Assessment of Inappropriate and Illegal Sexual Behavior
Disclaimer: This site is intended for general public information only. Information on this site should not be considered an alternative for medical or legal professional advice for specific or personal cases.
Assessment of inappropriate sexual behavior is difficult for individuals to accept about themselves and then making the decision to seek out assistance in dealing with the inappropriate behavior. For most, the consequences of seeking assistance – exposing yourself to criticism from others and possible interaction with law enforcement – precludes them from seeking assistance before taking an irrevocable action.
Regardless of whether an assessment is done for voluntary treatment, court ordered for pre-sentence evaluation, sentence disposition (probation versus incarceration) or during treatment, the actual assessment tools used are standardized and universally accepted.
In voluntary treatment, the assessments are used by a mental health professional to determine the course of treatment for the individual.
We would suggest Who Am I and Why Am I in Treatment? by Robert Longo & Laren Bays, which is a workbook that introduces individuals to assessment and treatment, helping them understand why they sexually abuse, why they deny it, and what to expect in treatment.
A Risk Assessment is an attempt at determining the statistical probability that an individual will commit another sexual offense. While a voluntary evaluation is not seeking to determine a risk of offending against someone, the same assessment tools are used.
Assessment of inappropriate sexual behavior is difficult for individuals to accept about themselves and then making the decision to seek out assistance in dealing with the inappropriate behavior. For most, the consequences of seeking assistance – exposing yourself to criticism from others and possible interaction with law enforcement – precludes them from seeking assistance before taking an irrevocable action.
Regardless of whether an assessment is done for voluntary treatment, court ordered for pre-sentence evaluation, sentence disposition (probation versus incarceration) or during treatment, the actual assessment tools used are standardized and universally accepted.
In voluntary treatment, the assessments are used by a mental health professional to determine the course of treatment for the individual.
We would suggest Who Am I and Why Am I in Treatment? by Robert Longo & Laren Bays, which is a workbook that introduces individuals to assessment and treatment, helping them understand why they sexually abuse, why they deny it, and what to expect in treatment.
A Risk Assessment is an attempt at determining the statistical probability that an individual will commit another sexual offense. While a voluntary evaluation is not seeking to determine a risk of offending against someone, the same assessment tools are used.
What assessment tools are actually used, and when, are either done based upon a decision of the mental health professional(s) called upon to conduct the clinical assessment or based upon criteria established by state standards – either by the court system or a state designated authority.
For a person charged with an offense because of inappropriate sexual behavior, the evaluation is conducted prior to sentencing as a means of assisting judges and other interested parties with making well–informed disposition determinations. The evaluations are also used in part by probation or prison treatment programs.
Risk Assessments consist of several different types of assessments which will be discussed on the next page. The following links describe the subject of risk assessment in general terms.
Assessment and Treatment of Sex Offenders: A Handbook (2009) Editors Anthony R. Beech, D.Phil. , B.Sc., FBsPS, C.Psychol; Leam A. Craig, B.A., M.Sc, Ph.D; Kevin D. Browne, M.A., Ph.D
What is a Psychosexual Risk Assessment? Ronald I. Weiner, Ph.D, LLC
For further information on risk assessments click on the button below.
For a person charged with an offense because of inappropriate sexual behavior, the evaluation is conducted prior to sentencing as a means of assisting judges and other interested parties with making well–informed disposition determinations. The evaluations are also used in part by probation or prison treatment programs.
Risk Assessments consist of several different types of assessments which will be discussed on the next page. The following links describe the subject of risk assessment in general terms.
Assessment and Treatment of Sex Offenders: A Handbook (2009) Editors Anthony R. Beech, D.Phil. , B.Sc., FBsPS, C.Psychol; Leam A. Craig, B.A., M.Sc, Ph.D; Kevin D. Browne, M.A., Ph.D
What is a Psychosexual Risk Assessment? Ronald I. Weiner, Ph.D, LLC
For further information on risk assessments click on the button below.
Court Ordered Evaluation Process for Illegal Sexual Behavior
Two examples of the court-ordered evaluation process, which will differ from state to state (and in some cases between jurisdictions within a state) are offered below.
The University of Illinois at Springfield hosts the Center for State Policy and Leadership (CSPL), Institute for Legal, Legislative and Policy Studies (ILLAPS) which as part of it's functions provide training of Probation Officers for the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC).
One aspect of that training is a presentation regarding Sex Offender Evaluation that was prepared by Donya L. Adkerson, MA, LCPC of Alternatives Counseling, Inc. It provides an example of the process by which a court appointed mental health professional would conduct a sex offender specific assessment.
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, Research Bulletin: Clinical and Structured Assessment of Sex Offenders provides an overview of assessment tools used by law enforcement, judiciary and corrections.
An alternative perspective regarding insuring sex offender rights while undergoing a risk assessment is How to Protect Your Client in Risk Assessments (2008) is PowerPoint presentation by Thomas A. Powell, Ph.D and John C. Holt, Ph.D of Vermont Forensic Assessment, PLLC
Two examples of the court-ordered evaluation process, which will differ from state to state (and in some cases between jurisdictions within a state) are offered below.
The University of Illinois at Springfield hosts the Center for State Policy and Leadership (CSPL), Institute for Legal, Legislative and Policy Studies (ILLAPS) which as part of it's functions provide training of Probation Officers for the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC).
One aspect of that training is a presentation regarding Sex Offender Evaluation that was prepared by Donya L. Adkerson, MA, LCPC of Alternatives Counseling, Inc. It provides an example of the process by which a court appointed mental health professional would conduct a sex offender specific assessment.
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, Research Bulletin: Clinical and Structured Assessment of Sex Offenders provides an overview of assessment tools used by law enforcement, judiciary and corrections.
An alternative perspective regarding insuring sex offender rights while undergoing a risk assessment is How to Protect Your Client in Risk Assessments (2008) is PowerPoint presentation by Thomas A. Powell, Ph.D and John C. Holt, Ph.D of Vermont Forensic Assessment, PLLC
Juvenile–Specific Considerations
When assessing juveniles, the risk assessments take into account factors such as problematic parent–child relationships, social isolation, poor social skills, negative peer relationships, exposure to violence in the home, and access to sexually exploitative materials.
Additionally the multiple systems that have important influences on youths’ development, such as family (e.g., substance abuse, domestic violence, unaddressed mental health needs, criminal justice involvement), school, peer, and community are also carefully examined during the assessment process. For further information on this topic click on the button below.
Juvenile–Specific Considerations
When assessing juveniles, the risk assessments take into account factors such as problematic parent–child relationships, social isolation, poor social skills, negative peer relationships, exposure to violence in the home, and access to sexually exploitative materials.
Additionally the multiple systems that have important influences on youths’ development, such as family (e.g., substance abuse, domestic violence, unaddressed mental health needs, criminal justice involvement), school, peer, and community are also carefully examined during the assessment process. For further information on this topic click on the button below.
