This article describes the Rockwood Preparatory Program for sexual offenders. This program operates in the Millhaven induction center of the Correctional Service of Canada. Clients remain in the program for 6 to 8 weeks, depending on when they are placed in their home prison, where they will receive a full treatment program. The preparatory program takes a motivational approach, integrating several theoretical views and employing the therapeutic approaches that have been shown to maximize effectiveness with sexual offenders. The content and approach of the program are described and the observed benefits are outlined.
Abel, G.G., Mittelman, M.S., Becker, J.V., Rathner, J., & Rouleau, J.L. (1988). Predicting child molesters response to treatment . In R. A. Prentky & V. L. Quinsey (Eds.), Human sexual aggression: Current perspectives. New York: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences.
2.
Amodei, N., & Lamb, R.J. (2004). Convergent and concurrent validity of the contemplation ladder in the URICA scales. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 73, 301-306.
3.
Andrews, D.A. (2001). Principles of effective correctional programs . In L. L. Motiuk & R. C. Serin (Eds.), Compendium 2000 on effective correctional programming (Vol. 1). Ottawa, ON: Ministry of Supply Services.
4.
Andrews, D.A., & Bonta, J. (1994). The psychology of criminal conduct. Cincinnati, OH: Anderson.
5.
Andrews, D.A., & Bonta, J. (2003). The psychology of criminal conduct (3rd ed.) Cincinnati, OH: Anderson.
6.
Andrews, D.A., & Bonta, J.L. (1995). The Level of Service Inventory-Revised. Toronto, ON: Multi-Health Systems.
7.
Annis, L.V., & Perry, D.F. (1977). Self-disclosure modeling in same-sex and mixed-sex unsupervised groups. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 24, 370-372.
8.
Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavior change. Psychological Review, 84, 191-215.
9.
Beech, A.R., & Hamilton-Giachritis, C.E. (2005). Relationship between therapeutic climate and treatment outcome in group-based sexual offender treatment programs. Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment , 17, 127-140.
10.
Brake, S.C., & Shannon, D. (1997). Using pretreatment to increase admission in sex offenders. In B. K. Schwartz & H. R. Cellini (Eds.), The sex offender: New insights, treatment innovations, and legal developments (Vol. 2, pp. 5.1-5.16). Kingston, NJ: Civic Research Institute.
11.
Conyne, R.K., & Silver, R.J. (1980). Direct, vicarious, and vicarious-process experiences: Effects on increasing therapeutic attraction. Small Group Behavior, 11, 419-429.
12.
Cook, D.A.G., Fox, C.A., Weaver, C.M., & Rooth, F.G. (1991). The Berkeley Group: Ten years experience of a group for non-violent sex offenders. British Journal of Psychiatry , 158, 238-243.
13.
Corder, B.F., Haizlip, T., Whiteside, R., & Vogel, M. (1980). Pre-therapy training for adolescents in group psychotherapy: Contract, guidelines, and pre-therapy preparation. Adolescence, 15, 699-706.
14.
Curran, T. (1978). Increasing motivation to change in group treatment . Small Group Behavior, 9, 337-348.
15.
Davidson, M.A. (1998). The effects of pre-therapy information audiotape on client satisfaction, anxiety level, expectations, and symptom reductionDissertation Abstracts International, 58(8-B), 4441.
DiClemente, C.C., & Prochaska, J.O. (1998). Toward a comprehensive, transtheoretical model of change: Stages of change and addictive behaviors . In W. R. Miller & N. Heather (Eds.), Treating addictive behaviors: Applied clinical psychology (2nd ed., pp. 3-24). Springer .
18.
Garrison, J. (1978). Written vs. verbal preparation of patients for group psychotherapy. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, and Practice, 15, 130-134.
19.
Hall, G.C.N. (1995). Sexual offender recidivism revisited: A meta-analysis of recent treatment studies. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 63, 802-809.
20.
Hanson, R.K. (1997). The development of a brief actuarial risk scale for sexual offense recidivismOttawa, ON: Department of the Solicitor General of Canada. Available from www.sgc.gc.ca/publications/corrections/199704e.pdf
21.
Hanson, R.K., & Bussière, M.T. (1998). Predicting relapse: A meta-analysis of sexual offender recidivism studies. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 66, 348-362.
22.
Hanson, R.K., Gordon, A., Harris, A.J.R., Marques, J.K., Murphy, W.D., Quinsey, V.L., et al. (2002). First report of the Collaborative Outcome Data Project on the Effectiveness of Psychological Treatment of Sex Offenders . Sex Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment, 14, 169-195.
23.
Hanson, R.K., & Morton-Bourgon, K. (2004). Predictors of sexual recidivism: An updated meta-analysis (Cat. No. P53-1/2004-2E-PDF). Ottawa, ON: Public Works and Government Services Canada .
24.
Hanson, R.K., & Thornton, D. (1999). Static-99: Improving actuarial risk assessments for sex offenders (User Report 99-02). Ottawa, ON: Department of the Solicitor General of Canada.
25.
Hoehn-Saric, D.S., Frank, J., Imber, S., Nash, E., Stone, A., & Battle, C. (1964). Systematic preparation of patients in psychotherapy: I. Effects on therapy behavior and outcome. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 2, 267-281.
26.
Larsen, D.L., Nguyen, T.D., Green, R.S., & Attkinson, C.C. (1983). Enhancing the utilization of outpatient mental health services. Community Mental Health Journal, 19, 305-320.
27.
Lee, J.K.P., Proeve, M.J., Lancaster, M., & Jackson, H.J. (1996). An evaluation and 1-year follow-up study of a community-based treatment program for sex offenders. Australian Psychologist, 31, 147-152.
28.
Linley, P.A., & Joseph, S. (2004). Positive psychology in practice. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley.
29.
Lopez, S.J., Ciarlelli, R., Coffman, L., Stone, M., & Wyatt, L. (2000). Diagnosing for strengths: On measuring hope building blocks. In C. R. Snyder (Ed.), Handbook of hope: Theory, measures, and applications (pp. 57-87). New York: Academic Press.
30.
Lösel, F., & Schmucker, M. (2005). The effectiveness of treatment for sexual offenders: A comprehensive meta-analysis. Journal of Experimental Criminology , 1, 1-29.
31.
Mann, R.E., & Webster, S. (2002, October). Understanding resistance and denialPaper presented at the 21st annual research and treatment conference of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers, Montreal, Canada.
32.
Mark, P. (1992). Training staff to work with sex offenders. Probation Journal, 39, 1-13.
33.
Marques, J.K., Day, D.M., Nelson, C., & West, M.A. (1994). Effects of cognitive-behavioral treatment on sex offender recidivism: Preliminary results of a longitudinal study. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 21, 28-54.
34.
Marques, J.K., Wiederanders, M., Day, D.M., Nelson, C., & van Ommeren, A. (2005). Effects of a relapse prevention program on sexual recidivism: Final results from Californias sex offender treatment and evaluation project (SOTEP). Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research of Research and Treatment, 17, 79-107.
35.
Marshall, L.E., & Marshall, W.L. (2007). Preparatory programs for sexual offender treatment. In D. Prescott (Ed.), Applying knowledge to practice: The treatment and supervision of sexual abusers (pp. 108-123). Oklahoma City, OK: Wood n Barnes.
36.
Marshall, L.E., & Moulden, H.M. (2006). Preparatory programs for sexual offenders. In W. L. Marshall, Y. M. Fernandez, L. E. Marshall, & G. A. Serran (Eds.), Sexual offender treatment: Controversial issues (pp. 199-210). Chichester, UK: Wiley.
37.
Marshall, W.L. (2005). Therapist style in sexual offender treatment: Influence on indices of change. Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment, 17, 109-116.
38.
Marshall, W.L., Marshall, L.E., Serran, G.A., & Fernandez, Y.M. (2006). Treating sexual offenders: An integrated approach. New York: Routledge.
39.
Marshall, W.L., & Serran, G.A. (2004). The role of the therapist in offender treatment . Psychology, Crime and Law, 10, 309-320.
40.
Marshall, W.L., Serran, G.A., Moulden, H., Mulloy, R., Fernandez, Y.M., Mann, R.E., et al. (2002). Therapist features in sexual offender treatment: Their reliable identification and influence on behavior change. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 9, 395-405.
41.
Marshall, W.L., Ward, T., Mann, R.E., Moulden, H., Fernandez, Y.M., Serran, G.A., et al. (2005). Working positively with sexual offenders: Maximizing the effectiveness of treatment. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 20, 1096-1114.
42.
Marshall, W.L., & Yates, P.M. (2005). Comment on Mailloux et al.s (2003) study "Dosage of Treatment of Sexual Offenders: Are We Overprescribing?" International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 49, 221-224.
43.
Mayerson, N.G. (1984). Preparing clients for group therapy: A critical review and theoretical formulation. Clinical Psychology Review , 4, 191-213.
44.
McConnaughy, E.N., DiClemente, C.C., Prochaska, J.O., & Velicer, W.F. (1989). Stages of change in psychotherapy: A follow-up . Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 26, 494-503.
45.
McConnaughy, E.N., Prochaska, J.O., & Velicer, W.F. (1983). Stages of change in psychotherapy: Measurement and sample profiles. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice , 20, 368-375.
46.
McGrath, R.J., Cumming, G., Livingston, J.A., & Hoke, S.E. (2003). Outcome of a treatment program for adult sex offenders: From prison to community. Journal of Interpersonal Violence , 18, 3-17.
47.
McPherson, M., Chein, D., Van Maren, N., & Swenson, D. (1994). Sex offender treatment programs. St. Paul: Program Evaluation Division Office of the Legislative Auditor State of Minnesota, Centennial Office Building.
48.
Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (Eds.). (2002). Motivational interviewing: Preparing people to change addictive behavior (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford.
49.
Miner, M.H., & Dwyer, S.M. (1995). Analysis of dropouts from outpatient sex offender treatment. Journal of Psychology and Human Sexuality, 7, 77-93.
50.
Nuffield, J. (1982). Parole decision making in Canada. Ottawa, ON: Solicitor General of Canada.
51.
Pithers, W.D. (1994). Process evaluation of a group therapy component designed to enhance sex offenders empathy for sexual abuse survivors. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 32, 565-570.
52.
Prendergast, W.E. (1991). Treating sex offenders in correctional institutions and outpatient clinics: A guide to clinical practice. New York: Haworth.
53.
Proulx, J., Brien, T., Ciampi, A., Allaire, J.F., McDonald, M., & Chouinard, A. (2004). Treatment attrition in sexual offendersPaper presented at the 23rd annual research and treatment conference of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers, Albuquerque, NM.
54.
Quinsey, W.L., Khanna, A., & Malcolm, P.B. (1998). A retrospective evaluation of the Regional Treatment Centre sex offender treatment program. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 13, 621-644.
55.
Ryan, R.M., & Deci, W.L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55, 68-78.
56.
Scherer, M., Maddux, J.E., Mercandante, B., Prentice-Dunn, S., Jacobs, B., & Rogers, R. (1982). The Self-Efficacy Scale: Construction and validation . Psychological Reports, 51, 663-671.
57.
Schlank, A.M., & Shaw, T. (1996). Treating sexual offenders who deny their guilt: A pilot study. Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment , 8, 17-23.
58.
Schlank, A.M., & Shaw, T. (1997). Treating sex offenders who deny: A review. In B. K. Schwarrtz & H. R. Cellini (Eds.), The sex offender: New insights, treatment innovations and legal developments (pp. 6.1-6.7). Kingston, NJ: Civic Research Institute.
59.
Serin, R.C., & Kennedy, S. (1997). Treatment readiness responsivity: Contributing to effective correctional programming (Research Report R-54). Ottawa, ON: Correctional Service of Canada.
60.
Shaw, T.A., Herkov, J.M., & Greer, R.A. (1995). Examination of treatment completion and predicted outcome among incarcerated sex offenders. Bulletin of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, 23, 35-41.
61.
Simourd, D.J., & Malcolm, P.B. (1998). Reliability and validity of the Level of Service Inventory-Revised among federally incarcerated sex offenders. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 13(2), 261-274.
62.
Snyder, C. R. (Ed.). (2000). Handbook of hope: Theory, measures, and applications. New York: Academic Press.
63.
Snyder, C.R., Cheavens, J., & Michael, S.T. (1999). Hoping. In C. R. Snyder (Ed.), Coping: The psychology of what works (pp. 205-251). New York: Oxford University Press.
64.
Snyder, C.R., Harris, C., Anderson, J.R., Holleran, S.A., Irving, L.M., Sigmon, S.T., et al. (1991). The will and the ways: Development and validation of an individual differences measure of hope. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 60, 570-585.
65.
Snyder, C.R., Sympson, S.C., Ybasco, F.C., Borders, T.F., Babyak, M.A., & Higgins, R.L. (1996). Development and validation of the State Hope Scale . Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2, 321-335.
66.
Strupp, J., & Bloxom, A.L. (1973). Preparing lower class patients for group psychotherapy: Development and evaluation of a role-induction film. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 41, 373-384.
67.
Ward, T. (2002). Good lives and the rehabilitation of offenders: Promises and problems. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 7(5), 513-528.
68.
Ward, T., Day, A., Howells, K., & Birgden, A. (2004). The multifactor offender readiness model. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 9, 645-673.
69.
Ward, T., & Stewart, C.A. (2003). Good lives and the rehabilitation of sexual offenders . In T. Ward, D. R. Laws, & S. M. Hudson (Eds.), Sexual deviance: Issues and controversies (pp. 12-44). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
