NCJ Number
235081
Journal
Howard Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 50 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2011 Pages: 137-152
Date Published
May 2011
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the prevalence of sexually-harmful behavior among young people.
Abstract
A significant minority of sexual offences are committed by children, a significant proportion of which involve other children as victims. In order to protect children, the perpetrators in these cases will frequently be designated as Schedule 1 offenders and registered sex offenders. The number of people subject to these legal labels for an indefinite period of time is rising steadily. This article reviews the prevalence of sexually-harmful behavior among young people and the number of people with an indefinite legal status following a conviction for a sexual offence committed as a child. It explores the consequences for these people and considers the legality of indefinite labeling. It questions whether the imposition of this status increases the risk of harm to the public. (Published Abstract)