Therapeutic techniques proven to be effective in reducing recidivism rates in child sexual offenders

This literature review compared various therapeutic techniques typically utilized in the treatment of child sexual offenders (CSOs). Meta-analyses, literature reviews, and studies were utilized to help determine which intervention styles could help reduce recidivism rates in CSOs. Literature was also used to determine the demographics and cognitive processes of CSOs, and to understand the onset of such deviant sexual behaviour. Implicit theories such as sexual entitlement, offence supportive attitudes, and the thought of children as sexual objects are risk factors in offenders engaging in sexual deviancy towards children. Some additional risk factors are: cognitive distortions such as empathy deficits and blame attribution. Treatments found to positively impact this demographic are: cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), hormonal treatment, risk-need-responsivity (RNR) model, trauma therapy for the offender, offender taking responsibility for actions, and victim empathy work. Additional factors which help the success of these interventions such as therapeutic alliance, group therapy, and the length of treatment will be discussed. This paper also includes a discussion of the gaps in research, as well as the implications for social work.