Treatment
Treatment strategies are consistent with a “what works” model of sexual offender treatment and management and focuses on the specific risk, needs, and responsivity issues of each offender. Treatment includes an exploration of each client’s stable risk issues, and can include assignments such as a life history, behavior chains, sexual history, and participation in a sexual history disclosure polygraph. Community-based clients participate in routine maintenance/monitoring polygraphs as a means to validate compliance and risk reduction.
The overarching goal of treatment is the reduction of risk. STAT relies on the open communication between the supervising officer (probation or parole), polygraph examiner, and treatment provider. The theoretical orientation for the facility-based treatment program is a combination of Risk Management and Good Lives. Risk is assessed through actuarial assessment, and clients are encouraged to develop healthy, pro-social lives that are incompatible with sexual offending. Treatment plans are tailored for individual clients, and risk is continually assessed. Treatment is individualized and includes participants’ psychoeducational needs and treatment objectives. Clients participate in treatment that includes a focus on:
Healthy Sexual Behavior
Cognitive Distortions and Cognitive Restructuring
Relationship/Intimacy Issues
Family Support
Social Skills
Assertive Communication
Criminogenic Need Reduction
Dynamic Risk Education
Responsivity Issues
Discharge from treatment is a collaborative process and includes discussion between the provider, supervising officer, and client. Clients are recommended for discharge once they have completed the necessary program requirements, and have demonstrated the ability to achieve and sustain a reduction in dynamic risk.