Child & Family Services Sexual Offender Management Program
What Is the Sexual Offender Management Program?
The Sexual Offender Management Program has been a useful resource for probation
officers, court systems, and other agencies working with offenders as a way to cease
sexually offending behaviors. The program has been in operation for almost 10 years
and continues to develop assets and supports for adult and adolescent clients. Operating
under the Restorative Justice philosophy, this program offers a number of services
to assist offenders in managing their thoughts, behaviors and actions. The program
also provides complimentary services for family members.
Program Basics
- Mandated adults who are exhibiting sexual offending behaviors;
- Youths aged
10 and older who are exhibiting sexual offending behaviors and mandated by a referral
source or parent;
- Extensive Clinical Evaluation, the Abel Screening Tool and
group treatment;
- Cost varies. Call for details.
What Is the Goal of the Sexual Offender Management Program?
What is the goal of the Sexual Offender Management Program? Sexual abuse is a traumatic
and damaging experience for victims, their families, and the community. Treatment
for sexual offenders is a vital intervention which has been shown to reduce recidivism
and the risk of re-offending. The goal of the Sexual Offender Management Program
is for participants to gain the tools to prevent sexually aggressive and assaultive
behaviors.
How does the Sexual Offender Management Program Work?
Evaluation
Each participant receives a thorough evaluation which includes a client history.
A clinical evaluation and recommendation is conducted to: assess the risk of re-offending,
define particular risk factors and recommend treatment to help offenders stop sexually
aggressive behaviors. Psychiatric consultation and family therapy are available,
if needed.
Group Treatment
Group treatment is the primary form of treatment for sexual offenders. Through the
group process, offenders will:
- confront and be confronted by other group members regarding denial;
- take
responsibility for sexually offending behavior;
- develop increased empathy for
their victims; and
- recognize their sexual offending behaviors and develop a
relapse prevention plan.
Individual Treatment
Individual treatment may be recommended to enhance and support group treatment,
if needed.
Family Education
Family members will learn about issues regarding offender denial, safety procedures,
and impact on victims and their families.
Who is eligible for the Sexual Offender Management Program?
Men, women or children age ten or older may be referred to the Sexual Offender Management
Program by the Department of Social Services, courts, probation officers, or other
agencies and professionals. In order to participate in the treatment program, individuals
must acknowledge that they committed some type of sexual offense. The service is
intended primarily for residents of Erie County.
How much does it cost?
There is a fee charged for all services associated with the Sexual Offender Management
Program. Many times insurance covers the cost of treatment for adolescent participants
and adults who have Medicaid insurance; however, for clients without insurance,
a sliding fee scale is available. All adult sexual offenders are required to contribute
toward the cost of their treatment program.
What are the Family Education and Support Groups at Child & Family Services?
This program offers family members a chance to discuss their concerns and ask questions
that are related to their family member’s sexual offending behavior. It will also
give people the opportunity to help others who are in the same situation. Family
members will be provided with the tools needed to assist the therapists and probation
officers who are working with the offender to maintain community safety.
How do the Family Education and Support Groups work?
Family members of offenders will meet in a group setting once a month for 7-8 months.
Evening groups are currently available.
The program will cover the following topics:
- Basic elements of an offender's sexual offense cycle;
- Common thinking errors and forms of denial; and
- Components of a successful Relapse Prevention Plan.
The format of the sessions will include speakers, handouts, and movies. All sessions
are confidential and details of an offender’s crime will not be released.
How much does it cost?
There is a sliding scale fee which will cover the cost of services of the Family
Education and Support Group. This fee is expected to be paid by the offenders for
their family member(s) participation. Otherwise, cost is $10 per session which includes
all members related to the offender participating in group.
How can I refer someone to the Sex Offender Management Program and Family Education
and Support Groups, or find out more information on Community Education?
For more information about the program, to make a referral, or to find out more
about community education and training, contact the Director of the Restorative
Justice Programs.
Client Comments
- Adult clients have said through this program they have made a lot of important changes
in their lives and they've really appreciated the help they've received while in
the program.
- Parents have commented that their child has improved in their behavior since beginning
in the program.