Relapse prevention as a supervision strategy for sex offenders

Relapse prevention as a supervision strategy for sex offenders is discussed. In the authors' experience, risk factors associated with the abusive acts of sex offenders differ from those of the general criminal population. A review of the information essential to effective probation or parole case planning is provided. Specific probation conditions relevant to sex offenders are suggested. Stress is placed on the importance of developing a community-based, collateral network of individuals who might assess the sex offender's self-management and supervision. An alternative form of community notification, which places responsibility on the offender to inform selected members of his daily life, is discussed.This paper is based in part on a book by Cumming, G. F., & Buell, M. M. (in press).Supervising sex offenders in the community, published jointly by Safer Society, Brandon, VT, and American Correctional Association, Lanham, MD.