NCJ Number
110178
Journal
Juvenile and Family Court Journal Volume: 39 Issue: 1 Dated: (1988) Pages: 29-35
Date Published
1988
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article describes current efforts in Kent County, Mich., to assist juvenile court workers and judges in assessing the needs of juvenile sex offenders and to provide them comprehensive treatment services.
Abstract
As of July 29, 1986, there were 50 juvenile sex offenders in the court system. The 48 males and 2 females averaged 13.6 years old, and the average age of their victims was 10.6 years. Vaginal penetration was the most frequent offense. Eleven of the offenders had themselves been sexually abused. In only three cases was the perpetrator a stranger to the victim. The overall goals of the Adolescent Sex Offender Treatment Program are to help participants establish healthy individual and family functioning and to better understand how their actions affect others. Program components are assessment and treatment. The assessment includes individual and family interviews with the juveniles and their parents, completion of the Millon Adolescent Personality Inventory and a sexual attitude questionnaire by the youth, and assessment of family interaction using the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale III. Treatment involves weekly group therapy for the youth, two family sessions per month, and individual counseling as necessary. An educational component covers human sexuality topics and values. Program staff consists of two full-time court employees and two contractual consultants. 16 notes.