Juvenile Sex Offender Treatment at State-Operated Correctional Institutions

Abstract

Today's criminal justice system faces enormous challenges across a broad spectrum of issues. Sex offenses are one such issue posing unique problems to criminal justice practitioners. Research on adult sex offenders indicates offense patterns begin early in life, usually around preor postadolescence. This underscores the importance ofjuvenile sex offender rehabilitative intervention to curb individuals' offense histories before they escalate in severity and frequency. This nationwide study describes 30 juvenile sex offender treatment programs. Survey research identifies programs in state institutions treating incarcerated juveniles for sex crimes. The article details treatment modalities offered juveniles and describes biological, behavioral, and psychological regimens. The article also explores what rehabilitative strategies administrators would implement if unconstrained by financial andpolitical circumstances.