NCJ Number
193906
Journal
Juvenile Correctional Mental Health Report Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: January/February 2002 Pages: 17-18,24-25,28-29,30
Date Published
2002
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This second part of a two-part series considers common traits among juvenile sex offenders, rates of recidivism for juvenile sex offenders, and whether juvenile sex offender treatment programs work; lessons are drawn for defense counsel who represent such offenders.
Abstract
Regarding common traits among juvenile sex offenders, there are a number of identifiable factors or similarities in an otherwise heterogeneous group of offenders. Juvenile sex offenders are typically male, with a medium age of 14 to 15. They have various symptoms of organic impairment, an intelligence quotient below 80, and a high incidence of aggressive behavior. There are apparently a number of factors that contribute to recidivism among youthful sex offenders. Some studies suggest that the younger the offender at the time of the first offense, the greater the probability of reoffending. Given the current limitations of reliable data to support the proposition that treatment programs effectively reduce recidivism among sexual offenders, defense counsel should proceed cautiously when advising the juvenile client. Counsel must become familiar with available treatment programs in the event the client is adjudicated or enters a plea, and counsel should become familiar with the literature that has reviewed and evaluated treatment programs. Clearly, treatment for juvenile sex offenders is not in vain, and the anecdotal information provided by local therapists should be presented to the court during dispositions and post-dispositional reviews. Finally, counsel should support the efforts of the scientific and therapeutic communities to improve the quality of long-term studies and intervention strategies that involve juvenile sex offenders. 35 notes