Crucial steps towards the safe reintegration of sex offenders into the community as law-abiding citizens are using the least restrictive custody, granting temporary absence and/or conditional release (parole), and supervising them appropriately in the community. The article discusses and evaluates the effectiveness of several sex offender treatment programs, examines programs' effect on recidivism rates, and notes some methodological problems with outcome studies. The fact that sex offenders appear to benefit from treatment in penal institutions and that sex offenders are often required to complete programs before release emphasizes the importance of continuing to offer specialized services to these individuals. It also emphasizes the need for a comprehensive document setting out principles and standards for providing services to sex offenders, guidelines for assessment, treatment, and research, and a framework for evaluation and accountability. References