A Long-Term Outcome Assessment of the Effects on Subsequent Reoffense Rates of a Prison-Based CBT/RNR Sex Offender Treatment Program With Strength-Based Elements.

This article describes an evaluation of the effects of an early version (1991-2001) of Rockwood's prison-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/Risk-Needs-Responsivity (CBT/RNR) sex offender program that had emerging elements of a strength-based approach. This program was implemented under contract to Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) and continued to evolve in response to emerging evidence until it closed in 2013. Thus, the program as evaluated here did not involve a fixed approach as did the comparison CSC program (hereafter referred to as SOTP). Long-term reoffense data, from Rockwood's program (n = 579), were compared with SOTP (n = 625) and with a group of untreated men (n = 107) sentenced for sex offenses. A modified brief actuarial risk scale (BARS-M) was used to control for baseline risk among the three groups, along with additional controls for age at release, victim type, and individual differences in the length of long-term follow-up period. Both treatment groups displayed lower rates of both sexual and violent reoffending when compared with the no-treatment offenders. Overall, the Rockwood program generated the lowest recidivism rates. The results demonstrate that prison-based sex offense-specific treatment can be effective. We discuss the strengths and limitations of the current design through the Collaborative Outcome Data Committee's guidelines.

Long-term epidemiological survey of Kudoa thyrsites (Myxozoa) in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) from commercial aquaculture farms.

Kudoa thyrsites (Myxozoa) encysts within myocytes of a variety of fishes. While infected fish appear unharmed, parasite-derived enzymes degrade the flesh post-mortem. In regions of British Columbia (BC), Canada, up to 4-7% of fillets can be affected, thus having economic consequences and impacting the competitiveness of BC's farms. K. thyrsites was monitored in two farms having high (HP) or low (LP) historical infection prevalence. At each farm, 30 fish were sampled monthly for blood and muscle during the first year followed by nine samplings during year two. Prevalence and intensity were measured by PCR and histology of muscle samples. In parallel, fillet tests were used to quantify myoliquefaction. Infections were detected by PCR after 355 and 509 degree days at LP and HP farms, respectively. Prevalence reached 100% at the HP farm by 2265 degree days and declined during the second year, whereas it plateaued near 50% at the LP farm. Infection intensities decreased after 1 year at both farms. Blood was PCR-positive at both farms between 778 and 1113 degree days and again after 2000 degree days. This is the first monitoring project in a production environment and compares data between farms with different prevalence.

Phallometric assessments of sexual interests: an update.

This paper reviews recent evidence on the value of phallometric (i.e., erectile) measures of sex offenders plus earlier crucial papers. Distinctions are made between types of measuring devices with the volumetric instrument appearing to be the most sensitive. Considering the meaning of responses it is concluded that arousal below 10 % of full erection is not reliably interpretable and that only deviant profiles (those displaying equal or greater arousal to deviant sex) can be confidently interpreted. The specificity and sensitivity of phallometry is satisfactory with child molesters but not with other types of sex offenders, although there remains a need to satisfactorily distinguish among subtypes of child molesters. There are enduring disagreements concerning the meaning of rapists' responses and no test has yet reliably identified deviance among exhibitionists. It is concluded that despite its long history, problems remain with phallometric assessments and clinicians should be cautious in interpreting the meaning of these responses.

The Rockwood Preparatory Program for sexual offenders: description and preliminary appraisal.

This article describes the Rockwood Preparatory Program for sexual offenders. This program operates in the Millhaven induction center of the Correctional Service of Canada. Clients remain in the program for 6 to 8 weeks, depending on when they are placed in their home prison, where they will receive a full treatment program. The preparatory program takes a motivational approach, integrating several theoretical views and employing the therapeutic approaches that have been shown to maximize effectiveness with sexual offenders. The content and approach of the program are described and the observed benefits are outlined.

Changes in coping following treatment for child molesters.

Relapse prevention theory assumes that specific coping skills deficits contribute to sexual reoffending. Recent research suggests that the general coping style of sexual offenders is also ineffective. In this study changes were examined in specific and general coping deficits following a treatment program that incorporated specific skills training as well as modifying general styles. Treated incarcerated child molesters were compared to a group of incarcerated child molesters on a waiting list for treatment. Groups completed various measures aimed at identifying coping strategies used in specific high-risk situations and general coping styles. Compared to the waiting list group, treated child molesters identified more effective coping strategies in specific high-risk situations. Changes are noted in their general coping styles with an increase in the endorsement of task-focused strategies and social diversion strategies. No changes in their endorsement of ineffective strategies such as emotion-focused or distraction strategies occurred. Implications for treatment are discussed.

The utility of the random controlled trial for evaluating sexual offender treatment: the gold standard or an inappropriate strategy?

This paper examines the scientific, practical, and ethical issues surrounding the employment of the Random Controlled Trial (RCT) in the evaluation of sexual offender treatment. Consideration of these issues leads us to conclude that the RCT design is not suitable for determining the effectiveness of sexual offender treatment. We also examine the RCT study by Marques et al. (Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment and Evaluation 17:79-107, 2005) that is often held up as the model for the evaluation of sexual offender treatment. We found several problems with this study that, in our opinion, reduce its relevance for deciding whether treatment is effective with these clients. Finally, we examine two alternative strategies for evaluating treatment that may allow treatment providers to more readily examine, and report, the results of their programs.

Therapist style in sexual offender treatment: influence on indices of change.

This paper describes the results of our review of the broad process literature as well as summarizing two studies examining the influence of the therapist in generating changes in treatment targets among sexual offenders. We conclude that displays of empathy and warmth by the therapist as well as the provision of rewards for progress and some degree of directiveness, maximize the benefits derived from the procedures employed in treating sexual offenders. We also suggest the need for flexibility and encourage program designers not to so overly detail their treatment manuals that the influence of the therapist is minimized.

Recovering memories of the offense in "amnesic" sexual offenders.

This paper describes a technique designed to assist sexual offenders to recover memories of their offense. We have consistently observed that some sexual offenders present as having no recall of their offense although they are able to remember other events of the day of the offense. This failure to recall offense details prevents the offenders from making an appropriate disclosure which, in turn, blocks attempts to identify their offense pathways and develop relapse prevention plans. The memory recovery technique we describe is based on experimental literature on memory and we outline its use with 22 clients, 20 of whom showed satisfactory recovery of their memories.