An Examination of Counseling Professionals/Paraprofessionals Attitudes Toward Adolescent Sexual Offenders

Abstract

One hundred thirty-three counseling professionals/paraprofessionals were recruited from adolescent residential treatment programs located in Michigan. Participants were assessed using the Community Attitudes Toward Sex Offender Scale (CATSO). Of the participants, 32.3% ( n = 43) of the participants were female and 67.7% ( n = 90) were male. Years of experience working directly with adolescent sexual offenders of participants ranged from 0 to 18 years ( M = 2.48 years, SD = 3.48). The number of months participants received sexual offender training ranged from 0 to 60 ( M = 3.44, SD = 9.48). No statistical differences in attitudes were found between females and males toward adolescent sexual offenders. No statistically significant relationship was found between years of experience and the four factors on the CATSO survey (Social Isolation, Capacity to Change, Severity/Dangerousness, and Deviancy). A significant relationship was found between experience and the Deviancy factor. No statistically significant relationship was found between months of training and attitudes. Overall, attitudes toward adolescent sexual offenders were positive.