3.3.1a Sex offender treatment programme (SOTP) The broad aims of this programme are to help
sex offenders acknowledge the scope and
seriousness of their offending, enhance their
social and empathy skills, change sexual arousal,
develop awareness of the harm caused to victims
and help offenders to acquire and apply relapse
prevention skills (Mann & Thornton, 1998).
Most sex offenders serving custodial sentences of
four years or over are considered for this
programme. Supplementary programmes are
available for high-risk sex offenders (extended
programme), offenders with learning difficulties
(adapted programme), and those who require
additional work on relapse prevention (booster
programme). A number of accredited community
based sex offender programmes are run by the
probation service using similar principles.
3.3.1b General offending programmes There is considerable research evidence
indicating that offenders display thinking or
‘cognitive skills’ deficits and that these play a role
in offending behaviour. For example, offenders
tend to show impaired perspective taking and
problem solving skills and are more likely to act
impulsively compared to non-offenders (see Al-
Attar, 2001, for summary). A number of
programmes have been developed to help
offenders improve their cognitive skills as a way of
reducing recidivism. An example of such an
approach is the Enhanced Thinking Skills
Programme (Clark, 2000). The aims of this
programme include helping develop skills in
problem solving, self-control, perspective taking,
critical reasoning and moral reasoning. A number
of similar programmes are run by the probation
service and are aimed at helping offenders
achieve similar treatment goals. A common
feature of these approaches is the emphasis on
active engagement of offenders through
techniques such as modelling, role-play,
structured small group exercises, and games
linked to the learning objectives of the programme.
