Training Description
In contrast to male sex offenders, there are few empirically-identified recidivism risk factors for females who commit sexual offenses. This one-hour presentation provides an overview of the current research literature related to this unique population, discussing differences between male and female sex offenders as well as the limitations associated with conducting risk and needs assessments for females. A “best practice” approach, using structured professional judgment, is discussed as a way forward.
Trainer Biography
Brad Allen, JD, PhD is a licensed psychologist with the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services. He has been a practicing clinician for over 25 years, over which time he has received advanced degrees in law, psychology, sociology, and epidemiology. In addition to having extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of sexual offenders, he has an eclectic research background publishing in the areas of developmental disabilities and gerontology. Dawn Pflugradt, PsyD is a licensed psychologist with the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services. She also serves as Assistant Professor at the Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology, where she teaches courses in developmental psychology, personality development, and ethics. In addition to her years of clinical experience, Dr. Pflugradt has published numerous articles and book chapters in the areas sex offender assessment and treatment as well as pediatrics. Her current research focuses on female sex offender assessment and treatment.
Learning Objectives
This training is designed to help you:
- Identify the common characteristics the female sexual offenders share based on epidemiological studies.
- Examine the difficulties in studying female sex offender populations.
- Discuss the three principal pathways to offending for female sex offenders.
- Understand contemporary approaches to female sex offender risk assessment.
- Identify the key components of a treatment needs assessment for female sex offenders.