NCJ Number
151994
Editor(s)
S E Johnson
Date Published
1994
Length
123 pages
Annotation
Protocols and standards proposed for the case management of juvenile sex offenders in Utah focus on investigations, family services, the juvenile court, assessment, treatment and placement, sexually reactive children between 4 and 11 years of age, and education.
Abstract
The investigations protocol is based on the philosophy that appropriate interventions for and treatment of juvenile sex offenders can significantly reduce further victimization and thus protect the community. Both law enforcement and child protective service officials are responsible for investigating child sexual abuse, and case coordination between agencies is essential. Protocols and procedures for juvenile sex offenders involved in Utah's Office of Social Services are family-centered and aim to help parents care for their offending children. The juvenile court philosophy concerning juvenile sex offenders is based on two principles, community protection and best interest of the child. Protocols for the Utah Juvenile Court's Probation Department focus on sex offender detention, intake, jurisdiction, and probation supervision. The assessment protocol is used on all juveniles referred for sexual offenses. The goal of assessment is to determine the juvenile's risk level, potential to reoffend, and appropriate level of intervention and supervision. Treatment and placement protocols pertain to the development of client profiles, assessment, treatment modalities and frequency, monitoring, and discharge criteria. Treatment protocols for sexually reactive children between 4 and 11 years of age recognize the difficulties involved in treating young children who display inappropriate sexual behavior toward other children. The education protocol for dealing with juvenile sex offenders is based on the belief that the major life task of minors between 5 and 18 years of age is to complete his or her education and receive a high school diploma.