Assessment and treatment of criminogenic needs

In this chapter we will consider the assessment and treatment of criminogenic factors in young people who engage in sexually abusive behaviour. Evidence from the theoretical and research literature will be used to highlight the extent of this problem and the significant role played by a coercive style of family interaction in its aetiology. We put forward our view that a useful approach to tackling non-sexual criminal and antisocial behaviour among juvenile sexual offenders is with reference to the "what works" literature concerning young people who present with Conduct Disorder. Consistent with ideas presenting an aetiological role for dysfunctional family interaction in sexual and nonsexual criminal and antisocial behaviour, the what works literature provides an evidence base that points to a continuum of therapeutic response ranging from parental behavioural training, to functional family therapy, multi-systemic therapy, and special foster care placement. We conclude the chapter by illustrating a functional family therapy approach to assessing, formulating, and intervening with a young person whose sexually abusive behaviour is part of more general criminal and antisocial activities with reference to a case example.