NCJ Number
204984
Date Published
June 2001
Length
203 pages
Annotation
This document discusses an evaluation of the Sex Offender Treatment Program (SOTP) for juveniles in Illinois.
Abstract
Juvenile sexual offenders were identified as a significant problem several years ago by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA). The ICJIA granted funds to the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) to develop a sex offender-specific treatment program inside the juvenile facility in Harrisburg and follow-up care and supervision for youth paroled to Cook County, jointly referred to as the SOTP. The program was implemented in October 1996 and continues to be refined and improved. This evaluation includes both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analyses. The primary goals of the evaluation were to document the pre-program environment from which the program developed; document the implementation process in a way that will guide its continued improvement and refinement; and document the operationalized program as it currently exists. The process evaluation focused on three levels: system impacts, program impacts, and individual impacts. The system impact was evaluated in terms of the preservation of public safety, and the improvement of inter- and intra-agency communication. It is not yet possible to determine whether the SOTP preserves or increases public safety in the community because only three youth have been recently released to parole. Intra-agency communication has been affected by increased communication and cooperation. Inter-agency communication has been positively affected by increased communication. The program impacts are identified by identifying and assessing offenders and meeting treatment needs. All of the treatment components specified in the grant funding document have been provided during the last year to youth. The lack of baseline institutional data makes it difficult to determine the extent to which youth have experienced behavioral changes. There is little evidence on the issue of treatment phase completion. Juvenile sex offenders released on parole under SOTP supervision appeared to receive the individualized attention needed. 43 references, appendix