The experience accumulated in Sweden by the police, social services, therapists, institutional staff and others who have encountered problems concerning young sexual offenders have yet to be charted and systematised to any greater extent. The aim was to develop knowledge concerning the assessment and treatment of young persons committing sexual offences. Experience from that project forms the basis of the present report, together with international experience and research. It should be possible for a young sexual offender to be offered an array of treatment alternatives - from more instructional, outpatient treatment to inpatient, institutionalised care. This work can proceed at individual, group and family levels.
Treatment is primarily concerned with measures to prevent the repetition of abuse.
Relapse rates can be used as a yardstick for evaluating the efficacy of treatment. The results argue that the treatment of young sexual offenders is meaningful.