Factors associated with treatment compliance in a population of juvenile sexual offenders.
Structural equation modeling was utilized to assess predictors of outcomes in a sample of 204 juvenile male sexual offenders participating in community-based treatment programming. Lower levels of client denial at intake predicted successful program compliance. Higher levels of denial were found in nonadjudicated youths. Although program attrition was high (50% in the first year), relatively few youths were expelled for sexual (4.9%) or nonsexual delinquency (6.6%) over a 12- to 24-month period. Program failure during years 1 and 2 was attributable largely to expulsion for failure to comply with attendance requirements and/or therapeutic directives. Youths failing to comply were found to have higher overall levels of measured sexual maladjustment and may be at greater long-term risk for sexual recidivism. Implications of the findings for clinical risk assessment, and directions for future research, are discussed.
Hunter
J A
JA
Pines Residential Treatment Center, Portsmouth, VA 23704, USA.
Figueredo
A J
AJ
D000293:Adolescent; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015233:Models, Statistical; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012114:Residential Treatment; D012742:Sex Offenses; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014768:Virginia