U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Treating Adolescent Sexual Offenders

NCJ Number
127899
Journal
Professional Psychology: Research and Practice Volume: 21 Issue: 5 Dated: special issue (October 1990) Pages: 362-365
Author(s)
J V Becker
Date Published
1990
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article deals with the assessment and treatment of adolescents who commit sexual crimes.
Abstract
The role of the clinician in performing the assessment is to evaluate whether the adolescent understands the seriousness and inappropriateness of the behavior, to evaluate treatment needs, and to recommend specific treatment procedures. The treatment of adult sexual offenders is discussed as it compares to adolescents' treatment. The ethical issues to be considered in providing therapy to juvenile sexual offenders are discussed as well as listing 19 other issues to be dealt with in the treatment of adolescent offenders. A cognitive-behavior treatment program is presented which has six components: verbal satiation, cognitive restructuring, covert sensitization, social skills training, sex education and values clarification, and relapse prevention. One year follow-up interviews are strongly suggested. Areas of further research, particularly on factors associated with recidivism, are presented. 24 references (Author abstract modified)