Rapists tend to have higher recidivism rates than child molesters, while incest offenders tend to have the lowest recidivism rates. Some sex offenders, such as child molesters, may reoffend many years after an initial sex offense. For these sex offenders, deviant sexual behavior may be a lifelong problem. While some studies have revealed that particular treatment programs are associated with lower recidivism rates in certain types of sex offenders, solid scientific evidence is lacking that clearly proves that treatment programs reduce sex offender recidivism. Additional research is needed to identify more effective methods of treating and supervising sex offenders, as well as more accurate methods of predicting recidivism among sex offenders. Such research can help the public and policymakers understand the risks posed by convicted sex offenders. Tables and 40 references