NCJ Number
105985
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 49 Issue: 3 Dated: (June 1987) Pages: 124-126,129
Date Published
1987
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Since 1984, 180 Degrees, Inc., a Minnesota half-way house, has conducted a 13-week group program for sex offenders that has evidenced short-term success.
Abstract
Participants in the men's sexuality group are screened in an intake interview involving the taking of a sexual-social history. Individuals with little capacity to function as group members or who completely deny any sex offense are generally excluded from group membership. Most group members participate to fulfill a parole condition that they receive help related to their offense. An outside therapist implements the program with the help of a volunteer staff of former sex offenders who have apparently overcome their problem. During the 13 weeks, each member completes a behavioral contract which includes an autobiography of the sex offense, victim and offender impact identification, sexual abuse cues, a control plan, and personal affirmations. Each group meeting focuses on a topic, some of which are sexual abuse dynamics, victim impacts, sexual abuse cues, and healthy sexual development. Although the program's long-term impact is not clear, over 19 months, only two group members have committed sex offenses while in the program. 3 references.