NCJ Number
132746
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: (January-February 1989) Pages: 9-19
Date Published
1989
Length
11 pages
Annotation
A survey that received responses from 49 States, the District of Columbia, and 9 Canadian correctional systems gathered information regarding changes in sex offender populations in correctional systems between 1986 and 1988 as well as sex offender treatment and housing.
Abstract
Twenty-nine States reported increases in the number of sex offenders during the past 2 years compared to 37 in a similar survey in 1986. In addition, the number of systems reporting decreases rose from one to four. The total number of inmates incarcerated for sex offenses increased by 3,000 to just over 58,000 between 1986 and 1988. Increased public concern and awareness, changes in State laws, and better reporting of sex crimes are believed to be responsible for the increase. Seventeen systems reported that they provide separate housing for at least some sex offenders. Most systems provide individual and group counseling and inmate support groups. Educational programs, family therapy, and a variety of medical treatments may also be offered. Thirty-one systems have special parole provisions for at least some of the sex offenders, often establishing special conditions on an individual basis. Management problems were reported by 13 systems. Four of the nine Canadian systems reported an increase in the number of incarcerated sex offenders. Tables and a chart giving State-by-State and Canadian results