Wednesday General Session

COUNTERING THE COUNTERPRODUCTIVE: IMPROVING PUBLIC POLICY TOWARDS SEXUAL OFFENDERS

Presenter: David Prescott

Abstract Category: 

Instruction Level: Beginner

Presentation: Not submitted

Abstract:

Public policies regarding sexual offenders are rarely evidence-based. Many of our current policies may actually increase re-offense risk among this most challenging population. This address explores our knowledge and what we can do to improve policy so that it assists those affected by sexual abuse as well as reducing the potential risk for re-offense. Areas of focus include the qualities of effective professionals as well as what the research says about which interventions do and don't reduce the likelihood of sexual crime. An explicit focus is maintained on what professionals can do within the framework of current policy.