Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment

Who can have a Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment?

Adolescents from age 13 to 17 who commit illegal sexual behavior as defined by the sex crime statutes of the jurisdiction in which the offense occurred.

Sexually abusive behaviors and sex offense characteristics:

Sexually abusive behaviors range from non contact offenses to penetrative acts. Offense characteristics include factors such as the age and sex of the victim, the relationship between victim and offender, and the degree of coercion and violence used.

Facts about Juvenile Sex Offenders:

Most adolescent sex offenders pose a manageable level of risk to the community. They can be safely maintained in the community under supervision by probation officers and be treated in outpatient treatment programs.3 However, a minority pose a danger to the community and require residential or custodial placement to ensure community safety.

What Can a Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Determine?

The following factors are important to consider in evaluating risk:

  • A history of multiple sexual offenses, especially if any occurs after adequate treatment.
  • A history of repeated non-sexual juvenile offenses.
  • Clear and persistent sexual interest in children.
  • Failure to comply with an adolescent sexual offender treatment program.
  • Self-evident risk signs such as out-of-control behavior, statements of intent to re-offend, etc..
  • Family resistance regarding supervision and compliance, (e.g., the youth needs to be supervised by appropriate adults in the home and community and the adults need to make certain the youth complies with probation and treatment requirements).
  • It can be used to identify higher risk youth in order to make the most effective placement decisions.
  • Low risk does not imply the absence of risk, and low-risk offenders still need supervision and treatment.
  • Decisions about whether an adolescent sex offender should remain in the same home with the victim of his or her offense should be made carefully on a case-by-case basis. The decision may involve input from a variety of professionals within and outside of the juvenile justice system (e.g., child protection workers, therapists, etc.).

What information will be used for the assessment?

  • Psychosocial History of the Juvenile that will be obtained from the client and parent/guardian.
  • Police reports/investigation reports.
  • Juvenile history and/or reports.
  • Any other pertinent reports/history that can be used in the assessment.

Is there confidentiality?

If the court or other legal entity is requesting the evaluation, there will not be confidentiality. This means any information obtained in the evaluation will be given to the courts.

How long will it take?

The evaluation will take about 2 - 3 hours. The first hour will be conducted with the client in the presence of the parent/guardian. The second half of the evaluation will be the juvenile only. Once the assessment is completed, I will meet with the parent/guardian for any final questions.

What tests do you utilize?

Adolescent Psychopathology Scale (APS) The APS - Juvenile Assessment is a 346 item self report that assesses psychopathology, personality and social emotional problems for juveniles 12 - 19 years of age. The APS instrument also assesses other psychological problems and behaviors that interfere with the adolescent's psychosocial adaptation and personal competence, including substance abuse, suicidal behavior, emotional factors, excessive anger, aggression, alienation, and introversion.

The J-SOAP-II is also utilized and it's purpose is to aid in the systematic review of risk factors that are identified as being associated with sexual and criminal offending. It is designed to used with boys in the age range of 12 to 18 years who have been adjudicated for sexual offenses, as well as non adjudicated youths with a history of sexually coercive behaviors.

What does a Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Cost?

A JSOA costs $375 for the testing and writing the report. If any court appearance is required, then additional fees will be due prior to the court date. I do accept Missouri Medicaid and many insurance will also pay for the testing as well. Prior to the appointment I will check benefit and eligibility to determine any out of pocket and deductible costs.