Clinical Issues in the Treatment of Geriatric Sex Offenders (From Handbook of Sex Offender Treatment, P 44-1 - 44-10, 2011, Barbara K. Schwartz, ed. - See NCJ-243091)

• NCJ Number: 243135
• Author(s): M. K. Johnson, Ph.D.
• Date Published: 2011
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: Civic Research Institute, Inc
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Technical Assistance
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter addresses various aspects of the treatment of geriatric (elderly) sex offenders.

Abstract

The topics discussed are legal issues and the criminal justice system, social functioning, emotional health, physical health, and treatment issues specific to working with this population. Regarding legal issues, research indicates that elderly sex offenders are less likely than elderly non-sex offenders to receive leniency in sentencing, resulting in an increased likelihood of incarceration and/or probation as opposed to a suspended sentence (Turner & Champion, 1989; Wilbanks, 1988). Studies of elderly probationers have found that between 21 percent and 30 percent of male probationers have been convicted of sex crimes. Of those probationers, 25 percent to more than 50 percent have prior criminal records, with up to 25 percent having prior sex offense records. Limitations in social functioning are often exacerbated by the conditions under which elderly criminals are incarcerated. Elderly criminals bring their wide range of physical health problems and resulting medical and environmental needs with them to jail or prison. Being convicted of a sex crime can lead to the disruption of family and friendship networks for sex offenders of all ages, but it is particularly difficult for elderly offenders. When devising a treatment program, it is important to take into account the social situation and developmental issues facing the elderly in general, and particularly elderly sex offenders whose friendships and family relationships have diminished due to age combined with the social isolation that typically characterizes sex offenders. Emotional health concerns of elderly offenders include anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and suicide. Physical health concerns are related to sexuality and sexual dysfunction, the impact of the dementias, and general health care needs. Supplementary and focal treatment issues for elderly sex offenders are discussed. 32 references