A cost–benefit analysis of a treatment program for adult males who have offended sexually. Issue 3 (2nd September 2021) - Marshall, W. L.
ABSTRACT : In this paper, we estimate the financial benefits that can result from effective sexual offender treatment. We base our estimates on both an earlier outcome evaluation of a prison-based sexual offender programme and a report of the costs to the judicial system of reoffending. The outcome study reported significant reductions in re-offence rates compared to a matched group of untreated sexual offenders. We show that these reductions in reoffending not only saved a significant number of people from subsequently being abused by the offenders, it also resulted in very significant savings to the taxpayers to the tune of over $14 million Canadian. While these results are encouraging, additional studies are needed to extend the examination of these potential benefits.