Treatment for adjudicated sex offenders is available for both adolescents and adults. The program accepts referrals from counties throughout Minnesota. The cost of services are covered through grants from the Minnesota Department of Corrections, Medical Assistance, insurance and self payment by clients.

Sexual Abuse Treatment teaches offenders to take full responsibility for their actions and to develop better ways of dealing with their problems. To complete the program, offenders must achieve treatment goals which include recognizing and admitting the harm their acts have caused and addressing all the aspects of their behavior. The programs are delivered through a team of mental health and chemical dependency professionals which include psychologist, licensed social workers, marriage and family therapist and chemical dependency staff. The programs use group therapy to obtain treatment objectives. Probation agents are often involved with groups to help integrate treatment into probation.

Victims and family members are offered individual and family therapy. A therapy group is provided for partners of offenders. Victims learn that they are not to blame for the abuse that they have experienced. Through therapy for themselves and treatment for the offender they learn that healing is possible. Issues relating to assertiveness, self-care, healthy relationships, self-esteem and other topics related to problems caused by sexual abuse are explored. Victims also receive information about additional community resources that are available to them.

(Treatment programs for adults are available in Bemidji, Walker, Park Rapids, Detroit Lakes, Baudette, Crookston and Thief River Falls. For adolescents, treatment is available in Bemidji, Walker and Thief River Falls.)

Web sites for additional information

MN Department of Corrections

Center for Sex Offender Management