NCJ Number
164136
Journal
Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment Volume: 8 Issue: 3 Dated: (July 1996) Pages: 209-221
Date Published
1996
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Recent outcome data for relapse prevention (RP) programs with sex offenders are reviewed with the aim of comparing treatment programs that have either no RP features, only the internal management component of RP, or both internal management and the external supervisory components of RP.
Abstract
The approach to treatment that uses the RP model involves an initial orientation component that explains to clients the essential features of RP. Clients are told how their offending is construed as the result of an offense chain that involves various cognitive and emotional states that trigger a sequence of behaviors that finally culminates in offending. The relevance of each component of treatment is described in RP terms as ways of gaining understanding and skills, so that the offense chain can be avoided or interrupted to reduce the risk of reoffending. Treatment participants may be indoctrinated in the language of RP and assisted in identifying high-risk situations (HRS) where the chances of reoffending markedly increase. Offenders are given guidance in formulating plans to deal with these HRS and with other issues that may increase the risk of reoffending. Upon discharge, the clients may be involved in a treatment maintenance program, accompanied by supervision by trained staff. Not all programs with RP elements, however, include all of these features. This review of evaluation findings for RP programs considers those with differing features. Although it is difficult to know how comparable the subjects were in each of the programs examined, the data challenge the wisdom of routinely adopting the expensive and extensive RP programs that have both internal management and external supervisory components. There is no evidence that adding any of the RP features to prison programs produces great efficacy. More research is needed to evaluate properly the utility of adding RP elements to treatment programs for sexual offenders. 1 table and 39 references