A Review of Research Findings Related to the Civil Commitment of Sex Offenders

Abstract

Given the steady growth of civil commitment and the resources devoted to detaining and treating civilly committed sex offenders, research provides invaluable knowledge about this subsection of forensic mental health and a basis for the evaluation of treatment programs. Research published thus far emphasizes program characteristics and components, demographic and criminal characteristics, drug and alcohol use, diagnoses, and psychiatric comorbidity. Research regarding civil commitment is limited in scope due in part to the fact that programs are relatively new and continue to evolve. Additional documentation of program components and offender characteristics will demystify the treatment process, allow for comparisons between treatment programs, and assist in the development of an increased understanding of best practices in the field.