Do Clients Retain Treatment Concepts? An Assessment of Post Treatment Adjustment of Adult Sex Offenders

This study utilized semi-structured interviews and official criminal records to assess the post-treatment functioning and re-offense rate of 153 men who completed long term outpatient sex offender treatment. The participants, age 18-72, had committed or been convicted in criminal court of sex or sex related crimes against children or adults. A total of 555 interviews were conducted with 134 of the 153 participants and official criminal records were reviewed at 67 months post-treatment. Interviews occurred at regular intervals for five years following treatment discharge. Interview questions assessed participants’ ability to name re-offense precursors and coping strategies, the status of relationships with partners and family, chemical use, work adjustment, and contact with law enforcement. Participants showed positive post-treatment adjustment including the ability to name precursors and coping mechanisms that would occur early in a re-offense cycle. Results from official records review showed an overall criminal re-offense rate of 12.4%; 2.6% sex related and 9.8% non-sex related. Rates for a comparison group were 32.7%, 4.4% and 28.3%, respectively. Implications for treatment are discussed.