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Abstract
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PURPOSE
In this paper, we note the basis for the emergence of Strength-based Approaches (SBA) to the treatment of sex offenders and point to Tony Ward's Good Lives Model (GLM) as the impetus for these developments.
Design/methodology/approach
Next, we outline the elements of the GLM and of other SBAs. The features of various ways to evaluate treatment programs are discussed and this is followed by an examination of the evidence bearing on the value of the GLM and other SBAs.
Findings
We note that the effects of the GLM are limited to within treatment indices as, to date, there are no long-term outcome evaluations of the model on reducing recidivism. Indeed there appears to be only one such study of an alternative SBA program. We conclude that additional outcome studies are needed to evaluate the utility of the switch away from deficit-focused approaches to strength-based models of treatment.
Originality/value
This paper describes a Strengths-Based Approach to the treatment of sexual offenders and reports a comprehensive evaluation showing efficacy, neither of which have been reported in the extant literature.
© Emerald Publishing Limited 2017
Language: en |