NCJ Number
140385
Journal
Mental Retardation Volume: 28 Issue: 3 Dated: (June 1990) Pages: 155-161
Date Published
1990
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The effectiveness of specialized treatment for sex offenders with IQs from 55 to 85 is discussed, based on the author's experience with outpatient groups of mentally handicapped offenders.
Abstract
The mistaken assumptions about people with mental retardation have resulted both in discriminatory laws and in a lack of specialized therapy for sex offenders who are mentally retarded or in the borderline-normal range of intelligence. In addition, society often responds in inconsistent and often abusive ways to such sexual offenders. Moreover, the major literature on these offenders does not comment on group-based treatment, which is used in almost all programs for sex offenders who are not mentally retarded. The authors developed such a therapy group as a source of direct treatment and a focus of coordination of the multiple agencies dealing with these sex offenders. The treatment philosophy rests on eight concepts and aims for 2 years without sex offenses as the culmination of personal changes based on self-control. The clients are ages 18 and older and enter the group as soon as it has an opening. Seven to 10 members attend the 90-minute weekly sessions, which are led by male and female co-therapists. Two-and-a- half years of experience with this population have revealed that specific, client-focused goals have been achieved, and rearrest is infrequent. For the majority of the members, attendance has been regular. In addition, clients have generally demonstrated increasing interest in choosing and rating their goals. Tables, figure, and 22 references