The Use of Coercion in the Treatment of Incarcerated Juveniles Adjudicated on Sexual Offenses: Consequences and Implications

Abstract

Since the inception of specialized treatment for juveniles accused of and adjudicated on sexual offenses (JASOs), denial has been an organizing principle. Most clinicians believe that “breaking through” denial is a necessary prerequisite for successful treatment. Unfortunately, there is little empirical evidence to support this claim. Further, when admitting to one's sexually offensive behavior in treatment becomes paramount, the risk that other therapeutic issues are missed or ignored increases. This article calls attention to the dangers of coercion, in its varied forms, when attempting to get youth to “take responsibility” for their sexually offensive behavior. Based on interviews with 40 incarcerated JASOs, the author suggests that using “presumptive realities” as an organizing principle rather than denial, helps to focus treatment providers on their role in the therapeutic process. In using “presumptive realities” the JASO's story or interpretation of the abuse event is considered therapeutically relevant and reflective of the context in which treatment occurs.