Schwartz, Barbara K, and Cellini, Henry R, eds, The Sex Offender: Corrections, Treatment and Legal Practices, Kingston, NJ 08528: Civic Research Institute Inc, 1995, 532 pp, $95.95 (incl s/h from 4490 Rt 27, Box 585; 609.683.4011).
The preface states clearly the aim of this scholarly work: "This book ... points out the ways we might be able to reclaim some of those that our society might choose to abandon simply because they are viewed as too horrible to live among us" (p v). And on the same page: "Recently, the field of sex offender treatment has advanced at a phenomenal rate. This book updates the available material and presents a new treatment model." In general it is indeed up-to-date, although some chapters have no reference to any works written in the 1990s.
The first chapter describes the integrative approach which the editors consider a new treatment model. Single-factor models have not been satisfactory. Systems theory, which sees the pathology in the network rather than in the individual, recognizes the formative effect of relationships. A program that deals with sex offenders needs to pay attention to all components of the system on biochemical, interpersonal, and ecological levels. A thoroughly integrative approach is difficult to develop but is essential for progress in treatment.
This useful volume contains material on almost every aspect of the subject. The 30 chapters, written by 13 authors, are arranged under five headings: 1. Psychodynamics of Sex Offenders; 2. Implementation and Administration of Programs; 3. Treatment; 4. Aftercare; and 5. Legal Issues in the Treatment of Sex Offenders. Each of the chapters has its pages independently numbered and they range from a half-dozen to over 30 pages. The detailed eighteen-page table of contents is very useful for those who want to read only selected parts of the book. There are 10 appendices covering 73 pages presenting evaluation schemes, offender programs, and court cases. The index of 12 double-columned pages seems thorough, but under "pedophile," a topic of special interest to readers of this periodical, only one reference is given despite the fact that a page or two on pedophiles can be found in several other chapters. "Clergy, sexual abuse by" has only one reference to one page. No special attention is given to clergy malfeasance.
While this book can be read from beginning to end, for most people it will serve as a compact reference work in which one reads those chapters most relevant to one's occupation or interests. Many reports and studies are woven into the substance of most chapters but usually without unduly cluttering the narrative.
Although some attention is given to policies and programs that seek to reduce the incidence of sexual assaults, the greatest portion of the book is devoted to describing, explaining, and evaluating treatment techniques and programs. In the late 1970s rehabilitation programs of all kinds in correctional institutions were curtailed as a result of studies which claimed they did not work. Conventional wisdom then said that "nothing works." Schwartz and Cellini, however, assert that since that time "numerous studies attest to the efficacy of sex offender treatment" and that "the success which individuals have experienced in treating sex offenders and which the criminal justice system has witnessed has led to the development of over 1500 specialized programs for this population" (p xiv). The ten chapters on treatment are truly comprehensive. Everyone involved in this kind of work - whether as therapist or administrator - will find this section especially instructive.
This is not a book for the reader with only general interests. It is a rich, substantive compendium (with a hefty price tag) of many specialized chapters that well deserves to be on the shelves of public and university libraries as well as in the hands of practitioners and advisors across professions and institutions who deal with sex offenders, no matter who, and their victims.
Other contributing authors: John Bergman, Fred Cohen, Georgia F Cummings, Michael Dougher, Randy Green, William B Land, D R Laws, William D Pithers, Stephen Price, Roger Smith, and Nancy Steele.
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