Adolescent Sex OffendersAdolescent Sex Offenders

Anna C. Salter, Ph.D.Anna C. Salter, Ph.D.

AgendaAgenda

Overview of adolescent crimeOverview of adolescent crime

What’s sexually deviantWhat’s sexually deviant

Sibling abuseSibling abuse

Taproots of sexual offendingTaproots of sexual offending

Polygraph and sexual offendingPolygraph and sexual offending

What works?What works?

Risk assessmentRisk assessment

HandoutsHandouts

www.annasalter.com

acsalter@tds.netacsalter@tds.net

Adult Sex OffendersAdult Sex Offenders& Age of Onset& Age of Onset

1/3 to 1/2 began offending1/3 to 1/2 began offending

In adolescenceIn adolescence

(Prentky et al., 2000)(Prentky et al., 2000)

Adolescents & Violent/Sexual CrimeAdolescents & Violent/Sexual Crime

Age of Onset of Serious ViolenceAge of Onset of Serious Violence

85% of those involved in serious violence by age 85% of those involved in serious violence by age 27 report that their 127 report that their 1stst act occurred between 12 act occurred between 12

& 20& 20

Peak age of onset 16Peak age of onset 16

Almost no serious violence startsAlmost no serious violence starts

< age 10 & > age 23< age 10 & > age 23

(Prentky 2002)(Prentky 2002)

Two Onset “Trajectories”Two Onset “Trajectories”

Childhood Onset

strong link between childhood factors

and persistent violence into adulthood

Juvenile Onset:

most violence begins in adolescence,

ends with the transition into adulthood

(Prentky, 2002)

Sex Offense RecidivismSex Offense Recidivism

Continue into adulthoodContinue into adulthood

9-14% 9-14%

(Nisbet et al., 2004; Rasmussen, 1999)(Nisbet et al., 2004; Rasmussen, 1999)

Onset of Sexual OffendingOnset of Sexual Offending

Incarcerated adolescents Incarcerated adolescents N N

Onset < 12 Onset < 12 4848 Onset> 12 Onset> 12 130 130 Offending < and > age 12 Offending < and > age 12 65 65

Seriousness & complexity of sexual acts more Seriousness & complexity of sexual acts more severe for the continuous offenderssevere for the continuous offenders

(Burton, 2000)(Burton, 2000)

Juvenile Sex Offenders:Juvenile Sex Offenders:Age of OnsetAge of Onset

Begin Offending Under Age 12Begin Offending Under Age 12

46%46%

(Burton, 2000)(Burton, 2000)

Chronic Juvenile OffendersChronic Juvenile Offenders

% of Offenders% of Offenders % of Crime% of Crime

6.3% 6.3% 52% 52%

7.5% 7.5% 61%61%

(Wolfgang’s 1958)(Wolfgang’s 1958)

Juvenile CrimeJuvenile Crime

OffendersOffenders CrimesCrimes

8% 8% 70% 70%

(Beuhring, 2002; Howell, 1995; (Beuhring, 2002; Howell, 1995; Kelley et al., 1997)Kelley et al., 1997)

Boundaries of Boundaries of Developmentally Normative Developmentally Normative

Sexual BehaviorSexual Behavior

Normal & Deviant AdolescentNormal & Deviant AdolescentSexual BehaviorSexual Behavior

(Adapted from Dr. Robert Prentky & (Adapted from Dr. Robert Prentky & Dr. William Friedrich)Dr. William Friedrich)

““NormalNormal”” Sexually explicit conversations with peersSexually explicit conversations with peers Obscenities and jokes within cultural normObscenities and jokes within cultural norm Sexual innuendo, flirting and courtshipSexual innuendo, flirting and courtship Interest in eroticaInterest in erotica Solitary masturbationSolitary masturbation Hugging, kissing, holding handsHugging, kissing, holding hands Foreplay, (petting, making out, fondling)Foreplay, (petting, making out, fondling) Mutual masturbationMutual masturbation Sexual intercourse with consenting partnerSexual intercourse with consenting partner**

Deviant Behaviors: Level 1Deviant Behaviors: Level 1

High degree of sexual preoccupation and/or anxietyHigh degree of sexual preoccupation and/or anxiety Frequent use of pornography or sex showsFrequent use of pornography or sex shows Indiscriminate sexual contact with multiple partnersIndiscriminate sexual contact with multiple partners Sexually aggressive remarks/obscenitiesSexually aggressive remarks/obscenities Sexual graffiti (especially sexually aggressive images)Sexual graffiti (especially sexually aggressive images) Embarrassment of others with sexual remarks or Embarrassment of others with sexual remarks or

innuendoinnuendo Violation of others’ body spaceViolation of others’ body space Pulling skirts up / pants downPulling skirts up / pants down Peeping, exposing or frottage with known agematesPeeping, exposing or frottage with known agemates Obscene gestures or “mooning”Obscene gestures or “mooning”

Deviant Level 1Deviant Level 1 Red flags - may signal an abnormally high Red flags - may signal an abnormally high

degree of sexual preoccupation and/or degree of sexual preoccupation and/or sexually aggressive impulsessexually aggressive impulses

Some form of intervention may be Some form of intervention may be desirabledesirable

Deviant Behaviors: Level 2Deviant Behaviors: Level 2

Compulsive masturbationCompulsive masturbation Degradation/humiliation of self or others Degradation/humiliation of self or others

with sexual overtoneswith sexual overtones Attempting to expose others’ genitalsAttempting to expose others’ genitals Chronic preoccupation with sexually aggressive Chronic preoccupation with sexually aggressive

pornographypornography Sexually explicit conversation with young childrenSexually explicit conversation with young children Sexualized touching without permission Sexualized touching without permission

(grabbing, goosing)(grabbing, goosing) Sexually explicit threatsSexually explicit threats (verbal or written)(verbal or written)

Obscene phone callsObscene phone calls

Deviant Level 2Deviant Level 2

Indicate a high degree of sexual Indicate a high degree of sexual preoccupation and/or deviant sexual preoccupation and/or deviant sexual interests,interests,

Require interventionRequire intervention

Deviant Behaviors: Level 3Deviant Behaviors: Level 3

Genital touching without permissionGenital touching without permission (e.g. (e.g. fondling)fondling)

Sexual contact with significant age difference Sexual contact with significant age difference (child molestation)(child molestation)

Forced sexual contact Forced sexual contact (any assault having sexual (any assault having sexual overtones)overtones)

Forced penetration Forced penetration (vaginal or anal)(vaginal or anal)

Sexual contact with animalsSexual contact with animals Genital injury to othersGenital injury to others

Deviant Level 3Deviant Level 3

Victim-involved sexual assaultVictim-involved sexual assault

Require interventionRequire intervention

Sibling IncestSibling Incest

Differences in IncestDifferences in Incest

Adult incest offenders: Adult incest offenders:

Less deviant arousal on the PPGLess deviant arousal on the PPG

Have fewer victimsHave fewer victims

Begin offending at a later age.Begin offending at a later age.

Juvenile sex offendersJuvenile sex offenders

All less trueAll less true

Considerable cross-over incest and non-incestConsiderable cross-over incest and non-incest

(Hunter et al., 1994) (Hunter et al., 1994)

Sibling vs Parental IncestSibling vs Parental Incest

No DifferenceNo Difference

Self-abusive behaviorsSelf-abusive behaviorsPhysical problemsPhysical problemsSexual problemsSexual problemsLevel of guiltLevel of guiltShameShame

(Cole, 1990)(Cole, 1990)

Adolescent Sex OffendersAdolescent Sex Offenders

N = 170 N = 170

MalesMales

Mean Age = 15Mean Age = 15

(O’Brien, 1991)(O’Brien, 1991)

SampleSample Average Acts Average Acts IncestIncest 1818Extrafamilial MolesterExtrafamilial Molester 4 4Nonchild offenderNonchild offender 7.47.4MixedMixed 8.58.5

(O’Brien, 1991)(O’Brien, 1991)

Length of AbuseLength of Abuse

> 1 Year> 1 Year

Incest GroupIncest Group 45%45%

Extrafamilial MolestersExtrafamilial Molesters 23%23%

Nonchild OffendersNonchild Offenders 24%24%(O’Brien, 1991)(O’Brien, 1991)

IntercourseIntercourse

IncestIncest 46%46%

Extrafamilial Child Extrafamilial Child 28%28%

Nonchild OffendersNonchild Offenders 13%13%

(O’Brien, 1991)(O’Brien, 1991)

Age of VictimsAge of Victims

< 9 Years-Old< 9 Years-Old

76%76%

(O’Brien, 1991)(O’Brien, 1991)

Other Criminal ActsOther Criminal Acts

Incest Incest 11%11%

ExtrafamilialExtrafamilial 18%18%

NonchildNonchild 26%26%

(O’Brien, 1991)(O’Brien, 1991)

Prior Sexual VictimizationPrior Sexual Victimization

IncestIncest 42%42%

ExtrafamilialExtrafamilial 40%40%

Nonchild Nonchild 29%29%

(O’Brien, 1991)(O’Brien, 1991)

2 or More Victims2 or More Victims

IncestIncest 53%53%

ExtrafamilialExtrafamilial 42%42%

(O’Brien, 1991)(O’Brien, 1991)

Taproots of Sexual OffendingTaproots of Sexual Offending

Deviant ArousalDeviant Arousal

oror

Criminal Behavior?Criminal Behavior?

Deviant Arousal and Adolescent Deviant Arousal and Adolescent Sex offendersSex offenders

Most likely found among child molestersMost likely found among child molesters

““Greater fluidity” of offense patternsGreater fluidity” of offense patterns

Less connection between arousal & offense Less connection between arousal & offense historieshistories

(Hunter et al., 1994)(Hunter et al., 1994)

Adolescent Sex Offenders:Adolescent Sex Offenders:Sexual vs. General RecidivismSexual vs. General Recidivism

FU up to 6 yearsFU up to 6 years

RecidivateRecidivateSexual Sexual 7.5 to 147.5 to 14

General CriminalGeneral Criminal 40 to 6040 to 60(Langstrom & Grann, (Langstrom & Grann,

2000)2000)

Deviant Arousal or AntisocialDeviant Arousal or Antisocial

4 variables correctly classified 77% reoffenders4 variables correctly classified 77% reoffenders

Involvement with delinquent peersInvolvement with delinquent peers

Crimes against personsCrimes against persons

Attitudes towards sexual assaultAttitudes towards sexual assault

Family normlessnessFamily normlessness

(Ageton, 1983)(Ageton, 1983)

Deviant Arousal or AntisocialDeviant Arousal or Antisocial

Involvement with delinquent peersInvolvement with delinquent peers

Correctly classified 76% reoffendersCorrectly classified 76% reoffenders

(Ageton, 1983)(Ageton, 1983)

Denial in Adolescent Denial in Adolescent Sex OffendersSex Offenders

N = 204 malesN = 204 males

Community-based treatmentCommunity-based treatment

Tx ComplianceTx Compliance Denial (%)Denial (%)

NoneNone SomeSome CompleteComplete

NoNo 27 27 4949 71 71

YesYes 73 73 5252 29 29

(Hunter & Figuerdo,1999)(Hunter & Figuerdo,1999)

Polygraph and Adolescent Sex Polygraph and Adolescent Sex OffendersOffenders

NN CollateralCollateral Intake Intake Polygraph Polygraph

ChildChild 6060 1.52 1.52 1.871.87 2.85 2.85

OffensesOffenses 5151 27.18 27.18 20.6520.65 76.59 76.59

(Emerick & Dutton, 1993)(Emerick & Dutton, 1993)

Polygraph and Adolescent Sex Polygraph and Adolescent Sex OffendersOffenders

IntakeIntake PolygraphPolygraph

PornographyPornography 27% 27% 78% 78%

VoyeurismVoyeurism 29 29 49 49

RapeRape 15 15 29 29

FetishFetish 12 12 24 24

(Emerick & Dutton, 1997)(Emerick & Dutton, 1997)

What Works?What Works?

Type of Treatment & Young OffendersType of Treatment & Young Offenders

0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

Non Behavioral

CognitiveBehavioral

Dowden & Andrews, 1999

Targeting Criminogenic NeedsTargeting Criminogenic Needs

Criminogenic NeedsCriminogenic Needs

CriminogenicCriminogenic

Antisocial AttitudesAntisocial Attitudes

Antisocial FriendsAntisocial Friends

Substance AbuseSubstance Abuse

ImpulsivityImpulsivity

Non CriminogenicNon Criminogenic

Self-EsteemSelf-Esteem

AnxietyAnxiety

DepressionDepression

Targeting Criminogenic NeedsTargeting Criminogenic Needs

-0.05

0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

0.3

0.35

Targets 1 - 3Noncriminogenic Needs

Targets 4 - 6CriminogenicNeeds

Gendreau, French & Taylor, 2002

Self Esteem Vs. Criminogenic NeedsSelf Esteem Vs. Criminogenic Needs

-0.1-0.05

00.05

0.10.15

0.20.25

0.30.35

0.4

Self Esteem

CriminogenicNeeds

Cost of RecidivismCost of Recidivism

To TaxpayersTo Taxpayers

To VictimsTo Victims

Computing Cost of RecidivismComputing Cost of Recidivism

Police InvestigationPolice InvestigationAdjudicationAdjudicationCorrectionsCorrectionsMedical Care of VictimsMedical Care of VictimsMental Health Care of VictimsMental Health Care of VictimsProperty DamageProperty DamageReduced Future EarningsReduced Future Earnings

(Aos, (Aos, 1999)1999)

Computing Victim Cost of RecidivismComputing Victim Cost of Recidivism

Medical CareMedical CareMental Health CareMental Health CareProperty DamageProperty DamageReduced Future EarningsReduced Future EarningsPain and SufferingPain and SufferingLoss of LifeLoss of Life

(Aos, (Aos, 1999)1999)

Cost/Benefit of Adolescent Treatment Cost/Benefit of Adolescent Treatment ProgramsPrograms

ProgramProgram TaxpayersTaxpayers Taxpayers Taxpayers &&

AloneAlone Victims Victims

ARPARP $19.57 $19.57 $31.40$31.40

Multi-SystemicMulti-Systemic 8.38 8.38 13.45 13.45

Functional FamFunctional Fam 6.85 6.85 10.99 10.99

Multi Tx FosterMulti Tx Foster 14.0714.07 22.58 22.58

Cost/Benefit of Adolescent Treatment Cost/Benefit of Adolescent Treatment ProgramsPrograms

ProgramProgram Cost/ Cost/ EffectEffectParticipantParticipant SizeSize

AggressionAggressionReplacementReplacementTrainingTraining $404$404 -.26-.26

Multi-SysMulti-SysFamily TxFamily Tx $4,540$4,540 -.68-.68

(Aos, 1999)(Aos, 1999)

What Does It Take to Break EvenWhat Does It Take to Break Even

Depends on the CostDepends on the Cost

Percent Reduction to Percent Reduction to Break EvenBreak Even

AggressionAggressionReplacement Replacement TrainingTraining 1.4%1.4%

Multi-SystemicMulti-SystemicFamily TherapyFamily Therapy 10.2%10.2%

Risk AssessmentRisk Assessment

Risk Assessment:Risk Assessment:Impact of Working with OffendersImpact of Working with Offenders N = 200 young offenders of all typesN = 200 young offenders of all types Sentence = 2 yearsSentence = 2 years Data:Data:

PresentencePresentence

Current offenseCurrent offense

Previous convictionsPrevious convictions

One meetingOne meeting

(Williams, unpublished)(Williams, unpublished)

Risk Assessment:Risk Assessment:Impact of Working with OffendersImpact of Working with Offenders

Data:Data:

Original informationOriginal information

Experience of working with Experience of working with offenders offenders for previous yearsfor previous years

(Williams, unpublished)(Williams, unpublished)

Risk Assessment:Risk Assessment:Impact of Working with OffendersImpact of Working with Offenders

OutcomeOutcome 1st Evaluation1st Evaluation

Moderate correlation with recidivismModerate correlation with recidivism

2nd Evaluation2nd Evaluation

No outcome with recidivismNo outcome with recidivism

(Williams, unpublished)(Williams, unpublished)

JSORRATJSORRAT

Doug EppersonDoug Epperson

Item 1Item 1Number of Adjudications for Sexual Number of Adjudications for Sexual

Offenses, including the Current Offenses, including the Current

One………………………………………0One………………………………………0

Two………………………………………1Two………………………………………1

Three…………………………………….2Three…………………………………….2

Four or more…………………………….3Four or more…………………………….3

Number of Adjudications Number of Adjudications & Recidivism& Recidivism

No.No. NN Sex RecidivismSex Recidivism

11 452452 6.2%6.2%

22 11811826.3%26.3%

33 37 3735.1%35.1%

4 +4 + 29 29 41.441.4

(Epperson, (Epperson, 2005)2005)

Item 2Item 2Number of Different Victims in Charged Number of Different Victims in Charged

Sex Offenses, Including CurrentSex Offenses, Including Current

One………………………………………..0One………………………………………..0

Two………………………………………..1Two………………………………………..1

Three or more ……………………………2Three or more ……………………………2

Number of VictimsNumber of Victims

No.No. NN RecidivismRecidivism

11 442442 6.8%6.8%

22 116116 24.1%24.1%

3 +3 + 78 78 33.3%33.3%

(Epperson, 2005)(Epperson, 2005)

Utah development SampleUtah development Sample

Score

Percent Juvenile

Sexual Recidivism

0 – 2 1.0%

3 – 4 6.6%

5 – 7 24.3%

8 – 11 43.1%

12+ 81.8%

Genetic Contribution to Violent Genetic Contribution to Violent BehaviorBehavior

½ Variance in antisocial behavior½ Variance in antisocial behavior

Due to genetic factorsDue to genetic factors

( Beaver, 2008; Mason & Frick, 1994; Miles ( Beaver, 2008; Mason & Frick, 1994; Miles & Carey, 1997; Rhee & Wald, 2002) & Carey, 1997; Rhee & Wald, 2002)

Interaction of Genes and Interaction of Genes and EnvironmentEnvironment

Males with low MAOA activity allele Males with low MAOA activity allele (specific gene)(specific gene)

++

Childhood maltreatmentChildhood maltreatment

Increased antisocial behaviorIncreased antisocial behavior

(Beaver, 2008)(Beaver, 2008)

Genetic Contribution to Violent Genetic Contribution to Violent BehaviorBehavior

½ Variance in antisocial behavior½ Variance in antisocial behavior

Due to genetic factorsDue to genetic factors

( Beaver, 2008; Mason & Frick, 1994; Miles ( Beaver, 2008; Mason & Frick, 1994; Miles & Carey, 1997; Rhee & Wald, 2002) & Carey, 1997; Rhee & Wald, 2002)

Genetics & EnvironmentGenetics & Environment

InteractiveInteractive

(Rowe, 2002; Rutter, 2006; Walsh, 2002)(Rowe, 2002; Rutter, 2006; Walsh, 2002)

Violence Delinquency ScaleViolence Delinquency Scale

How many times past 12 months hurt someone How many times past 12 months hurt someone badly enough to require medical attentionbadly enough to require medical attention

Used a weapon to get something from someoneUsed a weapon to get something from someone

Took part in a group fightTook part in a group fight

(Beaver, 2008)(Beaver, 2008)

Violent AdolescentsViolent Adolescents

3 samples3 samples

Pretrial AssessmentPretrial Assessment

Institutional AssessmentInstitutional Assessment

Assessment Before ReleaseAssessment Before Release

(Lodewijks et al., 2010)(Lodewijks et al., 2010)

Protective FactorsProtective FactorsAdolescent Violent OffendersAdolescent Violent Offenders

Prosocial involvementProsocial involvement Strong social supportStrong social support Strong attachments & bondsStrong attachments & bonds Positive attitude towards interventionPositive attitude towards intervention

and authorityand authority Strong commitment to school & workStrong commitment to school & work Resilient personalityResilient personality

(Lodewijks et al., 2010)(Lodewijks et al., 2010)

Impact of Protective FactorsImpact of Protective Factors

00 1 or more1 or more

Pretrial AssessmentPretrial Assessment

High riskHigh risk 40%40% 6% 6%

Low riskLow risk 1212 6 6

(Lodewijks et al., 2010)(Lodewijks et al., 2010)

Impact of Protective FactorsImpact of Protective Factors

Institutional AssessmentInstitutional Assessment 0 0 1 or more1 or more

High riskHigh risk 8686 54 54

Low riskLow risk 4444 13 13

Pre-ReleasePre-Release

High riskHigh risk 7878 33 33

Low riskLow risk 3838 3 3

(Lodewijks et al., 2010)(Lodewijks et al., 2010)

Which Factors?Which Factors?

Strong social supportStrong social support

Strong attachments to prosocial adultsStrong attachments to prosocial adults