Criminal Justice Intervention - Research Proposal Example

Criminal Justice Intervention A criminal justice intervention is a program or policy designed to address a crime or criminal justice problem, or to have some desired effect. This paper will focus on sex offender treatment programs and try to evaluate their effectiveness. Criminal Justice Intervention Introduction In the effort, to offer alternative methods of punishment, the criminal justice introduced various social, correctional interventions. Through these intervention programs, the risk of ex offenders is defined first, and the correction intervention employed to reduce risks of the harm of the society by potential ex offenders. These programs are offered directly by the criminal justice personnel or public and private agencies in the community (May, 2008). Justification of the study Current studies estimate that one out of ten children is sexually abused during childhood (Roberts & Springer, 2007). At the same time, prevalence rates of rape have been reported to be on the increase. In this regard, there is the need to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of sex offender treatment programs. It is apparent that some sex offenders have mental and psychological disorders, which facilitate commitment of sex crimes. In fact, individuals with such disorders are likely to commit the same crime after they are released from prison (Roberts & Springer, 2007). In this regard, the criminal justice system is required to not only administer punishment but also offer correction programs that would help the offender deter from these offences. In light with this rationale, there is the need to assess the effectiveness of sex offender treatment programs. Research questions What are the risks of sex offenders to the society? What are the effects of sex offender treatment programs? Literature review The issue of sex crime has been rampant for the past decades even with the existence of the criminal justice system in place. Both the police and society have had difficult times dealing with these cases. Although some of these offenders are apprehended by police and imprisoned, they pose a serious threat to the society especially the victims of the offense (May, 2008). Cases of repeated rape and murder have been reported whereby the offender commits the crime after release from prison. Apart from the application of the law in punishing the offender, where justice is seen to have taken its course, the victims of sexual abuse suffer from psychological torture throughout their lives. The sex offender treatment programs aims at having a unified approach to help both the offender and the victims. Some of the initiatives involve probation, therapy, victim protection among others (Kemshall & McIvor, 2004). According to studies, the aims and objectives of sex offender treatment programs have been cited to have worked in sexual recidivism. These programs help the offenders maintain their humanity and cooperate with the programs designed to rehabilitate them. The aim of inclusion of intervention programs in the justice system is to abstract values and not only to punish the offenders. These programs incorporate guidance and counseling programs which plays a prominent role in rehabilitating persons with sex offend records (Kemshall & McIvor, 2004). Sex offenders need to be subjected on psychological assistance for them to understand the importance of the criminal justice system and why they should deter from committing the crime. They should be made to understand that they are put under the program because of their own mistakes they committed. Surgical treatments Surgical techniques have been reported for decades although they are extremely rare today. They have been surrounded by heated debate on the ethics involved in ablating healthy tissue and the side effects associated with it (Coleman et al., 1992). Pharmacological treatments This treatment involves administering of anti-androgens and serotonergic drugs. This treatment aims at lowering sexual interest of the patient. This method of anti-libidinal can work on offenders, who are well informed of its application and withdrawal procedure (Coleman et al., 1992). However, this method can not solely curb the behavior of committing sex crimes. This is true because many sex offenders commit these offenses with motives other than sexual satisfaction. Therefore, this method requires the offender be subjected to counseling. Psychological treatment Psychological treatment of sex offenders can be used to help the offender gain insight of his or her personality, help control influences which trigger offending behavior, and help to prevent relapse into repeating the offense when under stress (Coleman et al., 1992). In fact, this method of treatment is said to reduce factors that are like to accelerate the offender from reoffending. Some of these factors include sexual preoccupation, weak commitment to avoid re-offending, antisocial behaviors, problem in solving skills, and poor emotional control (Coleman et al., 1992). Different approaches for this method of treatment include skills-based interventions and behavior modification like group therapy. This method is largely advocated for because some studies have indicated that there are various triggering factors to individuals who commit sexual crimes. For example, people with angry moods can trigger deviant sexual arousal (Coleman et al., 1992). Therefore, cognitive therapy can be used to help the sex offenders refrain from committing sexual crimes. However, approaches of the psychological treatment have changed over time with much focus being given on relapse prevention techniques. Some of these approaches include masturbatory reconditioning, covert aversion, and satiation therapy. Methodology The study will be carried out using the descriptive, cross-sectional survey design. The design will involve collecting data on a sample or cross-section of the respondents who will be selected to represent sex offenders, and the sex offender treatment program officials. The study design will aim at investigating the problem by use of questionnaires, and interview schedules. The study will use stratified random sampling. For the purpose of this study, the researcher will seek permission from relevant authorities and a letter granted to allow carrying out the research. Furthermore, the purpose of the study will be explained to the respondents and assure them of confidentiality of their responses and identities. Conclusion The issue of sex crime has been rampant for the past decades even with the existence of the criminal justice system in place. The sex offender programs aims at having a unified approach to help both the offender and the victims. Among the approaches used in sex offender treatment program, psychological treatment tends to be most effective. References: Coleman, E. et al., (1992). Sex Offender Treatment: Psychological and Medical Approaches. New York: Routledge. Kemshall, H. & McIvor. G (2004). Managing sex offender risk. London; Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley. May, C. (2008). Corrections and the criminal justice system. Udbury, Mass.: Jones and Bartlett Pub. Roberts, A. A. & Springer, W. D. (2007). Social work in juvenile and criminal justice settings. Springfield, Ill.: Charles C Thomas. Read More