When Juveniles Commit Sexual Offenses: Considerations and Recommendations for Judges

• Author: Shawn C. Marsh,Kristan N. Russell
• Date: 01 June 2018
• Published date: 01 June 2018
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1111/jfcj.12111

When Juveniles Commit Sexual Offenses:

Considerations and Recommendations for Judges

By Kristan N. Russell and Shawn C. Marsh

ABSTRACT

Considering sexual offenders’ impact on victims, families, and communities,

one cannot understate the importance of utilizing evidence-based dispositions with

juvenile offenders adjudicated for sexual offenses. This proves difficult, however, as

the body of literature regarding juvenile sexual offenders is complex and often

misunderstood. Research on how juvenile sexual offenders experience –broadly con-

strued –the juvenile justice process is particularly sparse. The research that is avail-

able about juvenile sexual offender treatment, recidivism, and outcomes in general

tends to be mixed as to the best way to deal with this distinctly stigmatized popula-

tion. Thus, the purpose of this review article is primarily educational in that we sum-

marize the highlights of current research and thinking in regards to juvenile sexual

offenders with which judges should be familiar, and subsequently offer practice rec-

ommendations. The ultimate goal in offering and applying these recommendations

in juvenile court settings is to help alleviate potential collateral consequences,

increase positive long-term outcomes for juveniles, and increase public safety.

Key words: juvenile sexual offenders, recidivism, registration, treatment, outcomes.

INTRODUCTION

Society considers sexual offenses to be one of the most heinous of crimes. In fact,

sexual offending is regarded as a public health concern, evidenced by the findings that 1

in every 1000 persons twelve years of age or older experienced sexual victimization in

2013 (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2013), and 1 in every 5 females and 1 in every 75

males will experience rape within their lifetime (Centers for Disease Control, 2012). Vic-

tims of sexual abuse can incur grave negative consequences (e.g., depression, declines in

Kristan N. Russell, M.A., is a doctoral student in the Interdisciplinary Social Psychology Ph.D.

Program at the University of Nevada - Reno.

Shawn C. Marsh, Ph.D., is the Director of Judicial Studies and Associate Professor of Judicial

Studies, Communication Studies, and Social Psychology at the University of Nevada - Reno.

Points of view and/or opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not represent

the official position or policies of the University of Nevada - Reno.

Juvenile and Family Court Journal 69, No. 2

©2018 National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges

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