NCJ Number
98967
Date Published
1985
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This booklet discusses (1) the rationale for early remedial intervention for juvenile sex offenders, (2) guidelines for determining whether a juvenile's sexual behavior is 'normal' or part of a pattern of sexually aggressive behavior, (3) criteria for assessing risk, (4) goals and treatment methods for juvenile sex offenders, and (5) recommendations for State planning to address juvenile sex offenses.
Abstract
A review of data reported from various studies of both incarcerated and nonincarcerated offenders indicates the high incidence of the early onset of deviant sexual behavior and the potential for the escalation of offense seriousness. These findings constitute one basis for early intervention to control juvenile sex offenses. Other rationales for early intervention mentioned are the ease of disrupting and preventing deviant sexual behaviors in juveniles and juveniles' openness to learning new social skills, as well as the relative inexpensiveness of early intervention compared with later institutional treatment. The booklet discusses eight key issues in evaluating a sexually abusive adolescent. Guidelines are provided for assessing the offender's personality development, particularly in the context of the family situation. Criteria are presented for assessing the dangerousness of an adolescent sex offender. The booklet explains 6 treatment goals for juvenile sex offenders and accompanying treatment methods, describes 4 programs that have yielded a low number of recidivists, and outlines 10 steps in a State's planning for comprehensive remedial intervention for juvenile sex offenders. Eleven references are listed.