How to Find Treatment for Juvenile Sex Offenders

The term sex offender can be somewhat ambiguous; sex crimes can involve bodily exposure, intercourse with a minor or even rape. When dealing with a juvenile sex offender, the most important thing is that he or she gets help right away. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments available.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

1. Understand the vital importance of getting treatment for juvenile sex offenders. Studies have shown sex offenders who do not receive treatment when they are young are up to two times as likely to become repeat offenders as those who do get help.

2. Contact your local department of social services for help finding treatments for juvenile sex offenders.

3. Ask your child's principal or school administration for referrals to appropriate treatment centers. Most schools maintain a list of facilities that can help juvenile delinquents, including sex offenders.

4. Visit the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers Web site for more information on how to find appropriate treatments for your child (see Resources below). Although geared toward adult sex offenders, there is some valuable information for parents of teen and pre-teen sex offenders available.

5. Hire a competent attorney to represent your child in court, if necessary. Most juvenile sex offenders are not recommended for treatment facilities, but with the help of an aggressive, knowledgeable lawyer, you may be able to arrange a deal for your child.

Tips & Warnings

• If your child has been arrested for a sex crime, he or she has the right to competent counsel.
• You must be notified immediately if your child has been arrested for a sex crime, and you must be given information as to your child's whereabouts.
• If your child is a sex offender, it's important for you to accept he or she has a serious problem. Delaying treatment will only exacerbate the situation and may make your child more likely to repeat offensive actions in the future.