Sex Offender Assessment

Provides identification and evaluation for youth who are exhibiting sexually inappropriate behaviors or symptoms within this area.

ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

Assessing the origin of sexual misconduct, extent of continued risk, and appropriate treatment can be a complex task. Although it is reasonable to surmise intervention is needed when a youth is experiencing sexual behavior problems, the form it should take, and level of continued risk posed to the community is not always easily known. In such cases the Program ADAPT offers a sixty day assessment service wherein clients undergo a comprehensive evaluation. Upon arrival all relevant documentation is secured including police reports, previous evaluations and counseling service notes, education records, available social history, medical records etc. The assessment process features a Psychological Evaluation (including the Abel Screening Assessment for Sexual Interests and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory), Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Evaluation, Client Clinical Interviews, Battery of Assessment Instruments, Family Interviews, Education History, and Residential Behavior. Information gained through the assessment process is reported under various headings which can include: Summary and Recommendations, Assessment Data Impressions (sub-headings include Victim Awareness, Family, Patterned Deviating Sexual Behavior, Character Issues, Differential Diagnoses and Relapse Prevention), Developmental Background and Time Line, Interview Sessions, Diagnostic Inventories, Family Report, Education Report, Residential Report, and the Psychological and Psychiatric Evaluations. Individuals who qualify for assessment services are those who are admitting to sexual misconduct, or have a sustained charge through the juvenile system. Assessments are considered to be therapeutic in nature and must not be utilized for the purpose of gathering evidence or clarifying guilt. Rather the assessment seeks to clarify treatment need, direction and environment treatment should take place within.

ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA:

The program accommodates youth ranging in age from thirteen to twenty, who either have an offense on record charged through the juvenile justice system, or admit to the sexual misconduct referred for and are being handled by Children and Youth Services. Since our program is not a detention secure center, youth who have been particularly violent or are actively aggressive may not be suitable. Other youth who may not qualify are those demonstrating an active psychosis, experiencing other severe mental health problems, or are demonstrating on-going indiscriminating and/or impulsive sexual behavior and pose a risk to other clients’ safety.
Although it is a very rare occurrence within the program, youth who remain in a state of blatant denial over their charges are considered for removal after a reasonable period of time. All efforts to avoid such cases are taken prior to requesting a client’s removal.