Community Based Sex Offender Treatment Program

COPE, Inc. provides outpatient community based treatment for both adult and adolescent sex offenders. COPE believes that the primary goal of its sex offender programs is to protect community safety. COPE brings all available resources to assist the offender in leading a constructive and non-abusive lifestyle.

Successful treatment of a sexual offender requires:

* They accept full responsibility for their offense.

* They come to understant the damage their sexual offending has done to victims, families, community and self.

* That they come to understand to the fullest extent possible the severity of their sexual offending.

* That they resolve to change their rules, values, beliefs, morals, prejudices and make the necessary cognitive behavioral changes necessary so they never sexually abuse someone again.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The overwhelming majority of sexual offenders are referred to treatment from the courts, corrections, probation departments or paroling authorities. Inspite of the manner in which they are referred, the offender must voluntary participate in COPE's program.

COPE Inc. sex offender program is 12-24 months depending upon the progress of the offender. Program participans are required to submit to a thorough assessment process which is ongoing throughout the entire program, attend psychoeducational classes, group therapy sessions, family couples counseling when significant others are willing to participate, problem solving skills classes, social skills development training, and relapse prevention planning.

COPE utilizes a multidisciplinary team approach and a multicultural staff to establish a multi-faceted educational, prevention and treatment program to address specific needs of the offender. This is accomplished through Cognitive Behavior, Cognitive Restructuring, and Cognitive Relapse Planning.

The post conviction polygraph testing is utilized by COPE on a regular basis, administered by a qualified independent polygraph examiner, not an employee of COPE Inc. Testing is used in treatment to assist in the management of the offender in the community and to assure that offenders are not re-offending.

FUNDING

At times the state or referring agencies may have funds or grants available to assist in the treatment of the sexual offender. When funds are not available, the sexual offender is required and expected to pay for their services on a sliding scale.