follow-up period when compared with the matched comparison offenders (10.0% compared with 8.0%). - More treated sex offenders committed at least one child image reoffence during the follow-up period when compared with the matched comparison offenders (4.4% compared with 2.9 %). Otherwise, the matched treated and comparison groups had similar reoffending rates across a variety of outcome measures. - A variety of sensitivity analyses were performed, which mostly focused on the sexual reoffending measure. The sexual reoffending treatment effect was found to be reasonably stable across these. As previously noted, it is possible that these results could be materially influenced by unobserved factors. However, such factors would need to increase both the odds of treatment and the odds of reoffending after controlling for the observable factors that were included within the matching process. In fact to conclude that the sexual re-offending treatment impact is not statistically significantly different from a reduction of 2 percentage points, the odds of treatment and re-offending would both need to increase by 122%. This increases to 219% for a 5 percentage point reduction. While the sensitivity analysis, involving both treatment and comparison groups, shows reoffending rates to be higher for individuals who have higher risk profiles, the matching process includes a range of factors that are used to determine risk. Conclusions The results suggest that while Core SOTP in prisons is generally associated with little or no changes in sexual and non-sexual reoffending, there were some statistically significant differences. The small changes in the sexual reoffending rate suggest that either Core SOTP does not reduce sexual reoffending as it intends to do, or that the true impact of the Programme was not detected. This study draws on large treatment and comparison groups, long follow-ups, and many matching factors, thus addressing the most common shortcomings in the research field on sex offenders' reoffending behaviour. However it still has a number of limitations that could either bias the findings or the interpretation of them. In particular: - It is impossible to conclusively rule out the absence of variables relating to deviant sexual interest, general self-regulation problems and the degree of violence associated with the current sexual offence that could possibly influence the results. Moreover, it is possible that the available data do not fully account for issues such as motivation to address offending behaviour. However, these absences are at least partly accounted for by matching factors included in this study (e.g. sexual deviancy by matching factors covering previous offending). Furthermore as shown above, what remains unaccounted for would need to have strong relationships both with participation onto treatment and reoffending to conclude that Core SOTP is associated with a reduction in sexual reoffending. - The estimated impact of Core SOTP was found to be similar when removing from the comparison group those who were identified as having done community SOTP. However, it will include some differences between the matched treatment and comparison groups that reflect changes occurring after the prison sentence has commenced and which are not associated with the provision of Core SOTP. Such factors include participation on other treatment programmes in prison and in the community, differences in offender management and in supervision, and regional demographics e.g. in employment rates. - Availability of good quality data on all factors which determine an offenders' participation on core SOTP, was also a particular issue. It is possible that paucity of data on some key offender characteristics including denial of offending, and a degree of self-selection, could bias the results. Details: London: Ministry of Justice, 2017. 65p. Source: Internet Resource: Ministry of Justice Analytical Series: Accessed June 30, 2017 at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/623876/sotp-report-web-.pdf Year: 2017 Country: United Kingdom URL: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/623876/sotp-report-web-.pdf Shelf Number: 146479 Keywords: Cognitive-Behavioral TreatmentCorrectional ProgramsRecidivismReoffendingSex Offender TreatmentSex Offenders |
Author: Mercado, Cynthia Calkins Title: Sex Offender Management, Treatment, and Civil Commitment: An Evidence Based Analysis Aimed at Reducing Sexual Violence Summary: This study was designed to provide a comprehensive exploratory examination of the program management, treatment, and recidivism of sexual offenders in New Jersey. There were four main objectives of the research: 1) To provide normative data on a large sample of New Jersey sex offenders; 2) To determine which sex offenders get selected for treatment and what criteria are used to make that decision; 3) To examine the effect of treatment on recidivism; and 4) To compare those offenders selected for commitment as a Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) with those offenders not selected for commitment. Data were gathered from the archival records of 3,168 male sex offenders who were housed at either a prison-based sex offender treatment facility (treatment group) or any of the New Jersey State prisons (no treatment group) and released from custody between the years 1996 and 2007. Additionally, archival data were gathered from all detained or committed SVPs. Federal and state recidivism data were obtained for all released offenders. Ultimately, three general outcome categories were the focus of the analyses: selection for treatment (determined by whether the offender was housed at the prison-based sex offender treatment facility), recidivism (determined by whether an offender was convicted of an additional offense - sexual or non-sexual - following release), and SVP commitment (determined by whether the offender was released or civilly committed upon completion of the index sentence). After coding the archival file data for offender characteristics, offense characteristics, risk assessment outcomes, and recidivism (and what type of recidivism, if applicable), comparisons were made via chi-square analysis and independent samples t-test across these three outcomes; that is, we compared treated and non-treated offenders, recidivists and non-recidivists, and committed and not-committed offenders on these factors. Additionally, a series of classification tree analyses and logistic regressions were conducted to gather insight into what factors were most strongly indicative of selection for treatment, SVP commitment, and recidivism. The following points highlight the major findings for each objective of the study: Objective One - The overwhelming majority of offenders in this sample had female victims (83.9%; n = 2,566), indicating that women and girls continue to be among those most victimized by sexual violence. - Nearly three-quarters of the index crime events involved molestation of a minor child, and despite a popular notion of "stranger danger" that is prevalent across sexual crimes (an assumption that is arguably an influential factor in sex offender legislation), most offenders knew their victims. Over 44% of the sample perpetrated an offense against someone with whom they were already acquainted (but not related), and an additional one-third of the sample offended against an immediate or extended family member. - A minority (15%) of the offenses were perpetrated against strangers, suggesting that the "stranger danger" notion of offending (upon which much sex crime legislation is based) may not reflect the empirical reality that most sex crimes (85%) are committed by individuals known to the victim - With regard to prior criminal history, nearly 70% of the offenders had been charged with a prior non-sexual offense; however, less than one-third of the sample had a prior history of sexual offenses, providing some support for the notion that sex offenders may be more generalist rather than specialist in their offending patterns. Objective Two - The best predictor of placement in the treatment facility was the demonstration of some treatment amenability or readiness for treatment. Choosing offenders based upon their willingness to participate in treatment may, however, exclude those offenders who are at highest risk to recidivate. - Those placed in the treatment facility had lower risk scores than those in the general population, which may run contrary to the risk-need-responsivity principle of providing the most intensive services to those of highest need. Objective Three - In terms of general recidivism (i.e., recidivism of any nature), those offenders who did not receive treatment recidivated (in terms of a new conviction) at twice the rate of those who did receive treatment (51.7% versus 25.0%), and this difference remained even when the groups were matched with regard to actuarial risk scores. - When looking specifically at sexual recidivism rates, we found that overall 5% of the offenders in our sample were re-convicted of a new sexual offense over an average 6.5 year follow-up period. - No differences in sexual recidivism were found between the treated and untreated groups, even when these groups were matched in terms of recidivism risk. Though random assignment to treatment conditions is seldom possible in research of this nature, future studies that use random assignment would allow for firmer conclusions regarding treatment effectiveness. - Sex offenders who offended against strangers were more likely than those who were acquainted with or related to their victim to re-offend after treatment. Likewise, sex offenders who had adult victims were more likely to offend after treatment than those who had minor victims. Objective Four - Sex offenders selected for civil commitment were found to be at significantly higher risk of recidivating (based on Static-99 and MnSOST-R actuarial risk scores) than offenders not committed under SVP statutes. - Sex offense history, MnSOST-R historical scale score, prior history of any contact sexual offense, use of weapon during index offense, age at first sex offense, history of psychiatric problems, age of victim, and age at first non-sexual offense were predictive of SVP commitment. - Based upon re-conviction data, those considered for civil commitment but ultimately not committed were found to have high rates of any kind of recidivism (67%). Details: New York: John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 2013. 82p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 2, 2017 at: https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/243551.pdf Year: 2013 Country: United States URL: https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/243551.pdf Shelf Number: 130140 Keywords: Civil CommitmentOffender ClassificationRecidivismSex Offender TreatmentSex OffendersSexual Violence |
Author: Kansas. Legislative Division of Post Audit Title: Larned State Hospital: Reviewing the Operations of the Sexual Predator Treatment Program, Part 2. Performance Audit Report Summary: The Sexual Predator Treatment Program was established in 1994 and has been provided primarily through the Larned State Hospital. The program provides control, care and treatment for convicted sex offenders who have completed their prison sentences but have been determined by a judge or jury to be sexually violent predators and involuntarily committed to the custody of the Secretary of Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. In 2005, Legislative Post Audit issued a report on the Sexual Predator Treatment Program. In that report, we estimated the size of the offender population could increase to about 235 offenders by 2015. The reasons for this included the continuing commitment of new offenders to the program and Kansas' stringent requirement that the risk of a reoffense be reduced to "practically nil" before an offender would be released from the program. The statutory standard focuses on community safety by requiring that in order for release the sexually violent predator's mental abnormality or personality disorder has so changed the person is safe to be at large. As of December 2014, the program had 243 residents, with 227 residents at Larned State Hospital, eight residents at Osawatomie State Hospital and eight at Parsons State Hospital. Agency officials estimate that in the coming years the program will grow by 18 offenders per year. Legislators have expressed concern about the growing size of the offender population, employee workload, and working conditions at the Larned facility. They would like to know how Kansas' program compares to other state programs in terms of cost and treatment, what actions could be taken to limit program growth, and whether the Larned facility is being adequately managed. This performance audit answers the following questions: 1. How does Kansas' Sexual Predator Treatment Program compare to similar programs in other states and best practices? 2. What actions could be taken to reduce the resident population of the Sexual Predator Treatment Program? Details: Topeka: Legislative Division of Post Audit, 2015. 70p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 28, 2017 at: https://www.prisonlegalnews.org/media/publications/Larned%20State%20Hospital%20-%20Reviewing%20the%20Operations%20of%20Sexual%20Predator%20Treatment%20Program%2C%20Part%202%2C%20LPA%2C%202015.pdf Year: 2015 Country: United States URL: https://www.prisonlegalnews.org/media/publications/Larned%20State%20Hospital%20-%20Reviewing%20the%20Operations%20of%20Sexual%20Predator%20Treatment%20Program%2C%20Part%202%2C%20LPA%2C%202015.pdf Shelf Number: 146906 Keywords: Correctional ProgramsSex Offender TreatmentSex Offenders |
Author: Fonagy, Peter Title: Evaluation of Multisystemic Therapy for adolescent problematic sexual behaviour: Research report Summary: The Services for Teens Engaging in Problem Sexual Behaviour (STEPS-B) trial aimed to assess the feasibility of implementation of MST-PSB, a family-based intervention for problematic sexual behaviour. We sought to determine whether Multisystemic Therapy - Problem Sexual Behaviour (MST-PSB) could be implemented fully and at a scale that would warrant a full trial. Multisystemic Therapy (MST) is an intensive clinical treatment programme which aims to involve all environmental factors which affect juvenile offending, including family, school, and the community. MST-PSB is an adaptation of MST aimed at adolescents who have engaged in problematic sexual behaviours and often demonstrated other problem behaviours. It is an intensive family- and home-based intervention uniquely developed to address the multiple determinants of problematic sexual behaviour in adolescents. MSTPSB is designed to reduce problematic sexual behaviours; antisocial behaviours, and out-of-home placements. Supplementary to MST, MST-PSB has a greater focus on safety planning, individual factors (for example, impulsivity, social anxiety) related to problematic sexual behaviours (PSBs), and interventions specific to problem sexual behaviour, such as offence clarification sessions aimed at increasing accountability and safety, and the promotion of normative sexual behaviour. Furthermore, family therapy techniques, such as structural and strategic family therapy interventions, are utilized to a greater extent than in standard MST. In addition, the impact of the young person's own victimization and experience of abuse is assessed. For the purpose of the present trial, PSB is defined as any sexual behaviour which is harmful, either to the victims of the young person's behaviour, or the young person themselves. The primary aim of the STEPS-B trial was determining whether MST-PSB reduces the incidence of out-of-home placement compared to management as usual (MAU). A range of secondary outcomes assessed as part of the trial included sexual and non-sexual offending rates and antisocial behaviours; participant well-being; family functioning, and total service and criminal justice sector costs. The quantitative data, collected at baseline (beginning of treatment), and at 8, 14, and 20 month follow-up points, measured problematic sexual behaviour; associated mental health problems and disorders; emotional and behavioural functioning, as well as domains central to the mechanisms by which MST-PSB is supposed to work: quality of parent-adolescent relationship; parenting skills and parental mental health. Unfortunately, the trial recruited a very low number of families overall; 40 young people and 40 carers were recruited in total (compared with the target of 56 families), with 21 families in the MST-PSB arm, and 19 in the MAU arm. The young people recruited into the study were aged 10-18 (mean 13.4); 36 (90%) of the participants were male. The low sample size resulted in limited statistical analyses comparing MST-PSB to management as usual. There were numerous factors that are likely to have contributed to the low uptake of participants, such as a relatively low pool of adolescents showing problematic sexual behaviour to start with, poor and unintegrated systems for identifying and helping young people showing PSBs, court delays and ongoing police involvement that complicated and prohibited involvement, and the stigma and shame associated with disclosure by young people and their carers. The primary outcome of out-of-home placement was seen in only 4 cases, 2 in each group and therefore was not meaningful as a potential between-group difference. The general trend from analyses of secondary outcomes was that both groups improved over time, which may reflect spontaneous recovery over time in moving from a crisis or intensely difficult period associated with detection and disclosure. Examining the effect sizes of the pre-post analyses of the secondary outcomes suggests that MST would likely have shown significant improvements in parental involvement and the degree to which family members felt connected to each other and supported when compared to MAU. The results of qualitative interviews revealed that young people had strong negative feelings about themselves, were embarrassed or ashamed of the behaviour which led to their engagement with MST-PSB, and had fears about being stigmatised by their family, friends, peers, and society at large. Most parents did not report ongoing problematic behaviour from their child, but experienced the allegations of PSB as unexpected and shocking, and as something which caused them to lose confidence in themselves as parents, and to lose confidence in their child. Parents had similar concerns about stigmatisation, but also felt they needed to protect their child. Overall, both young people and parents felt that they had benefited from MST-PSB. Young people felt that they had an improved attitude towards themselves and improved behavioural regulation, while parents did not report any recurrence of PSB and felt that their relationship with their adolescent had improved, as had their adolescent's behaviour at home and/or at school. Finally, parents felt confident that they would be able to continue using the skills they learned during the programme but also identified residual feelings of guilt and residual behaviour problems. There are strong, positive statements from MST staff that MST-PSB was an exciting and workable framework for working with young people presenting with complex needs: in this case those young people showing PSB. It was clear that MST-PSB was an intervention delivered with strong commitments from MST personnel dedicated to achieving positive outcomes, with families supported by very strong oversight and quality assurance in the form of highly valued supervision and consultation. The extraordinary efforts made to engage and keep families working on problems, the collaborative nature of treatment, including the use of goal-setting processes and outcome tools with families, the quality and frequency of supervision and consultation in keeping the team on target, and working with fidelity to the model were all very positively rated. At the same time, there were some shortcomings or potential limitations identified by staff, such as the degree to which the model and working practices were applicable to the heterogeneity seen in young people (and families) showing PSB, and the degree to which any 1 professional can deal with the complex treatment needs of such a population. Specifically, there was some question as to the degree to which families where trauma was part of the clinical picture with young people and/or their carers would be adequately served within the general 5-7month time frame, and, in this respect, the degree to which all therapists possessed the skills for working with trauma, even with the support provided. In terms of the larger mental health and social network that set the referral context for the trial, unfortunately we confirmed what has been identified as issues for service delivery for this population, such as poor communication between relevant agencies, with inadequate assessment and joint planning, and cases that were slow to go to court, adversely affecting the delivery of appropriate intervention (Hackett, Masson & Phillips, 2005). However, at the same time we saw examples of good practice, such as in the Borough of Southwark, where integrated, inter-agency panels are supported by strong commitment to these young people, recognising the need for on-going training and the implementation of evidence-based models of working Details: Darlington, UK: Department of Education, 2017. 44p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 15, 2017 at: http://dera.ioe.ac.uk/29567/1/Evaluation_of_Multisystemic_Therapy_for_adolescent_problematic_sexual_behaviour.pdf Year: 2017 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://dera.ioe.ac.uk/29567/1/Evaluation_of_Multisystemic_Therapy_for_adolescent_problematic_sexual_behaviour.pdf Shelf Number: 147337 Keywords: Adolescent Sex OffendersAntisocial BehaviorJuvenile OffendersMultisystemic TherapySex Offender Treatment |
Author: Bakker, Leon Title: And there was light...Evaluating the Kia Marama treatment programme for New Zealand sex offenders against children Summary: About this evaluation - Kia Marama is the first New Zealand treatment programme for those imprisoned for sexual offences against children. It has run for seven years and its first graduates have lived for up to six years in the community. The time is right for evaluation of the programme's results, and that is the aim of this report. - The Kia Marama programme aims to prevent relapses by teaching offenders their offending is the result of linked steps of thought and behaviour. It offers skills and strategies to break these links, and opportunities for change right from initial assessment, through treatment, to post release. - Two hundred and thirty eight men have been released from prison as graduates of Kia Marama's first three years. A control group similar to the Kia Marama offenders was selected from all sex offenders against children convicted between 1983 and 1987. Comparison of these two groups enables us to assess the impact of the Kia Marama treatment programme. - A more detailed version of this report may be requested from the authors at the Department of Corrections. Key findings - Kia Marama treatment has a significant effect. The Kia Marama group has less than half the number of re-offenders than the control group, and this remains so even when numbers of previous sexual convictions are accounted for. The Kia Marama group has a reconviction rate of 8%, with analysis suggesting a final rate of 10%. (Another five men are likely to reoffend, bringing the total from 19 to 24.) The control group has a reconviction rate of 21%, predicted to rise to 22%. - These differences in reconviction and re-imprisonment suggest the Department of Corrections has reaped net savings of more than $3 million from its treatment of 238 Kia Marama offenders, once programme costs of $2 million are offset against a gross saving of $5.6 million. Less quantifiable social savings also result from fewer offenders and fewer victims. - Comparison between 19 Kia Marama graduates who re-offended and 219 who did not shows re-offenders tend to hold attitudes supporting their offending. Their thinking is often distorted; they accept rape myths and employ impersonal sexual fantasies which are slightly more sadomasochistic. They also have more conservative attitudes to women, internalise their anger, and are less able to empathise. Those who are not reconvicted tend to give up conservative attitudes towards women, but treatment seems to reinforce these beliefs in re-offenders. - Re-offenders tend to have a lower IQ. They are less likely to report female victims, more likely to report male victims or victims of both genders. Reoffenders are almost twice as likely to say their offending began before adulthood, and they report a higher incidence of exhibitionism. They are nearly three times more likely than their non reconvicted counterparts to report the death of a parent or caregiver during childhood, and five times more likely to be judged as having a severe literacy problem. Details: Christchurch [N.Z.] : Psychological Service, Dept. of Corrections, 1998. 35p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 8, 2017 at: http://www.corrections.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/665635/kiamarama.pdf Year: 1998 Country: New Zealand URL: http://www.corrections.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/665635/kiamarama.pdf Shelf Number: 148073 Keywords: Child MolestersChild Sex AbuseRecidivismSex Offender TreatmentSex Offenders |
Author: Perkins, Derek Title: Interventions for perpetrators of online child sexual exploitation: a scoping review and gap analysis Summary: Technology has become a primary medium for child sexual abuse and exploitation. Like offline behaviour, technology-facilitated abuse and exploitation can take many forms, such as the recording of the sexual assault of a child or communicating with a child via mobile devices. Online and offline spaces are not always clearly distinguishable: abuse and exploitation can start in one space and move to the other. In this report, we describe sexually abusive activities towards a child or young person as 'online child sexual abuse' (OCSA) - or, where there are gains beyond sexual gratification, 'online child sexual exploitation' (OCSE) - if they are carried out via technology. Various interventions for perpetrators of OCSA and OCSE are available, ranging from one-toone sessions to manualised treatment groups. Little is known about the effectiveness of existing interventions, and whether there are gaps in the current intervention response. To improve knowledge of treatment in these areas, this scoping review obtained information from three sources: - online searches - a literature review and enquiries to service providers in relation to existing interventions - an online survey of experts and stakeholders - in-depth interviews drawn from the survey participants. These yielded information about the different interventions currently provided for perpetrators of OCSA/E, their effectiveness (where known), gaps within current interventions, and forthcoming challenges in the field. Key messages from the research Lack of evaluation and research Law enforcement, offender management and child protection services have had to be responsive to the urgent and growing issue of OCSA/E, despite limited evidence on the underlying psychological models of OCSA/E behaviour. Responding to need has, understandably, outrun the collection of scientific evidence, and there has been a lack of systematic evaluation of interventions' effectiveness. Sense of being overwhelmed Whilst professionals involved in this area felt strongly about the positive impact of their work, they also communicated a sense of feeling overwhelmed with regard to the high numbers of OCSA/E perpetrators, the lack of funding available for their services, and the need for specific training for professionals involved in this area. Need to increase knowledge generation and exchange Professionals expressed a desire for enhanced knowledge generation and exchange, especially with regard to increasing the empirical knowledge base on the risks and needs presented by the perpetrators of OCSA/E, and the lack of professional tools to assist with decision-making regarding risk and treatment. Enhance existing intervention response Interventions for perpetrators of OCSA/E remain limited and are largely similar in their client focus, scope and funding approach. They predominantly focus on psychoeducation and addressing psychological markers of offending behaviour, are provided for adult males known to the criminal justice system, and are paid for by the client or as part of court-ordered or mandatory interventions. Early intervention focus The scoping review also identified a demand for a shift towards preventative approaches - to increase public awareness and targeted at young people through educational resources. Sex education, including internet safety and pornography use, was highlighted by professionals as needing to be an integral part of the school curriculum. Professionals also discussed the implications of providing interventions for OCSA/E perpetrators not known to the criminal justice system, and for non-offending individuals who may be concerned about their sexual interest. Characteristics of existing interventions Online offending has become a focus in interventions provided for people with a sexual conviction and their victims. This scoping review identified 48 services or agencies that contribute to interventions for OCSA/E offending by providing interventions themselves, commissioning or conducting relevant research, and providing knowledge exchange events for professionals. This included eight UK-based services that directly provide interventions for perpetrators of OCSA/E. Most interventions are focused on adult male perpetrators (predominantly those known to the criminal justice system), with limited support provided for adolescents, female perpetrators, or the perpetrator's support network such as family members or friends. The reviewed intervention services typically provide psychological assessments and individual or group treatment. A key difference between UK and some international providers is the ability of the latter to work with perpetrators without the requirement for statutory disclosure to the criminal justice system on matters that would require disclosure in the UK (for example in respect of specific information on past unprosecuted offences). Quality control in relation to the provided interventions is variable. The empirical research on which they are based is not always up to date or specific to the offender subgroup. Service evaluations mainly comprise qualitative feedback from service users rather than more multifaceted pre-post treatment assessments. Implications from the research The scoping review highlighted a number of areas for future development and professional practice: - Intervene earlier and more broadly. This includes offence-prevention strategies such as public education about the nature of OCSA/E and their legal classification, enhancing service provisions for nonoffending individuals attracted to children, and reducing access to sexually exploitative material of children and young people. - Enhance the treatment response for (known) offenders. This may include expanding the existing client target group, increasing accessibility of services and increasing staff support. It may also include staying up to date on emergent issues in the field, such as new opportunities for OCSA/E arising with novel technologies. - Generate and share knowledge. This may include OCSA/E-specific training for professionals working in the field, support for research engagement, and knowledge exchange and collaboration between professionals and partner agencies. A key research need is to conduct systematic intervention evaluations. Details: Ilford, Esssex, UK: Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse, 2018. 54p. Source: Internet Resource: Child sexual exploitation perpetrators research programme, report 5: Accessed February 22, 2018 at: https://www.csacentre.org.uk/csa-centre-prod/assets/File/CSE%20perpetrators%205%20-%20Interventions%20for%20perpetrators%20of%20online%20CSE.pdf Year: 2018 Country: International URL: https://www.csacentre.org.uk/csa-centre-prod/assets/File/CSE%20perpetrators%205%20-%20Interventions%20for%20perpetrators%20of%20online%20CSE.pdf Shelf Number: 149208 Keywords: Child PornographyChild Sexual AbuseChild Sexual ExploitationComputer CrimesInternet CrimesIntervention ProgramsSex Offender TreatmentSex OffendersSocial Media |
Author: Walker, Kate Title: Characteristics and perspectives of adults who have sexually exploited children: Scoping research Summary: There is a lack of information about individuals who perpetrate child sexual exploitation (CSE) offences. This report describes one of three research projects commissioned by the Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse to build an evidence base about this population. The projects' aims were to: ‣ investigate the characteristics of those who commit CSE ‣ identify the nature and dynamics of their behaviours, their motivations and the way they target and exploit their victims. The report will be of interest to frontline practitioners, service providers, commissioners of services, policy makers, researchers and academics. Method Notes from police intelligence briefings with 27 perpetrators of CSE were analysed, using content analysis to extract demographic information about CSE perpetrators. Additionally, interviews were undertaken with 18 adults who had sexually offended against children; using the current (2017) Government definition of CSE for England, these 18 adults were classified as either CSE perpetrators (n = 11) or Non-CSE perpetrators (n = 7). Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview data, to identify common themes that captured the characteristics and motivations of CSE perpetrators. Key findings and gaps in research knowledge ‣ There has been little research to date that has specifically examined the characteristics, context and motivations of CSE perpetrators. ‣ It is difficult to identify CSE perpetrators, since most sexual offences are not specific to CSE and individuals who have committed CSE offences have not been categorised as such in the criminal justice system process. This makes it difficult to conduct research with this group. ‣ Adults in this sample who had committed CSE offences had experienced dysfunctional lives. They evidenced individual internal characteristics, such as mental health problems, low self-esteem and antisocial attributes. ‣ Many excessively used adult pornography and/or images that depicted children. ‣ Negative external influences were also present in their relationships and environments. These included chaotic intimate relationships, poor relationships with family members and peers, and violence and abusive relationships at home and school. ‣ Individuals believed that their offending was associated with a culmination of all the dysfunctional and negative experiences in their lives, including both internal and external influences. ‣ Individuals justified and 'explained' their offending behaviours, which enabled them to continue to offend. ‣ Motivation for offending was described as sexual gratification in this exploratory sample. ‣ An ecological framework can be used to understand the complexity and interplay between the individual, relationships, social, cultural and environmental factors associated with CSE. ‣ There are gaps in research knowledge as to whether the factors identified as associated with CSE perpetration are variable risk markers or fixed risk markers and whether these are casual risk factors that could be targeted in interventions. ‣ Little is known about the role and relevance of protective factors which can potentially mitigate perpetration. Implications and recommendations This is a difficult group to research, as they are largely 'hidden' in criminal justice system processes. A complex range of factors are associated with the commission of CSE, which means that there is no simple way of preventing individuals from perpetrating this type of offending. However, the evidence is still limited and we do not have a clear picture of the range of factors that lead to CSE offending, particularly across the wide range of offences that meet the definition of CSE. More research is therefore needed: for example, with a larger, national sample of individuals who have sexually exploited children and a wider range of CSE offences than has been captured in this exploratory study Details: Ilford, Esssex, UK: Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse, 2018. 36p. Source: Internet Resource: Child sexual exploitation perpetrators research programme, report 3: Accessed February 22, 2018 at: https://www.csacentre.org.uk/csa-centre-prod/assets/File/CSE%20perpetrators%203%20-%20Characteristics%20and%20perspectives%20of%20adults%20who%20have%20sexually%20exploited%20children.pdf Year: 2018 Country: International URL: https://www.csacentre.org.uk/csa-centre-prod/assets/File/CSE%20perpetrators%203%20-%20Characteristics%20and%20perspectives%20of%20adults%20who%20have%20sexually%20exploited%20children.pdf Shelf Number: 149209 Keywords: Child Pornography Child Sexual Abuse Child Sexual Exploitation Computer Crimes Internet CrimesIntervention Programs Pornography Sex Offender Treatment Sex Offenders Social Media |
Author: Walker, Kate Title: Characteristics and motivations of perpetrators of child sexual exploitation: A rapid evidence assessment of research Summary: There is a lack of information about individuals who perpetrate child sexual exploitation (CSE) offences. This report describes one of three research projects to build an evidence base about this population. The project's aims were to: ‣ investigate the characteristics of those who commit CSE ‣ identify the nature and dynamics of their behaviours, their motivations and the way they target and exploit their victims. The report will be of interest to frontline practitioners, service providers, commissioners of services, policy makers, researchers and academics. Method A rapid review was conducted, finding 50 studies/reports where the offences met the definition of CSE and information could be extracted about perpetrators' characteristics, behaviours, motivations and methods of targeting/exploiting their victims. Key findings and gaps in research knowledge ‣ The majority of studies were conducted in the UK (19) and USA (18), with four conducted in Canada, three in New Zealand, two in France and one in each of Australia, Mexico, Germany and Sweden. It is important to note that some of these studies reviewed and/or combined the findings from a number of published studies, so each study's findings were not necessarily specific to its country of origin. ‣ The majority (37) of studies were of offenders who have committed exclusively online CSE offences, with only 10 examining non-online CSE offences and three covering both online and 'offline' offences; very limited knowledge was obtained regarding other types of CSE, such as CSE perpetrated within groups and gangs; offences such as human trafficking for, or resulting in, sexual exploitation; and the purchasing of sexual contact. This limits the extent to which the review's findings and observations can be generalised. ‣ Across the studies there were many methodological limitations such as inconsistencies in the definition of CSE, comparisons between groups of sexual offenders only (with a lack of other offender or non-offender control groups), lack of typical or normative data comparisons, and reliance on correlational data. These limit the potential to draw conclusions about causal influences. ‣ Perpetrators were generally identified as male, white and aged between 18 and 85 years (with the average age in individual studies ranging from 30 to 46 years); a high proportion were employed, with a large number of these in professional jobs. ‣ Mental health characteristics and psychological characteristics (personality traits) were examined only in relation to online CSE offences, and no research examined them in relation to other forms of CSE, e.g. CSE perpetrated in gangs or groups. ‣ In relation to online CSE, owing to methodological challenges and insufficient research it is impossible to isolate specific mental health or psychological characteristics that have a causal relationship with this type of offence. However, factors such as depression, anxiety, stress and suicidal ideation are most likely to be relevant. ‣ The evidence is weaker for psychological characteristics being associated with CSE; however, some attachment styles (e.g. not securely attached, fearful attachment) were associated with this group, and the formation of relationships appeared to be problematic. ‣ There was limited research that identified the motivations of CSE perpetrators; the studies that did so were generally those looking to develop typologies and categories of online offenders. The two key motivations found were sexual and financial. ‣ There was no research that specifically identified the way that perpetrators targeted/ exploited their victims, beyond explaining the context within which the exploitation occurred (i.e. online exploitation, gangs or trafficking/commercial dealings). It may be that such information could be located within the literature on victim-survivors, but including and analysing research on victim-survivors was beyond the scope of the current review. Implications and recommendations There is very little reliable information about the characteristics of individuals who perpetrate CSE offences, particularly those who do not commit offences in or using online environments. This significantly limits our ability to identify potential offenders and situations to target and design prevention strategies. More research is required to fully understand the characteristics and motivations of CSE perpetrators. That research will need to: ‣ have consistency and clarity regarding the definition of this type of offending and the different contexts within which it occurs ‣ use methodological research designs that allow differences and causal pathways to be reliably identified - for example, including appropriate non-offender control groups, longitudinal methods and large sample sizes (although this may be unrealistic, as studies are generally based on small, convicted samples by necessity) Details: Ilford, Esssex, UK: Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse, 2018. 40p. Source: Internet Resource: Child sexual exploitation perpetrators research programme, report 2: Accessed February 22, 2018 at: https://www.csacentre.org.uk/csa-centre-prod/assets/File/CSE%20perpetrators%202%20-%20Characteristics%20and%20motivations%20of%20perpetrators%20of%20CSE.pdf Year: 2018 Country: International URL: https://www.csacentre.org.uk/csa-centre-prod/assets/File/CSE%20perpetrators%202%20-%20Characteristics%20and%20motivations%20of%20perpetrators%20of%20CSE.pdf Shelf Number: 149210 Keywords: Child Pornography Child Sexual Abuse Child Sexual Exploitation Computer Crimes Internet Crimes Intervention Programs Pornography Sex Offender Treatment Sex Offenders Social Media |
Author: Hackett, Simon Title: Young people who engage in child sexual exploitation behaviours: An exploratory study Summary: Despite increasing awareness of child sexual exploitation (CSE) across the UK in recent years, there remain gaps in current knowledge and understanding - including in relation to young people who perpetrate acts of CSE. In contrast to the wider research base for harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) in childhood and adolescence, which has developed significantly in recent years, there is little in the literature specifically on the topic of young people who engage in sexually exploitative behaviours. This report describes one of three research projects commissioned by the Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse to build an evidence base about perpetrators of CSE. The project aimed to investigate: - the backgrounds of young people identifi ed for CSE concerns as perpetrators - the nature and range of their sexual behaviours - the range of victims targeted - other off ending behaviours displayed by the young people. Method Anonymised data was obtained from electronic records held by a police-led, multiagency initiative which focuses on CSE and on missing children. Consisting of 14 cases, the data are a convenience and non-probability sample which represent a significant minority of the cases becoming known to this 'CSE team' over a 24- month period where an alleged perpetrator was under the age of 18 at the point of their harmful or exploitative sexual behaviours. This study therefore drew only on existing secondary data already available to the CSE team; it was beyond the study's scope to conduct interviews with professionals involved in the cases, or with the young people and their families directly. The electronic records contained considerable and detailed information compiled by a wide range of agencies over a substantial period of time. Key fi ndings Because of the small sample size and the reliance on official case records which may be partial and limited, the following findings should be regarded as at best indicative. - All young people in the sample were male and white British. - Their current age ranged between 14 and 21 years old, with the overwhelming majority aged over 16; this is an older sample than many reported in the literature on HSB. Their age at the point when concerning sexual behaviours fi rst emerged ranged from 7 to 18 years old; in contrast to other demographic studies of young people with HSB, which have indicated substantial early-onset trajectories, only one case indicated a pattern of pre-adolescent sexual behaviour problems. - Experiences of adversity were found in the developmental histories of 10 of the 14 young people. The most commonly reported factor was domestic violence, followed by physical and sexual abuse and neglect. Previous studies of young people with HSB have reported higher rates of previous victimisation. - Twelve of the young people had longstanding non-sexual off ending histories: theft, burglary, criminal damage and general antisocial behaviours were extensive and pervasive. All the young people appear to fi t the 'generalist' category of HSB off ender, whose sexual off ending appears to be more directed towards peers as part of a broader catalogue of deviance and non-sexual off ending trajectories. - A model proposed by Ward and Siegert (2002) describes fi ve primary developmental pathways leading into sexually abusive behaviours. Many of the young people in the sample appear to fi t into the antisocial thinking pathway, where an underlying propensity towards general deviance and antisocial behaviour becomes sexualised during puberty. - In all cases, the concerns about young people's sexual behaviours related to a young person off ending alone or to pairs of young people whose behaviours appeared interlinked and inter-infl uenced. There were no 'gang-related' or larger group incidents of HSB or CSE. - Whilst all 14 young people had targeted female victims, only one was known to have sexually off ended against a male (in addition to multiple female victims). HSB towards teenage peers was preceded in only three cases by sexual abuse of prepubescent children. Previous research into young people's HSB has identifi ed signifi cant proportions of male victims and victims aged 10 or below. - The young people were typically involved in multiple and in some cases escalating harmful sexual behaviours: nine engaged in exploitative or harmful sexual behaviours online or using social media, accompanied in most cases by contact sexual exploitation or sexual abuse. There was not strong evidence of a clear progression from online to offl ine HSB: it was just as likely for offl ine HSB to precede online behaviours. Implications and recommendations The impression gained from this pilot study is of young people who engage in CSE behaviours as a generally very deviant group whose sexual and non-sexual behaviours are disinhibited, chaotic and non-boundaried. The small scale of this study, and the use of data from one team with a particular focus and operating model, limits the conclusions that can be drawn; nevertheless, the study's tentative findings should be investigated in more detail. In some of the cases examined, it was possible to see a progression from sexual assaults or sexually abusive behaviour without overt elements of exchange towards more 'CSEtype' behaviours over time. It may be that CSE-type behaviours in adolescence, much more so than more general HSB, are more strongly related to general deviance than a history of sexual victimisation; if so, this has significant implications for both intervention approaches and prevention activities. However, it was difficult to separate the young people's behaviours meaningfully and neatly into categories of CSE and HSB. Whilst all cases fitted widely used definitions of HSB, the extent to which they are accompanied by overt elements of exchange (as would fit the definition of CSE) was much less clear in many cases. The sexual behaviours of all the young people in the sample required disruption, management and intervention - but it is unclear whether that should be undertaken by a CSE team or an HSB team. This perhaps reflects the present inadequacy of using distinct sets of language and concepts (CSE and HSB) and service frameworks to respond to the problem of transgressive sexual behaviour in adolescence. Details: Ilford, Esssex, UK: Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse, 2018. 24p. Source: Internet Resource: Child sexual exploitation perpetrators research programme, report 1: Accessed February 22, 2018 at: https://www.csacentre.org.uk/csa-centre-prod/assets/File/CSE%20perpetrators%201%20-%20Young%20people%20who%20engage%20in%20CSE%20behaviours.pdf Year: 2018 Country: International URL: https://www.csacentre.org.uk/csa-centre-prod/assets/File/CSE%20perpetrators%201%20-%20Young%20people%20who%20engage%20in%20CSE%20behaviours.pdf Shelf Number: 149211 Keywords: Child PornographyChild Sex OffendersChild Sexual AbuseChild Sexual ExploitationComputer CrimesInternet CrimesIntervention ProgramsSex Offender TreatmentSex Offenders |
Author: Radford, Lorraine Title: A review of international survey methodology on child sexual abuse and child sexual exploitation Summary: This review was commissioned by the Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse to inform its work on improving data currently collected in England and Wales. Unlike previous reviews which have looked at findings on prevalence rates within and across different countries, this study looked at differences in self-report survey methodologies to research rates of victimisation and perpetration. The aims of the review were to: - identify methodologically different surveys undertaken in countries outside England and Wales that specifically focus on, or include, child sexual abuse (CSA) - identify questions used in surveys to assess the scale and nature of CSA - including any questions regarding child sexual exploitation (CSE), and those exploring abuse or grooming that takes place online - and comment on their relative effectiveness - explore the survey methods used, and identify what worked well in achieving a good response rate - explore the sampling strategies used, including any use of booster samples to reach underrepresented or identified vulnerable groups - identify questions, survey methods and sampling strategies used to explore potential and actual perpetration of CSA - discuss what identified good practice would be replicable in the UK context, and to what extent this would allow comparisons to be made across countries. Details: Ilford, Esssex, UK: Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse, 2018. 66p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 22, 2018 at: https://www.csacentre.org.uk/research-publications/scale-and-nature-of-child-sexual-abuse-and-exploitation/a-review-of-international-survey-methodology-on-child-sexual-abuse-and-child-sexual-exploitation/ Year: 2018 Country: International URL: https://www.csacentre.org.uk/research-publications/scale-and-nature-of-child-sexual-abuse-and-exploitation/a-review-of-international-survey-methodology-on-child-sexual-abuse-and-child-sexual-exploitation/ Shelf Number: 149212 Keywords: Child Grooming Child Pornography Child Sex OffendersChild Sexual Abuse Child Sexual Exploitation Computer Crimes Internet Crimes Sex Offender Treatment Sex Offenders |
Author: Kaur, Kam Title: Local commissioning of services addressing child sexual abuse and exploitation in England Summary: On behalf of the Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse, Cordis Bright undertook an independent review in spring 2017 of how child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSA/CSE) services were commissioned in five local areas in England. The review sought to clarify local approaches developed through local authorities, health and wellbeing boards, Offices of the Police and Crime Commissioners (OPCCs), NHS England and clinical commissioning groups (CCGs). It aimed to identify challenges, weaknesses and strengths in current local commissioning which might be of broader interest. Commissioners' views were also sought on the support they were looking for, including how the Centre of expertise might help. Following a review of the literature, Cordis Bright conducted interviews with 30 commissioners, commissioning partners, service providers and local practitioner experts across the five local areas. In view of the link with CSA/CSE, harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) was included in the review as it progressed. Limitations The review was a rapid research exercise informed by evidence from five sites. Whilst these sites provide a degree of diversity, the findings will not fully reflect experiences in all locations in England, and do not incorporate experiences in Wales. The findings reflect a point in time (spring 2017) and should be considered with reference to emerging developments which may influence change, such as the impending release by the NHS of its strategy on sexual abuse. The review focused on local commissioning and does not provide direct insight into centralised commissioning processes. However, some of its findings may be useful to decision-makers in that context. Findings The findings, drawn from the interviews, are summarised thematically here. A key caveat to the findings is the fact that the fieldwork was limited to five local authority areas in England. A theme underpinning many of the findings, and reported in all five areas, is the impact of the current economic climate on local service provision. Stakeholders reported that local commissioners' budgets are diminishing, as is the independently generated income of voluntary and community sector (VCS) service providers. Commissioning challenges Local commissioners were said to face a number of common challenges: - The high profile accorded to CSE by central government has been beneficial, but has not yet been extended to CSA and HSB. - Whilst CSE service commissioning practice appear well-developed, CSA and HSB services are not commissioned (or delivered in-house) with the same transparency and robustness. - The use of short-term contracts (usually lasting three years) limits VCS partnership/investment opportunities. - Good commissioning partnerships (with other commissioners or the VCS) will require a significant amount of investment to develop and maintain. - Cuts to commissioning teams limit the scope and quality of commissioning activity. - There needs to be more detail on CSA/CSE and HSB, including online elements of abuse, in local population needs assessments. - Health bodies and schools are not always seen by others as engaged as full partners in the commissioning of local CSA/CSE and HSB services. - There is no quality assurance framework to ensure that schools have appropriate safeguarding care pathways or commissioned CSA/CSE/HSB response services. - There is no consensus on good outcomes measurement - in particular focusing on 'distance travelled' for an individual (emotional wellbeing, improvement in relationship with family and friends, access to positive alternative activities and engagement in learning) - for CSA/CSE and HSB services. Stakeholders wanted: - CSA and HSB to be included in CSE commissioning governance, reported as usually being overseen by the Director of Children's Services and a local safeguarding children board (LSCB) subgroup - mental health trusts to have in place governance and partnership arrangements focusing on CSA/ CSE recovery - more focus from the OPCCs on children and young people, including funding for the vital role of sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) - all areas to have an explicit, integrated CSA, CSE and HSB strategy - national CSA/CSE and HSB commissioning guidance which minimises contract-monitoring activity. Gaps in commissioned services Local areas expressed concerns including the following: - There has been a significant reduction in prevention services for CSE and HSB. More investment is required from schools, public health budgets and CCGs. - There has not been any CSA prevention work. - There has been a significant reduction in school nursing services. Nurses have been a key contact for identification/disclosure of CSA/CSE. - Responding to online abuse needs to be included in local CSA/CSE and HSB services. - The regionalisation of the SARCs may be supported on medical grounds, but has increased travel time for children and young people. Additionally, more follow-up counselling support sessions funded through SARCs are needed. - There is a significant shortfall in follow-up or recovery services for children who have experienced CSA/CSE and/or HSB. Where budgets are not protected for existing services, the services risk losing the flexibility needed for victims to disclose and recover. - Transition from children's to adults' services is difficult for survivors of CSA and CSE. - The volume of HSB is growing, but services are reducing. Details: Ilford, Esssex, UK: Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse, 2018. 56p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 22, 2018 at: https://www.csacentre.org.uk/research-publications/local-commissioning-of-services-addressing-child-sexual-abuse-and-exploitation-in-england/local-commissioning-of-services-addressing-child-sexual-abuse-and-exploitation-in-england/ Year: 2018 Country: United Kingdom URL: https://www.csacentre.org.uk/research-publications/local-commissioning-of-services-addressing-child-sexual-abuse-and-exploitation-in-england/local-commissioning-of-services-addressing-child-sexual-abuse-and-exploitation-in-en Shelf Number: 149216 Keywords: Child PornographyChild Sexual AbuseChild Sexual ExploitationComputer CrimesInternet CrimesIntervention ProgramsSex Offender TreatmentSex OffendersSexual Assault |
Author: Hackett, Simon Title: Services for Young People Who Sexually Abuse: A report on mapping and exploring services for young people who have sexually abused others Summary: The overall aim of this study was to investigate recent developments in the UK and Republic of Ireland in services for young people who have demonstrated sexually abusive behaviour, including their organisational, theoretical and policy bases, and to explore the experiences of young people and their families who are receiving such services. Rationale It has been recognised that sexual abuse perpetrated by young people constitutes a significant proportion of all sexual abuse committed in the UK and Republic of Ireland. For example, the most recently available criminal statistics indicate that 17% of all Cautions and convictions for sexual offences in England and Wales in the year 2001 related to young people under the age of 18 (Home Office, 2002). Nevertheless, services designed to respond to such groups of young people are in their relative infancy, with previous research highlighting the problematic nature of their piecemeal development (Masson, 1997 and 1998). There has been little overall sense of the range of services being offered in the UK to different populations of young people with sexually abusive behaviour across both the child welfare and Criminal Justice System. While something of a 'treatment' orthodoxy has developed more broadly in the adult sex offender field (Hackett, 2000), there have been few previous concerted attempts to understand the development and current 'landscape' of services in the adolescent field. In addition, there has been little, if any, published research into the experiences and views of young people and their families who receive such services. There is, therefore, an urgent need for research to fill these gaps in the current knowledge base. In order to meet the overall goal set out above, the current study has gathered data on the nature of service provision, policy and practice relating to young people with sexually abusive and harmful behaviour across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. In this way, the current study has sought to form the most comprehensive review of the field undertaken, to date, in the UK and Republic of Ireland. The process After an initial analysis of the available literature, the following five-stage process was used to meet the objectives of the study. First, a survey was undertaken to collect the views and opinions of key experts (n=78) working in the field on the nature of effective intervention or 'treatment' with this group of young people. Using the Delphi method, it was possible to identify levels of consensus about the orientation and principles of this work, its core goals, components and theoretical basis. Second, a further Delphi study, focusing on structural and management issues in this area of practice, was undertaken with managers of services working with young people who have sexually abused (n=65). Third, a comprehensive 'mapping' survey relating to services for young people who have demonstrated sexually abusive behaviour and their families (n=186) was undertaken, collecting data on the nature of each service, its users, practices, policies and procedures. Fourth, an analysis of available policy documents (n=43) on the subject of children and young people who have sexually abused was undertaken. Local area child protection committee (ACPC) procedures and guidance documents, children's services plans, ACPC annual reports, and youth offending team (YOT) protocols were analysed as to their usefulness and comprehensiveness in dealing effectively with this issue. Fifth, a small-scale qualitative study of service-user perspectives (n=23) from a variety of sites across the UK and Northern Ireland collected users' views and opinions about the professional systems which have been involved in their lives in the aftermath of sexually abusive behaviour. The findings from each of these five research elements are reported within separate chapters in this report, together with a fuller description of the methodology used in each case. Details: Youth Justice Board for England and Wales, 2005. 155p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 10, 2018 at: http://dera.ioe.ac.uk/7763/1/Services%20for%20Young%20People%20who%20have%20Sexually%20Abused.pdf Year: 2005 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://dera.ioe.ac.uk/7763/1/Services%20for%20Young%20People%20who%20have%20Sexually%20Abused.pdf Shelf Number: 117088 Keywords: Juvenile Sex OffendersSex Offender TreatmentSex Offenders |
Author: Hollomotz, Andrea Title: Behaviour that Challenges: Planning services for people with learning disabilities and/or autism who sexually offend Summary: There are people with learning disabilities and/ or autism in every community, some of whom will engage in sexually offending and risky behaviour. Already a highly marginalised group, many will themselves be at risk of exploitation and abuse. Several local, regional and national authorities and multi-agency partnerships have overlapping responsibilities for their health and wellbeing - whether as a statutory duty or because supporting people who are vulnerable is integral to their role. The array of support agencies can be confusing and hard to access - both for individuals with learning disabilities and/ or autism and family members seeking help on their behalf. Early intervention and support can improve outcomes for the individuals themselves, make communities safer and reduce the number of victims, and lessen the high cost of crisis intervention. This briefing paper sets out the case for change: it draws on presentations and discussions from a seminar we held in May 2017. It includes practice examples and suggests practical ways forward and makes recommendations to improve outcomes for some of the most vulnerable citizens in our society. Details: London: Economic and Social Research Council; Prison Reform Trust, 2018. 40p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 26, 2018 at: http://adaptingtreatment.com/files/2018/03/Behaviour-that-challenges.pdf Year: 2018 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://adaptingtreatment.com/files/2018/03/Behaviour-that-challenges.pdf Shelf Number: 149897 Keywords: AutismDevelopmental DisabilitiesDisabled PersonsLearning DisabilitiesSex Offender TreatmentSex Offenders |