'What Works, for Whom?' Sexual Offence Treatment Dosage, Duration, Sequence, and Composition.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Recent scholarship has advocated the need for more detailed analysis of key components within sexual offender treatment programs that contribute to successful outcomes; and importantly to delineate 'what works best, for whom.' The present review interrogates recent scholarship on treatment duration and dosage, program composition and sequencing, to advance critical discussion on 'for whom' treatment works best.

Recent findings: Although we now know more about what key program components are associated with better outcomes overall, observed differences at an individual level reemphasize the importance of attending to specific responsivity factors in treatment. Elevating the specific responsivity principle demands more tailored methods to program design and implementation. However, implementing nuanced programming within 'real-world' correctional settings poses significant challenges. Therefore, we call to action the adoption of an implementation science lens in future research, to optimize translation of research knowledge on 'what works, and for whom' into practice.