NCJ Number
176205
Journal
Journal of Sexual Aggression Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: 1997-98 Pages: 71-86
Date Published
1998
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the role of secure units in helping sexually abusive adolescent males change their behavior and attitudes, based on an analysis of the problems presented by 23 male adolescent sex offenders at Glenthorne Youth Treatment Center in England.
Abstract
These youths had committed a variety of nonsexual offenses and were responsible for 691 recorded crimes. Many had committed violent offenses and had emotional, educational, relationship, and drug abuse problems. However, the use of offense-focused group therapy and individual psychotherapy is limited in secure units, in contrast to the situation in community settings. Many of these youths are not suited to this kind of treatment or are not yet ready to benefit from it. Secure units also have difficulty providing resources for these types of interventions. Nevertheless, the secure unit can be structured to produce changes in behaviors and attitudes associated with sex offenses. Attention should be given to particular aspects of residential practice, including antidiscriminatory practice, organizational values, establishing behavioral boundaries, challenging unacceptable behavior and language, and reinforcing appropriate behavior. Other aspect that should receive attention include encouraging interpersonal problem-solving, providing effective supervision based on an evaluation of risk, and education to increase awareness of victims and respect for others. Liaison with community programs for sexually abusive adolescents should also be encouraged. Tables and 34 references (Author abstract modified)