Assessment and treatment of sexual offenders in Saskatchewan

The sexual abuse of children is a serious social concern. Thus, sexual offenders must receive accurate assessments and effective treatment programming to minimise re-offence rates. There is ample evidence in the literature to support the assertion that treatment strategies need to be matched to an offender’s level of risk for re-offence, and his or her specific risk factors for re-offence. In terms of males, extra-familial sexual offenders are reportedly more likely to re-offend than are intra-familial sexual offenders. If recidivism rates are indeed higher for extra-familial offenders it follows that the assessment and treatment protocols should be reflective of such. In addition, cultural specificity of assessment and treatment strategies is of great import, especially with respect to Canadian Aboriginal peoples given the rates of Aboriginal peoples in Canadian correctional institutions. Based on this preliminary review of the assessment and treatment of sexual offenders in the Saskatchewan correctional system, potential culture-specific assessment and treatment needs do not appear to be differentially addressed. Additionally, differences in assessment and treatment practices relevant to level of risk do not appear to be present at the provincial level in Saskatchewan. In this paper it is argued that these potential inconsistencies must be examined and empirically investigated in future research and, if indeed present, appropriately addressed in order to provide effective rehabilitation services and to ensure ongoing public safety.