NCJ Number
200816
Journal
Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Volume: 30 Issue: 4 Dated: 2002 Pages: 525-532
Editor(s)
Ezra E.H. Griffith M.D.
Date Published
2002
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article examines the development and implementation of the Texas statute on sexually violent predators, focusing on Texas’ use of an outpatient treatment and supervision commitment model within the statute, as opposed to other States inpatient commitment model in a secure facility for those who are likely to engage in predatory acts of sexual violence.
Abstract
Numerous States have enacted statutes focusing on the civil commitment of sexually violent predators. There are currently 15 States with a statute allowing for the civil commitment of sexual predators. All the States, except Texas, passed legislation creating inpatient treatment for those individuals committed. Texas focuses on the use of outpatient treatment and supervision in lieu of inpatient commitment. Concerns have been expressed over the outpatient format compared with other States, the potential costs that could affect standard psychiatric programs, and the evaluation and treatment process. However, the Texas statute creates a new way for jurisdictions across the United States to manage violent sexual predators. It reduces some of the concerns expressed by the Task Force Report from the American Psychiatric Association regarding the implementation of statutes allowing for the civil commitment of sexually violent predators. This article focuses on the development and implementation of the Texas statute emphasizing forensic assessment, expert testimony, and risk assessment. References