ABSTRACT
One of the difficulties with the implementation of community maintenance programs (CMPs) for men who have sexually offended has been the lack of a definitive conceptualization of maintenance and therefore no standardized theory or program. The aim of this study was one part of a broader attempt to develop an understanding of maintenance programs by exploring the views, opinions, and experiences of those who facilitate maintenance programs. The current study sought to consult with service providers, after interviewing CMP participants, to formulate a working definition by incorporating their perceptions with existing knowledge of the extant literature. Eleven service providers (i.e., psychologists) who delivered the largest Australian CMP were interviewed and asked about their perceptions regarding the purpose and objectives of the CMP as well as their experiences of facilitating the program. Four primary themes emerged as relevant, which are discussed, as well as the implications for practice and researchers.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Notes
1 Only registered psychologists are employed to facilitate this community maintenance program.
2 Life parole refers to those who are on parole for the duration of their natural life.
3 The pool of potential participants was limited because there is only one CMP in this jurisdiction, a small number of service providers are responsible for facilitating many group programs and there is a high turnover of staff.
4 In Australian states and territories an application may be made to the Court for an extended supervision order if someone, whose sentence is about to expire, is considered to represent an “unacceptable risk” of serious re-offending and meets the criteria for a “serious sexual offender”. These orders direct that a range of supervision, monitoring, and management conditions (including possible electronic monitoring) are imposed on someone deemed high-risk after they are released into the community upon sentence expiry.
5 A Self-Management Plan (SMP) is developed with each person during their custodial treatment to assist them in living an offense free and more satisfying future life.
6 State-based legislation for high-risk offenders.