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Sex Offender Treatment Programmes (SOTP)

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Sex Offender Treatment Programmes (SOTP)
Critically evaluate the current methods employed in the Sex Offender Treatment Programmes (SOTP). Include in your answer an overview of their theoretical foundations
Sexual offenders are complex individuals for the Criminal Justice System (CJS) to effectively deal with. The offences committed by these individuals are recognized as serious and harmful to both their victims and the general public. Crown Prosecution Service (2010) stated the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (the Act) came into force on the 1 May 2004. It repealed almost all of the existing statute law in relation to sexual offences. The purpose of the Act was to strengthen and modernise the law on sexual offences, whilst improving preventative measures and the protection of individuals …show more content…
It has also shown that sex offending is a very debatable issue within society. Sex offenders are seen to be some of the most dangerous types of offenders and so are feared by the general public, however, it has also shown that in spite of sex offending being a real problem it is also somewhat of a moral panic as the fear of this type of offending is inconsistent to the amount of these types of crimes being committed compared to other violent crimes. You can see that although the general public are fearful of sex offenders they are happy with the programmes in place to treat them, but without feeling 100% happy that they actually work. Although research over time has shown that these programmes are more successful in reducing reoffending than not using any intervention or treatment measures at all, it has also shown that they may not be as successful as we are led to believe. By improving methods of testing the programme’s effectiveness and by completing more research into the different components of the SOTPs they could be enhanced and therefore increase success rates. Although the operation of these recommendations may be difficult, it is very essential that the government gives them particular consideration if public protection and …show more content…
(2011). Who, what, why: When is a sex offender not a risk?. Retrieved May 7th 2012, From, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-12478584

Beech, A. Fisher, D. Beckett, R. (1998). STEP 3: An evaluation of the prison sex offender treatment programme. Home Office. London.

Beech, A. Leam, C. Browne, K. (2009) Assessment and Treatment of Sex Offenders: A Handbook. Retrieved May 7th 2012, From http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=bkrZNvxlzd8C&printsec=frontcover&dq=sex+offenders&hl=en&sa=X&ei=3LOnT46GO4ew8gOh3tDxBg&ved=0CGwQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=sex%20offenders&f=false

Beech. A., Oliver. C., Fisher, D., Beckett, R. (2005). STEP 4: The Sex Offender Treatment Programme in Prison: addressing the offending behaviour of rapists and sexual murderers. London: Home Office.

Brown, I. (1993) The Changing Role of Probation and Parole: A View to the Future, Retrieved May 7th 2012, From, http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Content/getdoc/dce13209-622b-49f4-8f68-7d5c7c4e3ec9/Brown-Isiah-paper.aspx

Brown, S. (2005). Treating Sex Offenders: An introduction to sex offender treatment programmes. Cullumpton: Willan
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