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Best practice in sexual offender rehabilitation and reintegration programs

Tim Prenzler (School of Law and Society, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, Australia)
Nadine McKillop (School of Law and Society, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, Australia)
Sue Rayment-McHugh (School of Law and Society, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, Australia)
Lara Christensen (School of Law and Society, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, Australia)

Journal of Criminological Research, Policy and Practice

ISSN: 2056-3841

Article publication date: 7 November 2023

Issue publication date: 24 November 2023

347

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to report on the results of a global search to identify the characteristics of successful sexual offender treatment programs, with a view to providing guidance for program development.

Design/methodology/approach

A keyword search was conducted of criminology and social science databases. Successful programs were selected on evaluations that used standard scientific designs.

Findings

This study identified 18 evaluations of 16 programs showing significant reductions in reconvictions. Most programs used cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), with both group and individual sessions; and many evidenced multisystemic therapy (MST) approaches involving families and/or local communities. CBT-based approaches were also common in the 20 unsuccessful programs identified in the study, although fewer MST-oriented features were in evidence. Noncustodial settings, and combined custodial-noncustodial settings, were also more prominent in the successful programs.

Research limitations/implications

There is a shortage of studies focused on the specific components of successful treatment programs for sexual offenders, including for subsets of offenders, such as ethnic minority groups and women.

Practical implications

The findings demonstrate the need for more investment in treatment programs with strict evaluation processes. New and modified programs are likely to benefit from the application of CBT, MST and a community-based reintegration component. More research is needed on effective elements of sexual offender treatment programs.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this appears to be the first study that examines features of successful sexual offender treatment programs, compared to unsuccessful programs, using a case-study approach. The findings reinforce the known value of CBT and systemic approaches as core features of programs but raise important questions about what other components are key to activating success.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The research for this paper was funded in part by a Queensland Corrective Services research grant. The material is used with the permission of the department. The views expressed within this paper are solely those of the authors.

Conflict of interest: None to declare.

Citation

Prenzler, T., McKillop, N., Rayment-McHugh, S. and Christensen, L. (2023), "Best practice in sexual offender rehabilitation and reintegration programs", Journal of Criminological Research, Policy and Practice, Vol. 9 No. 3/4, pp. 207-221. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCRPP-07-2023-0036

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited

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