The Juvenile Sex Offender

There has been an extraordinary amount of published research and theory on sexual assault by adult male offenders. Yet, little has been written about the juvenile or adolescent sex offender, either as a subject of study in his own right, or in an effort to understand the developmental processes which may lead to sexually assaultive behavior in adults. Filling a gap in the literature, this comprehensive volume provides a detailed examination of the juvenile sexual offender, and what is known about the development of sexually assaultive behavior.

Written by leading researchers, chapters first define terms and concepts and outline the research, professional, and legal issues relevant to treatment of the juvenile sex offender. Salient historical, personality, and behavioral characteristics which may differentiate various important subgroupings of these offenders are also described. The book then focuses on the development of the juvenile sexual offender, and how this development differs from that of normal adolescents. Chapters examine how sexuality evolves and manifests itself in both the normal and the deviant teenager, and why deviant behaviors often continue into adulthood. Sexual arousal and preferences of the adolescent offender, and processes involving social bonds and influences on the development of deviant sexuality are also discussed.

Finally, the book explores ways in which society might respond to prevent or control the occurrence of sexual assault by juveniles. A comprehensive approach to treatment is presented that encompasses criminal justice and mental health systems, cognitive-behavioral interventions, pharmacological approaches, relapse prevention, and supervision.

Highly informative and useful, this text is particularly important to psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and other mental health clinicians working with juvenile sexual offenders, their families, and their victims. Similarly, professionals in forensic, developmental or child and family studies will also find it of particular interest. It also serves as an ideal text for advanced courses on juvenile sexual offenders, or as supplementary reading for students of forensic psychology or psychiatry.