Legislative review of Virginia's civil commitment process for sex offenders set to be released

11-14-2011 Virginia:

The General Assembly's investigative arm is set to release its months-long review of Virginia's costly program to indefinitely detain sex offenders considered likely to offend again.

Legislators ordered the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to review Virginia's civil commitment program for those deemed sexually violent predators when the program experienced budget shortfalls due to the dramatic increase in offenders committed for treatment after their release from prison.

JLARC's report to be released Monday was to examine everything from which inmates are eligible for commitment to the type of treatment they receive.

It costs the state nearly $100,000 per year to house and treat each offender. A 300-bed facility that opened in 2006 already is full, and Gov. Bob McDonnell proposed spending millions to build another. ..Source.. by DENA POTTER