ABSTRACT

This chapter addresses the treatment models, assessment procedures, and civil sanctions that have been applied to adolescents who have committed sexual offenses (ASOs). We explore how historical assumptions regarding the unique characteristics of ASOs have influenced the treatment methods and assessment procedures that have been applied to adolescents. We further explain the advances in our understanding of this population and how the changes in thought and the application of criminological data regarding juvenile delinquency have changed the treatment modalities applied to ASOs. We further explore how risk assessment continues to be based in methodologies more appropriate for adult populations and discuss how the low base rate of reoffending within adolescent populations affects the application of risk assessment procedures. Finally, this chapter addresses the sex offender management interventions that are used in many jurisdictions (e.g., registries, community notification, residency restrictions, civil commitment) and how they impact adolescents who have committed sexual offenses.