Correctional Sex Offender Programs
There are several practices that are normally associated with correctional practices in the field of corrections. Several strategies have been set up to ensure that when inmates are serving time, they are able to undergo several programs that enable their rehabilitation. These programs are several and in many cases are different in nature. Some of these programs are health related, mentally related and physically related. Some correctional facilities offer social amenities such as the library services that help the inmates. There are correctional sex offenders programs that are considered best practices in correctional programs. A good example is the containment model. The containment model, which in many instances is referred to as a model process or the containment approach, is a method used in managing arrested sexual offenders. This model process employs a management strategy that consists of five components. According to Schwartz and Cellini (1995), the containment approach works by combining explicit policies, multi agency collaboration, sex offender treatment, the use of consistent practices and the use of intense community surveillance.
For the containment approach to work effectively, all of its five components must be adhered with. The aspects that comprise the containment approach can be noted as follows. The first component of the containment model is the fact that the model values the protection of the victims, reparation for victims and public safety as the primary objective in the management of sex offenders. Secondly, the containment model is major dependent on coordination of agencies and multidisciplinary partnerships to implement its strategies and policies that have been set to deal with sex offenders.
The third part is that the containment model utilizes individualized case management depending on the offender’s characteristics. This is done as all sex offenders do not have the same motives and characteristics. The fourth component of the containment model is that it involves multiagency protocols and policies that are consistent in all their dealings. Finally, the containment model makes use of quality control mechanisms, in addition to quality evaluation and program evaluation the elements that lead to the success of the program. Under this sex offender program, containment model, the management program uses an approach that is a victim centered. There are three components that are required if this program is to be efficient. The first aspect is the participation by a supervising body or person. This may include the parole or probation officer. The second person who must be present is the polygraph examiner.
The third person who must be present druid this process is the sex offender treatment program. All these three people work together collectively to ensure that sex offenders get the correct rehabilitation. Communication between the three parties is mandatory. The treatment offender has to exchange information with the officer supervising the process on a monthly basis about the dynamic risk assessment issues and the offender’s progress in the program.
The structure of the containment model
For the containment method to be effective, it is imperative to note the individuals who are eligible for this program. Not all inmates are eligible for this program. There are several instances that make an individual be eligible for this management process. Firstly, the offender has to be serving a sentence for the attempted sex offence, sex offence or a conspiracy to commit a sex offence. Another situation arises when the sex offender is a returned parole violator. This usually happens when a previously convicted sex offender violated the terms of parole and had been rearrested. An inmate is also eligible for this program if a complaint is lodged against him for any unwanted behavior that relates to sexual misdemeanor. Once the eligibility has been determined, the treatment provider works on the level of score on the dynamic and risk assessment structures within a period of 90-120 days after the beginning of the treatment. The treatment officer is also obliged to inform the supervising officer about the scores of the risk assessment within a period of thirty days of the scoring tool. This processed data is constructive in that it can enable for the proper tailoring of the supervision conditions and be graded to either falling or rising risk levels especially when this information is necessary.
It is the job of the individual supervising the sex offender to send scores concerning the active and violence risk instruments to the department of justice within five working days after the supervising officer has received the report. In the treatment contract that the offender signs with the containment team, the contract necessitates that the offender to self-report any instances to the supervising officer and the provider as soon as possible.
The containment approach is successful and is considered the best practice in corrections as it includes a management approach and is effective in that it holds the sex offenders accountable for their practices through the use of surveillance tactics. The data collected about the sex offender is counter analyzed especially the offenders deviant sexual information that will form a platform for the customization of the containment model to each offender. The containment model also uses an uniform method of processing the sex assault charges with clear set guidelines on the rejection of plea agreements, family assessments for reunification protocols, consistent revocation procedures and most importantly the duration that it takes on community supervision which is usually a lifetime.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the containment approach is mainly considered the best practice in corrections as it gives the sex offenders a chance to rehabilitate. The containment model is also good in that it is more advantageous than the regular model and is opposed to the deterrence method of incarceration. The containment model also ensures that once the sex offenders have been rehabilitated; they are able to reenter the society as changed individuals. It is also essential to note that when sex offenders who have violated their paroles are critically analyzed, and specific containment model is specifically customized based on the individuals actions. The elements of this program that make up this correctional program to be the best are that this program allows for the multidisciplinary coordination of activities especially the criminal justice supervision, the polygraph examinations and the sex offender treatment (English 1998).
This program model also is the best because it can be specifically tailored for individuals as all cases are generally different and different individuals suffer from different sexual emotions. This program also allows for the use of the polygraph which is very vital in that the progress of the sex offender can be assessed so as to evaluate the offenders risk towards the community which is usually uncertain. Containment model also allows for specialized probation programs. Studies conducted by Leon (2011), show promising especially in identifying risk factors. The polygraph used for testing acts as a deterrent to high risk behaviors.
References
English, Kim (1998). “The Containment Approach: An Aggressive Strategy for the Community Management of Adult Sex Offenders.” Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, Vol. 4, No. 1/2, 218-235.
Leon, C. S. (2011). Sex fiends, perverts, and pedophiles: Understanding sex crime policy in America. New York: New York University Press.
Schwartz, B. K., & Cellini, H. R. (1995). The sex offender. Kingston: Civic research institute.
