How The Results Of A Sex Offender Risk Assessment Influences Each Individual Case

By Linda Ruiz


Sexual offences are reprehensive and most level headed people react with revulsion and anger when they hear or read about it. The authorities view such offences in a very serious light and those convicted can expect severe sentences. When those convicted of these crimes are considered for parole, it is important to determine the likelihood that they will commit similar offences. That is why a sex offender risk assessment is first performed.

The evaluation is performed to determine the threat posed by the accused. In many cases it is also used to determine whether the accused were cognizant of his actions. In some cases, for example, the accused suffers from a psychological disorder that diminishes his ability to make decisions or to distinguish between actions that are legal or illegal. The evaluation is particularly important when the accused is still a juvenile.

The evaluations are used in determining the sentences of the delinquents and the manner of treatment that will be required. The results also play an important role when parole is considered. When parole is considered favorably, the evaluation results will help the authorities to decide about the level of supervision that will be needed in relation to the paroled person as well as the conditions under which parole will be granted.

The most important consideration of the authorities when dealing with this type of criminal is the safety of the public. In some cases the safety of the convicted person may also be in danger. Decisions must therefore be made about whether the public must be informed about the fact that the delinquents will be released and whether the personal details of the person must be recorded in a register.

Sexual delinquents are assessed on a regular basis. It is done prior to their court appearances, sometimes even prior to sentencing and from then onwards at regular intervals. The main aim of the regular evaluations is to find out if the convict is making progress, whether he responds to rehabilitation programs and the degree to which he complies with the rules and regulations to which he is subjected.

Evaluations are performed by using a variety of approaches. The most important part is to determine whether the convict is likely to commit a similar offence. The success of rehabilitation and treatment programs also need to be assessed from time to time. There are also mental evaluations to establish whether the convict can benefit from therapy or even medical interventions.

Conducting this type of evaluation is a complicated and sometime lengthy business. A number of experts are involved. The team may include a social worker, representatives from the correctional services, psychiatrists and behavioral scientists, to name just a few. Discrepancies between the findings of different experts may lead to further, more thorough evaluations. It has been proven, however, that the recommendations contained in these evaluations are generally reliable.

It is only natural that sexual assault cases cause such an emotional reaction from the public. It is an outrage and the victims often suffer the consequences for decades afterwards. The justice system must nevertheless approach these cases soberly and objectively. They cannot allow emotions to cloud their decisions.




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