Publication:

Adolescents adjudicated for sexual offending: a comparison between sex-only and sex-plus

Introduction One of the most consolidated classifcations of adolescents adjudicated for sexual ofending (ASO) is based on their antisocial behavior background. This allows identifying sex-only and sex-plus ASO. However, limited research related to this classifcation has been focused on relevant risk factors, such as sexual development, and none of them has been conducted in Spain. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 73 ASO. Data collection took place between 2013 and 2015. They were divided into sex-only (n=33) and sex-plus (n=40). Assessments included reviews of ofcial fles, interviews with professionals in charge, and interviews with the ASO. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted to compare intergroup diferences. Results No signifcant diferences between groups in family background, history of maltreatment, and sexual development variables were found. Sex-plus had a signifcantly higher prevalence of disruptive behavior at school, school absenteeism, substance consumption, and antisocial misconduct with peers. Signifcant diferences between groups were also found in some sexual crime variables. Logistic regression analyses showed that antisocial behavior with peers and school absenteeism were related to sex-plus. Conclusions These fndings highlight the importance of assessing sexual development and family background when intervening with ASO. Sexual development-related variables should be further examined to understand their involvement in sexually coercive behaviors. Policy Implications The identifcation of specifc criminogenic needs for each ofense pathway would beneft court decisions and more tailored interventions to reduce recidivism. These treatments should include family interventions.