Remedial Intervention in Adolescent Sex Offenses - Nine Program Descriptions

• NCJ Number: 88864
• Author(s): F H Knopp
• Date Published: 1982
• Length: 161 pages
• Corporate Author: Prison Research Education Action Project
• Sale Source: Safer Society Press
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This report describes nine programs across the country that help the sexually abusive male youth, ranging from community-based services to secure residential settings for the most assaultive offenders. It provides criteria for assessing the need for remedial intervention and shares recommendations for prevention, culled from interviews with treatment providers and offenders.

Abstract

Adolescent sex offense behavior is more widespread and serious than has been officially acknowledged, particularly for child molestation offenses. Empirical data indicate that between 40 and 50 percent of sex offenses against child victims were committed by adolescents and that such behaviors can escalate in adulthood unless remedial intervention occurs. Yet the number of treatment programs has not grown to meet the demand; of the 22 programs identified, 3 States claim credit for more than half. Of the nine programs described here, four are residential programs progressing in security from 'open' to 'maximum,' and five are community-based nonresidential programs (three located in Minnesota). Although language of staff and methods of programs differ, there are common and strongly held beliefs about causal factors, needed remedies, and methods of preventing harmful sexual behaviors. The family emerges as the primary locus of the aggressors' problems, compounded by social and personal attitudes toward sexuality and power. Most alarming are consistent reports of early sexual and emotional abuse of these youth, often by their fathers. Most programs use the educational model. Group and individual therapies include role plays, psychodrama, gestalt therapy, transactional analysis, guided interaction therapy, and rational-emotive therapy. While programs may emphasize some program components over others (i.e., family therapy over victim awareness), an approach that seems to work with all young people is persistent caring expressed by sensitive and dedicated staff. Chapter notes and a list of programs and resources for adolescent sex offenders are included.