TY  - BOOK
AU  - Fortune, Clare-Ann G.
TI  - Individual, family and offending characteristics of adolescent sexual offenders: factors associated with those with a history of sexual and physical abuse and those with special needs
PY  - 2000///
KW  - FVC
KW  - ADOLESCENTS
KW  - FAMILIES
KW  - MENTAL HEALTH
KW  - NEGLECT
KW  - OFFENDERS
KW  - PHYSICAL ABUSE
KW  - SOCIAL SERVICES
KW  - STATISTICS
KW  - SUBSTANCE ABUSE
KW  - THESES
KW  - SEXUAL VIOLENCE
KW  - CHILD ABUSE
KW  - NEW ZEALAND
N1  - nz
N2  - The present study develops a profile of the individual, family and offence characteristics of adolescent sexual offenders. To achieve this, the files of 155 male clients who were assessed by a community-based treatment programme for adolescent sexual offenders in Auckland, New Zealand, were reviewed. Adolescent sexual offenders were found to have parents who were divorced or separated and to have severe behavioural problems. In particular, they were involved in high levels of externalising behaviours. The majority of adolescent sexual offenders were found to have a history of sexual and/or physical abuse. The present study found that both sexual and physical abuse were related to severe problems and to family dysfunction. A review of the literature reveals that there is very little research on adolescent sexual offenders with 'special needs', their individual, family, and offence characteristics. In contrast to international research, which suggests that adolescent sexual offenders with 'special needs' do not differ form 'normal' adolescent sexual offenders on rates of behavioural and family problems, the findings of the present study indicate that some significant differences exist. Directions for future research are considered. The clinical implications of the findings are also discussed, highlighting the high rates of child abuse and behavioural problems found among adolescent sexual offenders. Suggestions are made based on the findings. This includes the need for treatment programmes designed for adolescent sexual offenders to address issues relating to the offenders' own victimisation and behaviour problems. The findings also highlight a need to include families in therapy to address distortions about sexual offending held by the families.--AUTHOR'S ABSTRACT
ER  -