Bill on sex offenders could hinder treatment, experts say

Those mentioned in this article that, support the 'no known cure' are folks that, REFUSE to accept that they have created a -mythical standard- which is not attainable for ANY human infirmity whatsoever. Generally they are stakeholders who have a financial interest in maintaining the 'no known cure' -mythical standard-.

Pick any human infirmity, and ask this question, is it possible for that human infirmity to return ever if it is once managed (cured)? i.e., cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, headaches, etc. All can possibly return, none can ever be cured -in the sense that- it WILL NEVER reoccur (a mythical standard). All human infirmitys are at best managed, once a person has that infirmity. eAdvocate

3-25-2010 Colorado:

Therapists and probation officers say a bill that would remove statutory language that there is "no known cure" for sex offenders could erode the state's commitment to adequately protect residents from rapists and pedophiles.

"The simple fact is, if the House bill removes the three words 'no known cure,' it diminishes the strength of our ability to treat, manage and contain convicted, adult repeat sex offenders," said Greig Veeder, executive director for the treatment group Teaching Humane Existence.

Proponents of the change, however, say the current wording incorrectly states there is no hope for change or improvement.

Bill aimed at board

HB 1364, which would remove the language, is set to be heard this week in a House Judiciary Committee meeting.

The bill is sponsored in the House by Rep. Su Ryden, D-Aurora, and in the Senate by Sen. Evie Hudak, D-Westminster.

Ryden said the bill is not intended to weaken state measures managing sex offenders but charges the 25-member Sex Offender Management Board to come up with its own definitions.

"We want them to address what their own policies and rules are," Ryden said.

The bill requires the board to review its policies and hold public hearings to determine whether any rules or standards should be changed, Ryden said.

Currently the "no known cure" language is part of a statute that describes the board's responsibilities.

The law currently authorizes the board to establish procedures to evaluate, treat and monitor sex offenders and says: "There is no known cure for the propensity to commit sex abuse."

Removing the words "no known cure" is the first step in a process that could undermine protections built into the law, including lifetime supervision of sex offenders, Veeder said.

"If we remove the language, then we leave the impression that with a little bit of probation and a little bit of therapy, we are telling sex offenders, 'We fixed you,' " said Karen Vigil, a Boulder probation officer who monitors sex offenders. "We leave the impression there is no reason to be careful. In doing so, we jeopardize safety."

The language in the law drives state policy in managing sex offenders, Vigil said. "It keeps that board focused," she said. "It tells them what their statutory obligation is."

Many re-offend

Veeder said it is important to note that the language is meant for the management of convicted, repeat adult sex offenders, not low-risk, one-time offenders, developmentally delayed adults, juveniles or women.

Opponents of the change include the Colorado Coalition Against Sex Assault, the Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, leading professionals, concerned citizens and victims, Veeder said.

More than 50 percent of convicted adult sex offenders eventually sexually re-offend once they are removed from the confines of prison, probation and/or treatment, said Fred Tolson, managing partner of an outpatient-treatment program for sex offenders.

"Understanding that there is no known cure for sexually abusive behavior allows service providers to develop long-term, ongoing treatment programs for each offender," he said. ..Source.. Kirk Mitchell, The Denver Post