Short-Term Community-Based Treatment for Sexual Offenders: Enhancing Effectiveness

Abstract

The present study examined the effectiveness of a treatment program in an outpatient community-based setting for sexual offenders that maintains a close working relationship with the offender's probation officer through the Florida Department of Corrections. A total of 200 sexual offenders were tracked for recidivism rates for up to 5 years. One hundred of these sexual offenders received treatment for their crimes, and the remaining 100 were not required to enroll in treatment as a condition of the court. The outcome of the comparison between the two groups revealed a lower recidivism rate among those who completed outpatient treatment versus those who were not mandated to receive treatment. Demographic variables that may influence the successful completion of outpatient treatment programs were also reported. Some possible contributing factors are discussed that are believed to enhance effectiveness of treatment.