NCJ Number
209919
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 13 Issue: 3/4 Dated: 2004 Pages: 157-192
Date Published
2004
Length
36 pages
Annotation
This article describes an outpatient treatment program for juvenile sexual offenders (JSOs) that was developed by a mental health agency in collaboration with a specialized probation program under the juvenile court.
Abstract
This collaborative treatment program integrates the efforts of trained probation officers from the Special Services Unit under the Allegheny County Juvenile Court (Pennsylvania) and clinicians from the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. The program serves children and adolescent ages 10-18, who remain in the community following their adjudication of a sexual offense. The collaboration was established to enhance service efficiency and effectiveness. Individualized treatment is based on a comprehensive clinical assessment with the JSO and his/her guardian, for which examples are provided. Given the heterogeneity of this population, the article describes several treatment strategies for various profiles of individual and family clients that differ in psychiatric disorders, sexual deviance and sexuality, normal adolescent development and adaptive skills, and parent and family relationships. The program features the cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) model and its emphasis on the interplay of cognitive, affective, and behavioral systems. The focus is on an examination and restructuring of cognitions based on rationality and validity, with instruction in strategies for developing specific problem solving skills and the practice of various interpersonal and self-control skills. The authors describe the session structure, treatment planning and goal-setting, and cognitive behavioral therapy with parents and family members of JSOs. 2 tables, 58 references, and appended CBT cards and samples of JSO treatment exercises