Press Reviews

• Therapeutic Communities

  This is an important book…[it] correctly sticks to the actual structure of the sex offender programme in Edinburgh. It tackles some tricky issues, but, mercifully, in an indirect manner…I would commend it wholeheartedly as a serious work in an area that is poorly covered

• The British Journal of Forensic Practice

  This book is essential reading for those working in prisons where sexual offenders are being treated or where there are plans to implement treatment programmes. It is an invaluable source of information not only for a variety of staff ranging for senior prison staff to programme facilitators and on line officers, but also for students and professionals working in related areas. It aims to look at a wide range of of issues and problems relating to the management of sexual offenders in prisons and their reintegration into the community. A variety of important discussions are considered in this book, including definitions of sexual offending, motivations to offend sexually, women as sex abusers, mentally disordered offenders, the use of pornography,notification of information on sex offenders and the link between victims and offenders. It is refreshing to read a book that delivers more than it promises. It is also unusual to find a text that focuses on the necessary operational and human resource requirements and considerations for quality treatment delivery. The author is to be commended for addressing many of these difficult issues. Spencer has gathered rich observations, interesting experiences and makes recommendations that are a smooth blend of pragmatism and principle. The author is considerate toward the reader, summarising the key points throughout each chapter. Useful case studies from the intervention programme are included in an appendix and the author provides an original flavour by including a prisoner account of treatment. The text is well structured and easily readable. The author has succeeded in presenting a careful, forthright analysis, couched in facts rather that verbal flatulence that represents a welcome shift away from criminological sex offender myopia. This is not just a useful supplement to existing texts but also an invaluable addition to the ongoing debate surrounding the treatment of sexual offenders.

• New Life

  Spencer's analysis of the delivery of prison-based offence-specific programmes, both within the broader context of criminal justice systems and the community provides insight into the relationship between prisons and other agencies dealing with sex offenders.