SOTIPS Implementation Evaluation Project

The proposed research will conduct an evaluation of the implementation of the Sex Offender Treatment Intervention and Progress Scale (SOTIPS) in two sites. The two objectives of the project include: to determine whether the static (Static-99R) and dynamic (SOTIPS) risk assessment tools better predict sexual recidivism than both alone and whether the risk assessment tools can be implemented successfully in geographically and racially diverse jurisdictions. The research will also assess how the combined risk assessment measures impact the supervision of sex offenders in the two sites. Each offender in the study will be assessed using the SOTIPS at 3 time intervals. As part of an outcome study using a modified discontinuity model, each site will provide reoffending data for registered sex offenders for 5 years prior to the date of study implementation. Similar data will be requested to analyze the following outcome measures: recidivism for new charges for sexual, violent (sexual or non-sexual violence), or any other criminal offenses, and returns to prisons at 12 and 36 months after the third SOTIPS assessment; reduction in violations of conditions of supervised release; participation in sex offender treatment; and the usefulness of risks-needs assessment tools in the subsequent provision of services and the management of sex offenders.If needed, the enrollment period for this project will be extended to allow the evaluator and sites to enroll the preferred sample.SOTIPS assessment scores will be entered into REDCap, a HIPPA compliant data sharing system used for data collection and management. The following data points will be provided for all incidents occurring prior to the initiation of SOTIPS and for every incident after the date of the 12-month SOTIPS administration: date of incident and arrest, all criminal counts related to the arrest, disposition for each count,date of conviction and incarceration. The analysis plan will be dependent upon the characteristics of the sample with respect to SOTIPS assessments.A final research design and analysis plan will be developed at a later date.Subsequent analysis will control for time in treatment. The evaluator will work with each site to determine the appropriate means for collecting information on the frequency of home visits, contacts with the offender, and other points of interest.
A formative evaluation will include focus groups with stakeholders during the first and last year of the project period. The initial focus group will examine how information is exchanged between treatment providers and supervising agents, what vehicles exist and what measures are used to track offender progress in treatment, and how decisions are made about treatment completion. The final focus group will examine how the implementation of SOTIPS has changed the exchange of information between treatment providers and supervising agents, the process of monitoring offender progress, and decisions about treatment completion. The evaluator will work with each site to determine the best means to obtain data on the treatment process. The rater reliability of the risk assessment measures will be assessed.
The treatment models within each jurisdiction will be described using a number of characteristics, including but not limited to, number of providers and staff, staff/client ratio, modality of treatment, and capacity. Data will be collected from a stratified sample of 50 offenders in each site from each of three risk levels (low, moderate, and high; n = 300; 150 per site) to address the possibility of labeling effects on offenders' self-perceptions and subsequent behavior.
Results from this study may provide empirical support with regard to whether SOTIPS provides additional information for an assessment of sex offender risk. Results may guide decisions about the implementation of treatment progress assessments and how they can be used to make important decisions in sex offender management.ca/ncf