Conditional Release Programs for Civilly Committed Sex Offenders

Abstract

Data relating to the community-based placement of post civilly committed sex offenders throughout the United States has been gathered through surveys, interviews, and through the personal observations and experiences of those working in this developing area. Although relatively few sex offenders have attained community-based placement after being civilly committed, emerging patterns in supervision tools and techniques, housing options due to residency restrictions, the impact of registration and notification laws, recidivism rates, the financial costs of conditional release, and the implementation barriers that conditional release programs encounter are increasingly being addressed by professionals managing this population. In general, these programs are well funded, comprehensive, and successfully focused on deterring re-offense. However, significant barriers in housing, community reaction, sex offender self-support, and costs threaten the long-term success of these programs.

Recidivism and violations among sexually violent persons on supervised release.

“…Historically many states have conditionally released those committed under SVP laws from inpatient programs at very low rates (Arkowitz et al, 2008). More recent data from SVP programs indicates there are several programs in which the historical SR census exceeds 20% of the number of individuals historically civilly committed (Schneider et al, 2019).…”

A Comparison of Risk Factors Among Discharged Military Veterans and Civilians Involuntarily Hospitalized Under California’s Sexually Violent Predator Act

“…Although a small percent of individuals convicted of sexually violent offenses will be evaluated pursuant to SVP law, and an even smaller percent will ultimately be civilly committed, the process is one of the most controversial and high-stakes proceedings in which mental health professionals are involved. The economic cost of these laws is staggering and requires funding for screening and commitment, maximum security inpatient housing and treatment, medical care, staffing and facility operations, and additional resources for individuals who are conditionally released (Arkowitz et al, 2008; Perillo, 2016).…”