The rehabilitation of child sex offenders

Abstract

Model of treatment is described which outlines the typical cognitive‐behavioural approach to treatment of child sexual abusers in the United Kingdom (UK) The model describes treatment, which addresses the following areas: denial, offence specific deficits, socioaffective problems and relapse prevention skills. Research evidence is outlined as to why these areas need to be addressed in treatment, and an argument is made about the importance of dealing with the areas in the order set out in the model. Finally, the model outlines potential mediators to treatment effectiveness: motivation to change, locus of control and level of fixation. In this section of the model we describe how these can have an effect upon treatment efficacy.