Related Experiment Videos
Sex offenders with an intellectual disability
Frank Lambrick1, William Glaser
1Statewide Forensic Service, Disability Services, Victorian Department of Human Services, Victoria, Australia. Frank.Lambrick@dhs.vic.gov.au
Sexual Abuse : a Journal of Research and Treatment
|November 25, 2004
Summary
Sex offenders with intellectual disabilities are now considered treatable and accountable. Simplified, reinforced approaches are effective for engaging this population in assessment and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychology
- Intellectual Disability Studies
Background:
- Historically, individuals with intellectual disabilities who offend sexually were deemed untreatable.
- Recent research challenges the notion of incorrigibility in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine current assessment and treatment paradigms for sex offenders with intellectual disabilities.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of modified treatment techniques.
Main Methods:
- Review of current assessment and treatment approaches.
- Application of simplified, reinforced techniques in clinical practice.
Main Results:
- Offenders with intellectual disabilities are increasingly viewed as accountable.
- Simplified, reinforced approaches demonstrate efficacy in engagement and treatment.
- Day-to-day reinforcement aids in the treatment process.
Conclusions:
- The myth of untreatable sex offenders with intellectual disabilities is being debunked.
- Modified and simplified treatment strategies are effective for this population.
- Accountability and treatability are key tenets in current approaches.