This article examines sexual recidivism in relation to the quality of the reintegration process for child molesters rejoining the community after prison. The article describes the results from use of a coding protocol developed by the authors to measure the quality of reintegration planning for sex offenders. The protocol was retrospectively applied to matched groups of recidivists and non-recidivists. The sample was drawn from men who had completed the 32-week prison-based treatment programme at Kia Marama between 1990 and 2000. (Kia Marama is a self contained unit at Rolleston prison in Christchurch, New Zealand for men convicted of sexual offences against children.) The research found that compared to non-recidivists, recidivists had significantly lower scores in relation to accommodation, employment, and other goods, as well as lower total reintegration plan scores. Further analysis showed that when IQ and level of sexual deviance were controlled for, having a place to live was significantly related to sexual recidivism. The results suggest that poor reintegration planning may be a risk factor for recidivism, thus reintegration planning should be an integral part of treatment programmes for child molesters. The authors also point out that ultimately the entire community has the potential to reduce the risk of sexual recidivism in the communities to which child molesters return.

Sexual Abuse : A Journal of Research and Treatment 20(2) June 2008 : 218-240