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A review of the literature on sex offender treatments was carried out for the High Security Psychiatric Commissioning Board (HSPSCB). The available research is varied in focus, methodology and quality, nevertheless there appears to be grounds for cautious optimism regarding the efficacy of treatment programs aimed at sex offenders. One conclusion of the review is that greater emphasis will need to be given to the idiographic and dynamic features presented by individual offenders in the provision and evaluation of treatment.

This paper is intended to dispel the myth of the untreatable sex offender, and provide conclusive evidence that sex offender treatment is not only possible but to a large extent is successful in reducing the recidivism of sex offenders.

It also describes how jurisdictions can promote shared responsibility among key policymakers and practitioners for decision-making on offender management issues.

This document offers a promising and well-grounded framework that jurisdictions can consider using to build an informed, integrated set of policies and practices to promote the shared goal of ensuring victim and community safety.

Jurisdictions across the country recognize clearly that the effective management of sex offenders requires more than supervision and treatment. Indeed, the effective management of sex offenders demands the thoughtful integration of these and other management components and, perhaps as importantly, ongoing collaboration among those who are responsible for carrying out these activities.