Risk Assessment Of Youth Who Have Sexually Abused
Theory, Controversy & Emerging Strategies

edited by David S. Prescott, L.I.C.S.W.

Professionals working with adolescents who have sexually abused frequently need to make decisions about these youth.  However, there are no empirically validated means by which these professionals can accurately predict who will or won’t become abusive in the future. Research shows that, on average, clinicians do poorly at predicting reoffense, and that considering too much information can make the predictions worse. With the emerging research in this field, clinicians have an obligation to consider what is currently happening when making their treatment plan and supervision decisions. This book summarizes what is known and what is not, and offers suggestions for coping with this most unenviable task. (2006)