The SAPROF-SO is a tool for assessing protective factors for individuals with a history of sexual offending, integrating with strengths-based therapeutic approaches. This tool comprises 14 items across three key subscales: Resilience, Adaptive Sexuality, and Prosocial Connection & Reward, with an optional fourth subscale, Professional Risk Management.

Renowned for its strong reliability and predictive validity for reduced sexual recidivism (e.g., Nolan et al., 2023; Willis et al., 2020), the SAPROF-SO is instrumental in guiding therapy planning and risk management strategies (Kelley et al., 2022). This workshop, presented by Gwenda Willis, David Thornton, and Sharon Kelley, offers a training opportunity for clinicians interested in learning how to score and interpret the SAPROF-SO.

As with many areas of forensic psychology and the law, living with children (LWC) evaluations pose unique challenges. Whatever their personal viewpoints regarding policy and legislation, evaluators must conform their work product to meet the requirements of the legal systems in which they operate. In conducting these assessments, evaluators must balance best practices in sexual offense risk assessments and modern research on this population with answering the specific questions required by the legal system.

Typically, a forensic evaluator comments on the risk of sexual re-offense by an individual who committed a sexual offense in broad, hypothetical contexts. In LWC evaluations, however, the evaluator must consider the examinee’s risk to a specific child. The specificity of the potential victim adds unique elements, such as potential vulnerabilities for victimization and the non-offending caregiver’s attributes and abilities.

In this training, Dr. Zachary Yeoman examines numerous aspects of LWC evaluations. He provides an overview of the legal contexts in which evaluators operate, helping them navigate areas where psychological science and the law may conflict.

Effective assessment and treatment of adolescents with sexual behavior problems requires specialized knowledge, practical skills, and a commitment to best practices. Whether you are new to this area of work or an experienced professional seeking to refresh your expertise, this two-day course offers a comprehensive, research-informed overview for clinicians, social workers, juvenile justice professionals, and others working with youths in outpatient and residential settings.