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Evidence-based treatments for juvenile sexual offenders: review and recommendations

Alex R. Dopp (Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA)
Charles M. Borduin (Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA)
Cynthia E. Brown (Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA)

Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research

ISSN: 1759-6599

Article publication date: 12 October 2015

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Abstract

Purpose

Effective treatments for juvenile sexual offenders are needed to reduce the societal impact of sexual crimes. The purpose of this paper is to review the empirical literature on treatments for this clinical population.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors searched PsycInfo and MEDLINE (via PubMed) for studies that evaluated outcomes of treatments with juvenile sexual offenders.

Findings

There are a small but growing number of treatment studies (n=10) with juvenile sexual offenders, and all of these studies evaluated cognitive-behavioral therapy or multisystemic therapy for problem sexual behaviors. The results of these studies are promising, although conclusions about treatment effectiveness have been frequently limited by methodological problems.

Originality/value

The authors provide recommendations for treatment providers and policymakers to consider in their decisions about interventions for juvenile sexual offenders. Furthermore, the authors offer suggestions for researchers who seek to develop effective interventions targeting this clinical population.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The second author is a board member of MST Associates, the organization that provides training in MST for youths with problem sexual behaviors.

Citation

Dopp, A.R., Borduin, C.M. and Brown, C.E. (2015), "Evidence-based treatments for juvenile sexual offenders: review and recommendations", Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research, Vol. 7 No. 4, pp. 223-236. https://doi.org/10.1108/JACPR-01-2015-0155

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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