Putting the “Community” Back in Community Risk Management of Persons Who Have Sexually Abused

The actions and consequences of sexual offenders continue to be a topic of great discussion among researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and the community-at-large. Much of this discussion has centered on how offenders should be managed once released to the community. Legislatures have been quick to enact statutes identifying and limiting the community behaviors of offenders. However, many in the research community have questioned their efficacy, or have published research highlighting potential iatrogenic effects suggesting decreased offender stability and increased risk for new criminality (including sexual reoffending). This paper reviews current practices regarding sexual offender sentencing, statutory risk management, and measures of official control prior to suggesting a model of community engagement in providing both support and accountability frameworks to offenders demonstrating both high risk and need. The Circles of Support and Accountability model of professionally supported wraparound care is described, and research data supporting its effectiveness are provided. General comments are made regarding policy and practice issues in community-based sexual offender risk management. Overall, greater collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and the community-at-large is suggested as a means to increase offender reintegration potential while mitigating risks to vulnerable persons in the community.