Managing attrition in sex offender treatment programs

What is it about?

Offender treatment is often influenced by high rates of participant discharge and drop out. This study examined whether changes to treatment delivery can improve attrition in a custodial sex offender treatment program. We also explored whether changes to attrition rates have an influence on treatment outcomes, in terms of sexual reoffending, among offenders who complete the program.

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Why is it important?

Our findings suggest that administrative or clinician-led changes to treatment delivery have the potential to substantially improve retention of offenders in treatment. However, there were also indications that minimising attrition does not necessarily equate to effective treatment of participants and may serve to diminish treatment gains among offenders who complete the program.