NCJ Number
183507
Date Published
2000
Length
10 pages
Annotation
In discussing research findings and guidelines for the effective management and treatment of juvenile sex offenders, this paper addresses incidence and demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics and juvenile sex offender subtypes, the amenability of juvenile sex offenders to treatment, policy development, and promising approaches to treatment and intervention.
Abstract
Juveniles account for a significant percentage of the sexual assaults against children and women in the United States. The onset of sexual behavior problems in juveniles appears to be linked to a number of factors, including child maltreatment and exposure to violence and pornography. Emerging research suggests, as in the case of adult sex offenders, that a distinction can be made between juveniles who target peers or adults, and those who offend against children. The former group apparently is generally more antisocial and violent, although considerable differences exist within each population. Although available data do not indicate that the majority of juvenile sex offenders are destined to become adult sex offenders, legal and mental health intervention is believed by professionals to be important in deterring a continuation of such behavior. The most effective intervention is believed to consist of a combination of legal sanctions, monitoring, and specialized clinical programming. Programs that reflect the collaborative efforts of juvenile justice and mental health professions generally report low sexual recidivism rates. Practitioners should be aware of recent legislative reform within juvenile justice and be careful to adhere to organizational guidelines when working with this population. 11 selected references