title: Treatment of juveniles who sexually offend: an overview.
abstract: Juvenile sexual offending is increasingly being recognized as a serious crime among youth. The prevalence of sexual offending and sexual reoffending suggests that many juvenile sex offenders (JSOs) may repeat their offending behaviors if not treated. However, clinical trials evaluating specific interventions are virtually nonexistent. Instead, the literature on the treatment of JSOs is marked by discussions of strategies that are hypothesized to be beneficial, as well as descriptions of treatment programs that exist across the country. Further, while existing literature suggests that treatment for JSOs may deter future sexual offending behaviors, it is unclear which, if any, aspects of these treatments promote the development of positive behaviors. A discussion of existing treatment approaches, effectiveness, and treatment considerations follows.
authors.affiliation: Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, NC 28310, USA. Jill.Breitbach@na.amedd.army.mil
authors.forename: Jill
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Efta-Breitbach
authors.forename: Kurt A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Freeman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D000987:Antisocial Personality Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015995:Prevalence; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D014481:United States