Juvenile Services

Treatment Philosophy

Clinical Associates believes that treatment should combine traditional methods of containment with principles of risk, needs, and responsivity. The philosophy that underlies our approach is a combination of risk management and Good Lives. Clinical Associates will utilize evidence-based practices in all aspects of the program and relies on information contained in The Comprehensive Assessment Protocol: A Systemwide Review of Adult and Juvenile Sex Offender Management Strategies (CSOM, 2007) for program structure and to ensure program integrity. The Comprehensive Assessment Protocol (CAP) provides a framework for facility-based and community-based sex offender evaluations, treatment, and supervision.

Research has indicated that an evidence-based, positive approach to treatment leads to higher offender responsivity and lower recidivism. As treatment has continued to evolve from a standardized and stagnant relapse prevention to a more individualized and empowering model, so has the research toward evidence-based practices. Research has indicated that relapse prevention has little empirical support, and has been replaced by treatment programs that have begun to focus on different pathways to offending with a more empathic, and collaborative approach to treatment. Therapists who display empathy, warmth, and directiveness can have significant positive influence on offenders in treatment.

Sex offender treatment for adolescents must incorporate a focus on reducing criminogenic needs and teaching youth how to achieve their goals in heathy, pro-social ways. To that end, the primary treatment targets include a focus on: emotion regulation, impulse-control, enhancing interpersonal skills and relationships, increasing coping skills and support systems, and understanding and managing deviant sexual arousal.

Treatment Targets

Treatment for sexually abusive youth must include frequent discussions of sex. Healthy sexual behavior, laws regarding consent, and sexual education and development are frequent topics of discussions during treatment with this population. Co-morbid mental health issues are recognized and appropriate referrals made when necessary. A fundamental goal of treatment with this population is to teach youth how to get their needs met in ways that are incompatible with sexual offending. Treatment will incorporate the following topics:

Sexual Education

  • Issues of consent
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Healthy sexual development
  • Appropriate outlets for sexual feelings
     

Sexual Self-Regulation

  • Healthy boundaries
  • Importance of communication regarding boundary violations
  • Support system members (peers and family)
  • History of trauma/past sexual abuse/learned schemas regarding sexual behavior
     

Typology-Specific

  • Lifestyle Delinquent Youth: These offenders can be described as conduct disordered or otherwise involved in criminal activity.  They are likely to have other non-sexual offenses and/or engage in non-sexual criminal behaviors.  They may appear to be higher risk on assessments, particularly on the YLS/CMI.  Clients who fit into this typology will likely benefit from the psychoeducation piece.  Treatment will likely focus on altering criminogenic attitudes and beliefs, social skills training, problem-solving, and developing impulse control.  Additional areas of risk and need will be addressed as deemed appropriate.
  • Adolescent Onset, Non-Paraphilic Youth:  These offenders can be described as experimental.  Their sexually abusive behaviors are believed to stem from deficits in social skills and their inability to interact appropriately with similar aged peers.  Their sexually abusive behaviors are primarily directed at pre-pubescent females who are readily available (i.e. opportunistic).  Incest offenders generally fit into this category if they are deemed not to be paraphilic.  Clients who fit into this typology will likely benefit from psychoeducation.  Treatment will likely focus on social skills training, healthy boundaries, and healthy sexuality/relationships.  Additional areas of risk and need will be addressed as deemed appropriate.
  • Early Adolescent Onset, Paraphilic Youth:  These offenders can be described as having emerging deviant sexual interests.  If they have only one identified victim, they may appear to be a non-paraphilic, experimental offender.  Specific characteristics of the offending behavior, as well as a thorough assessment of the offender, can increase the chances of correctly identifying this type.  This type of offender can be the most difficult to treat, but is also the type of offender most in need of treatment.  Clients who fit into this typology may not benefit as much from psychoeducation or social skills training.  Treatment will likely focus on healthy sexuality, impulse control, and management of their emerging deviant sexual interests.  Additional areas of risk and need will be addressed as deemed appropriate.
     

Education and Awareness of Technology and Sexual Behavior

  • Cell Phones
    • Sexting
    • Apps (hidden apps, social networking, photos/videos)
    • Messaging apps such as Kik, Instagram, Snapchat
  • Internet
    • Social Media (Facebook, Twitter)
    • Cyber Bullying
  • Pornography
    • Child pornography vs. adult pornography
    • FaceTime
       

Fostering a Healthy Identity Incompatible with Sexual Offending

  • Formulating a healthy support system
    • Family
    • Peers
    • Therapy (when appropriate)
  • Creating a successful living plan
    • Goals for success on supervision
    • Long-term goals
    • Moving toward an independent lifestyle
  • Reintegration/Integration
    • Maintaining healthy and safe behaviors within the home
    • Identifying/relying on support persons to help during the process
    • Continued monitoring/follow-up throughout reintegration