Representative Jones asked Dr. Colby which state the committee could use as an example
to help with providing therapy for child sexual offenders while incrassated. Dr. Colby
said he did know a particular state. He thinks that all states have some form of
psychological treatment for incarcerated child sex offenders.
Ms. Emily Johnson asked Dr. Colby his advice about making it mandatory for
psychological therapy for child sexual abusers in the NC prison system. Dr. Colby said he
thought a mandatory program would have to be restructured, as the SOAR program was
only available on a volunteer basis. However, he said a pilot program for mandatory
treatment could reveal a lot of helpful information.
Representative Goforth told Ms. Johnson the committee members’ wants staff to check
on the possibility of requiring all sex offenders complete some form of psychological
therapy as a requirement to be released from prison.
Representative Spear asked Dr. Colby if he thought the current process of determining
which sex offender undergoes treatment was efficient. Dr. Colby said this process was
working for SOAR and making it a priority for therapy for sex offenders, which will be
released first, is a very important consideration. Representative Goforth said he thinks it
will be more cost effective to provide therapy for incarcerated sex offenders before being
released to help with decreasing recidivism.
Chair recognized Representative Ray. She asked Dr. Colby if this was the first time the
SOAR program had been seriously reviewed by anyone. Dr. Colby said yes.
Ms. Van Buren said she would love to train additional psychologist about the treatment
of sex offenders. She said she feels if therapists are properly qualified; it would help
decrease the number of child sexual victims in NC.
Chair introduced Mr. John Madler with NC Sentencing and Policy Advisory
Commission. The handout hereto attached as Exhibit V, Felony Offense Classification,
outlined Mr. Madler’s presentation.
Representative Goforth asked Mr. Madler what he would recommend, if the General
Assembly increased the classification for felony of child sexual abuse. Mr. Madler said
the recommendation would have to be made by a staff person with the Sentencing
Commission.
Representative Howard said she was having difficulty understanding the chart listed on
page six ( 6) of Mr. Madler’s handout. Ms. Carter and Ms. Johnson, with staff, explained
the explanation of the chart to Representative Howard. Representative Howard said she
felt 18 and 19 year olds were students and should be considered as such, not as adults.
25