One strategy for applying the risk principle is to withhold treatment from all but higher-risk offenders; however, this strategy has several drawbacks. First, treatment may benefit lower-risk offenders in ways that are not captured by recidivism data, such as successful reintegration with their families. Further, some victims may be less likely to report offenses and help prosecute offenders if they know that the offender will not receive treatment. Finally, a clinician may not discover that an apparently low-risk incest offender actually has pedophilic interests until after a period of treatment. A better strategy might involve improving efficiency through the use of the risk principle within a policy that offers treatment to all willing offenders. Higher-risk sex offenders can be difficult to treat. They often resist treatment and fail to cooperate with therapists; consequently, they are often expelled from treatment. Recent research, however, suggests that failing to complete treatment may be a potent recidivism predictor. Therapists must, therefore, persist with higher-risk sex offenders. 6 footnotes