Adolescent sexual offender recidivism: success of specialized treatment and implications for risk prediction.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the success of specialized community-based treatment for reducing adolescent sexual reoffending and explore the predictive utility of variables assessed regarding sexual and nonsexual recidivism.


METHODS
Recidivism data (criminal charges) were collected for 58 offenders participating in at least 12 months of specialized treatment at the SAFE-T Program. Data were also collected for a comparison group of 90 adolescents who received only an assessment (n = 46), refused treatment (n = 17), or dropped out before 12 months (n = 27). Follow-up interval ranged from 2 to 10 years (M = 6.23, SD = 2.02). Offenders completed a battery of psychological tests to provide standardized data regarding social, sexual, and family functioning.


RESULTS
Recidivism rates for sexual, violent nonsexual, and nonviolent offenses for treated adolescents were 5.17%, 18.9%, and 20.7%, respectively. The Comparison group had significantly higher rates of sexual (17.8%), violent nonsexual (32.2%), and nonviolent (50%) recidivism. Sexual recidivism was predicted by sexual interest in children. Nonsexual recidivism was related to factors commonly predictive of general delinquency such as history of previous offenses, low self-esteem, and antisocial personality.


CONCLUSIONS
Results support the efficacy of treatment for adolescent sexual offenders and are consistent with the notion that sexual recidivism is predicted by unique factors unrelated to general (nonsexual) reoffending.
Worling
J R
JR
SAFE-T Program, Thistletown Regional Centre for Children & Adolescents, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Curwen
T
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D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012742:Sex Offenses; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D016896:Treatment Outcome