Developmentally-informed treatment for adolescent sex offenders: an effectiveness evaluation of the Forward-Focused Model

Abstract The purpose of this pilot program evaluation is to examine the effectiveness of a developmentally-informed treatment model for adolescent sex offenders. To accomplish this, 62 adolescents receiving treatment as usual were compared to 68 adolescents receiving a specialized developmentally-informed treatment (i.e., Forward-Focused Model). A total of 130 adolescents who offended sexually and who were confined in secure residential treatment were included in the analysis. The specialized treatment emphasized the promotion of prosocial development and included cognitive behavioral interventions specifically adapted to meet the developmental needs of adolescents. Clinical interventions were delivered individually and in group therapy with an emphasis on identification and treatment of complex needs (i.e., trauma-related symptoms, substance misuse, serious mental health disorders). Recidivism was evaluated at three years following release from long-term residential treatment (i.e., incarceration). Treatment as usual participants recidivated at almost double the rate of those participating in the Forward-Focused Model while the sexual recidivism rate for adolescents in the Forward-Focused Model was 2.9%.