What Works with Sex Offenders

Although sex offenders comprise a relatively small proportion of all offenders, they invoke fear and a strong emotional response. The research indicates that treatment for sex offenders can be effective in reducing recidivism provided that programs adhere to the principles of effective intervention-risk, need, responsivity, and fidelity. Although general risk assessment tools have been found to predict outcomes for sex offenders, a number of sex offender-specific tools have been developed and are widely used. Research has also indicated that the most effective treatment approaches for sex offenders are cognitive behavioral models. Recently, there has been a new movement called the Good Lives Model, but as critics point out, there is little empirical support for this approach.