Evaluation of an inpatient sex offender treatment programme for men with intellectual disabilities
Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour
ISSN: 2050-8824
Article publication date: 16 September 2022
Issue publication date: 22 November 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to report on an inpatient cognitive behavioural sex offender treatment group programme developed and provided to people with intellectual disabilities detained in medium and low security hospital settings. The programme was delivered five times between 2012 and 2020. This paper describes the integration of the programme within a wider treatment pathway model and provides analysis of outcome data.
Design/methodology/approach
The programme was evaluated over five group programmes using self-report psychometric measures related to treatment targets in the reduction of sexual offending risk, including cognitive distortions, sexual attitudes and knowledge and locus of control; recidivism data spanning up to 7 years post discharge is also provided. The treatment pathway and a description of the programme are provided.
Findings
The results of this paper showed improvements in sexual knowledge, cognitive distortions and locus of control, however not to a statistically significant degree. No recidivism was observed in the follow-up period.
Originality/value
This paper adds to the evidence base of interventions focused on cognitive behavioural approaches to the treatment and risk reduction of sexual offending in men with intellectual disabilities and adds to the debate regarding the effectiveness of such programmes with offenders with intellectual disabilities.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the contribution of the Programme Development Unit and Offender Group Treatment Team staff who have been integral to the development and facilitation of the BSOTP.
Citation
Hickman, G. and Morris, A. (2022), "Evaluation of an inpatient sex offender treatment programme for men with intellectual disabilities", Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, Vol. 13 No. 3/4, pp. 77-89. https://doi.org/10.1108/JIDOB-04-2022-0004
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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