Sex Offender Accountability and Responsibility Program

North Carolina Division of Prisons
Program Services

Last Updated February 14, 1997

Purpose	The Sex Offender Accountability and Responsibility program is a treatment program for sexual offenders based on the tenets that: deviant sexual behavior is learned; and the treatment of sex offenders involves learning appropriate and responsible social and sexual behavior to substitute for the inappropriate and irresponsible behavior that lead to the criminal offense.
Criteria for Participation	The Division of Prisons Chief of Mental Health Services selects inmates who: have a felony conviction; are age 21 or older; are in medium or minimum custody; volunteer for the program; admit to committing a sexual offense; do not have a severe mental illness; have a 6th grade reading level; and are willing and able to participate in highly confrontational groups as part of treatment.
Program Operation	The Sex Offender Accountability and Responsibility is located at Harnett Correctional institution. Approximately 72 inmates attend the program each year. The program is staffed by two full-time psychologists, two contractual psychologists and eight peer counselors. The program last 20 weeks. It attempts to change the offenders cognition, values and expectations that have supported and maintained their sexually abuse cycle of behavior.