Group Program

The Cognitive Behavioral Intervention - Sex Offender (CBI-SO) program is based on a cognitive-behavioral framework that addresses the specific risks and needs associated with sexual offenses. It emphasizes personal accountability, self-awareness, and the development of problem-solving skills. Participants learn to identify and challenge negative or irrational thoughts, improve emotional regulation, enhance interpersonal skills, and implement strategies to prevent sexual offenses.

The program targets various dynamic risk factors, including lifestyle choices, impulsiveness, ineffective coping mechanisms, indifference toward others, a lack of positive social influences, sexual preoccupation, deviant sexual interests, offensive attitudes, hostility toward women, and poor problem-solving skills. It also addresses broader criminogenic needs such as antisocial cognitions, high-risk peer associations, and problematic personality traits like anger, aggression, and impulsivity, while also tackling substance use and promoting constructive leisure activities. By addressing these factors, the CBI-SO program aims to reduce criminogenic needs and help individuals achieve their goals in a healthy, pro-social manner.

Program Structure:
The program may include individual and/or group sessions on a weekly basis. To achieve a successful discharge from the program, participants must attend regularly, participate actively, complete assigned written homework, and demonstrate progress toward their goals. Discharge from the program is a collaborative decision involving discussions between the provider, supervising officer, and client. Clients are considered for discharge once they have fulfilled the program requirements and shown they can effectively reduce and manage their risk factors.

The program consist of specific core modules, which includes: 

• Motivational Engagement 

• Cognitive Distortions and Cognitive Restructuring

• Emotional Regulation 

• Understanding Our Behavior Patterns / Choosing Behavior Responses

• Problem Solving 

• Taking Responsibility 

• Empathy 

• Victim Awareness 

• Healthy Sexual Behavior /Dysfunctional Sexual Behavior

• Relationship/Intimacy Issues

• Social Skills

• Relapse Prevention 

  Program Enrollment and Referral Process

  The CBI-SO program is designed for individuals within the legal system, and enrollment occurs after receiving a referral for services.

  Upon Receipt of the Referral:

• The administrative staff will contact the referred individual to schedule the appropriate evaluation.

• Initial program information and screening documents will be sent to the client via email or text message. These documents will include a 'Release of Information' (ROI) form, which can be signed and submitted electronically. If the individual lacks access to electronic means, the documents will be reviewed and signed in person prior to their evaluation.

• The referring agency will receive an email confirming the scheduled appointment date.

  Sex Offense Specific Evaluation: If the referral indicates the need for a Sex Offense Specific Evaluation, the individual will be scheduled for an evaluation.

  Initial Evaluation / Program Orientation: If a Sex Offense Specific Evaluation is not required, the individual will be scheduled for an Initial Evaluation/Orientation. During this session, information on the individual’s sexual offense history, current risk factors, mental health background, and substance abuse history will be collected to formulate an appropriate treatment plan. Clients will also receive an overview of the CBI-SO program, and all relevant paperwork will be reviewed and signed. 

  Group/ Treatment Sessions: Following the evaluation, individuals will be scheduled for group sessions, attending weekly sessions of 1.5 hours each.

  Treatment Plan Review: Throughout treatment, participants will be continuously assessed to ensure that all risks and needs are addressed. Each participant is required to attend a treatment plan/risk assessment review every 45 days, which allows for an evaluation of acute dynamic risk factors for sexual recidivism using the ACUTE-2007.