Sex Offender Treatment Program Standards

PHILOSOPHY OF IBTSA PROGRAM STANDARD​

The IBTSA Program standards are based on the philosophy that reducing sexual victimization in our communities must proceed along four fronts:  (1) prevention, (2) assessment and treatment of persons who have been sexually abused, (3) assessment and treatment of persons who have sexually abused others, and (4) community education.  

The prevention of sexually abusive behaviors is a challenging objective that requires collaboration across multiple entities. Public safety and the protection of vulnerable persons must be the priority among all individuals who work in the prevention of sexual abuse. Public safety outcomes are improved when programs adhere to best practices.  Programs for persons who have engaged in sexually abusive behaviors that include evidence based assessment, treatment, case management and supervision are most effective in achieving a positive impact on public safety.   

Evidence based programs:
  • utilize accurate and comprehensive assessments appropriate to the population being assessed
  • utilize accurate needs assessment
  • work with participants to increase intrinsic motivation for change
  • offer treatment interventions in the appropriate dosage for the person’s assessed level of risk and need
  • offer treatment interventions that take into account individual responsivity factors (examples include level of functioning, learning style, age, gender, culture, stage of change)
  • utilize cognitive behavioral treatment approaches that include skill building and practice
  • incorporate positive reinforcement
  • assist participants in building appropriate community support systems
  • measure outcomes and effectiveness 


The priorities of intervention are the safety of the community and vulnerable persons within the community, and prevention of further victimization.  Treatment includes cognitive behavioral interventions and although treatment is not a cure which will eliminate all future probability of offending, individuals do have the capacity to make internal changes that will reduce that risk and make self-regulation possible.  Engaging in sexually abusive behavior is not a mental illness, but some mental illnesses can impact sexually abusive behaviors.  


Supervision and treatment providers can offer external motivation for change while internal motivation for change is being enhanced through the treatment process.  Case plans should balance surveillance and treatment activities to manage risk.  Programs should offer positive reinforcement for participants who demonstrate positive changes and swift and certain sanctions for those participants who continue to engage in offense supportive high risk behaviors.  


In accordance with this philosophy, the following standards for sex offender treatment programs have been developed.
Program Standards
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