Part III.

Training for Targeted Audiences

In addition to recommendations for team-based training, a number of Summit working groups also recommended specific training efforts for targeted audiences. Although the recommendations that follow generally came from only one working group, the recommendations themselves were high on the priority list for the group that proposed them. In addition to standard workshop settings, working groups frequently recommended the use of videos and video conferencing as a method to reach a broad audience economically.

Training for Law Enforcement

• Provide training to law enforcement on what is known about the most effective management of sex offenders, including and emphasizing the collaborative approach to the management of sex offenders. This training would be enhanced by using actual cases as examples, particularly focusing on successful treatment interventions. This training can be provided either through presentations or through videos.

Training for Judges

• Provide training to judges on the following topics: the etiology and treatment of sex offenders, sensitivity training on working with victims and offenders, and sentencing options. Provide this training through the existing national judicial educational programs.

Training for Legislators

• Provide training to legislators on effective strategies for managing the public's concern with sex offenders, focusing on the issues of effective strategies to manage sex offenders and the role sentencing plays in this. Include victims in these training efforts and provide the training through organizations such as the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).

Training for Parole and Probation

• Provide training to probation and parole staff on the following issues: identification of sex offenders (understanding that not all sex offenders are charged with sex offenses), risk assessment, treatment approaches for sex offenders, and the development of criteria to assess and monitor the effectiveness of treatment providers. Use experienced field practitioners as trainers.

Training for Treatment Providers and Probation and Parole

• Provide a cross-training program for treatment providers and probation and parole staff on: assessing and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment providers, the essential elements of effective treatment, collaboration, and monitoring an offender's progress in treatment.