Effectiveness, target, and context of the treatments for sex offender

Abstract

In the present study, the most recent meta-analyses concerning the much debated topic of the effectiveness of in-prison treatment programs for sex offenders are investigated. Both strengths and weaknesses of each analysis are analysed. Empirical evidence regarding treatment effectiveness is underlined with the latter being measured in terms of reduction of sexual recidivism. Noteworthy are the treatment programs based on the principles of the Risk/Need/Responsivity Theory which seems to provide the best guarantee of treatment effectiveness.