The Challenges of Sexual Offense Treatment Programs in Correctional Facilities

Abstract

This article addresses issues surrounding the organizational planning and evaluation of specialized sex offender treatment programs in secure correctional environments. The authors describe the problems ofdesigning and establishing a therapy program in an anti-therapeutic environment and techniques for maintaining treatment integrity through the adoption ofa structured planning and review process. Educating the public about program clientele and the development of relationships with local policymakers and community-based agencies through networking and public relations plays an influential role in the success or failure of any treatment program by ensuring the accuracy of information and preventing rumors regarding risk to the community. Program evaluation assists in the measurement ofprogram efficacy, provides tangible proof of success or failure, and facilitates the improvement ofprogramming and services.

An Examination of Counseling Professionals/Paraprofessionals Attitudes Toward Adolescent Sexual Offenders

“…Although adolescent and adult sexual offenders are viewed differently, there are many similarities to consider in treating both the populations. For example, one similarity is that there must be a good rapport between the offender and counselor for treatment to be effective (Carone & LaFleur, 2000; Ertl & McNamara, 1997; Schneider et al, 2006). Future studies might compare counselor attitudes toward adolescent and adult sexual offenders to determine the attitudinal factors that appear to be common for both populations.…”

Implementation of a Treatment Program for Individuals Imprisoned for Sex Offenses in Uruguay: Achievements, Problems and Challenges

“…In a sense, the difficulties reported in this study could be indirectly related to Uruguayan public opinion unfavorable to offenders’ rehabilitation, who are currently considered irrecoverable subjects (Schneider et al, 2016). For instance, it could be an explanation for the negative attitudes shown by some therapists in the prison system.…”

“…Mostly the difficulties derive from limited or inadequate resources for the program implementation, need for a man-woman therapeutic pair, shortage of prison officers, task overload, and the need for better cooperation between agencies (Beech et al, 2005; Corrective Services New South Wales, 2017; Dean et al, 2017; Duriez et al, 2017; Farringer et al, 2019; Geiger & Fischer, 2017). However, the challenges are even greater in societies such as Uruguay where human and financial resources are more limited (Moore et al, 2013; Schneider et al, 2016). This study focuses on the process evaluation treatment program for ICSO in Uruguay.…”