91172.pdf

Society's Reaction to Sex Offenders 299

Forensic Psychology and Policy Implications

Although programs for mentally retarded inmates do exist, not all prisons have them,
and not all of the programs are adequate. Policy makers need to develop programs
which focus on the special needs of these inmates, especially their slower learning
capabilities and limited ability to understand the rules of the prison. Policies should
be developed that decrease mainstreaming them into the general population and
increase the creation of special facilities (Spruill & May, 1988). Policies also need
to be developed to create interagency communications which would smooth the
way for a continuum of care from prison into the community (J. N. Hall, 1992).
Psychologists, social workers, probation officers, and correctional staff should begin
working together to assist prisoners in habilitating and transitioning back into the
community so that they refrain from future criminal activities. Without this type
of teamwork, offenders like Richard will keep cycling back through the system
because they do not know how to live in their communities.

Suggestions for Future Research

Further research needs to be conducted on what types of programs are appropriate

for inmates with mental retardation and those with additional problems or disabilities

(J. N. Hall, 1992). Because of the difficulties inherent in group testing, more effec-

tive methods of screening for mental retardation should be studied further. The tests

currently used for identifying mental retardation among inmates should be exam-

ined for validity with different ethnic groups (Ho, 1996). If these tests are culturally

biased, then the reported higher prevalence of African-American inmates with men-

tal retardation may not be accurate. Inmates who really are not retarded, but have

been raised with different cultural values and ideals, may be receiving services that

are not suitable for them. Research also should be conducted on community-based

programs that have had success in housing and habilitating prior offenders so that

more effective initiatives can be developed to help this population stay out of prison.

Society's Reaction to Sex Offenders

Introduction

There are currently more than 200,000 convicted sex offenders in the United
States (U.S. Department of Justice, 1996). These offenders are perhaps the most
detested individuals in today's society. Since the late 1980s, there have been numer-
ous movements calling for tougher penalties for sex offenders by law enforcement,
legislatures, and communities. These movements support chemical castration, com-
munity notification, formalized registration, and civil commitment. At first glance.