Understanding child molesters : taking charge /

Public attention to child molesters seems to have intensified in recent years, in part as a response to a number of high-profile cases. Megan's Law and Three-Strikes-And-You're-Out have been somewhat contentious legislative responses to public anxiety and outrage. Leberg is an experienced community corrections officer who seeks to provide a practical guide to identifying, understanding, and responding to child molesters. The book is directed much more to nonprofessionals and novice professionals than to academics interested in this topic. Although some of the relevant scholarly literature is cited, the author relies more on his direct experience and knowledge. Most chapters begin with one or more case histories from his files as a point of departure for exploring some aspect of the child molester's psychology, behavior pattern, and treatment. Thus, tendencies toward denial, secrecy, blaming, and manipulation are addressed, as are presentence investigation, professional roles, legal aspects, and community treatment programs. Altogether, this is a useful and well-informed guide to an especially disturbing type of criminal offender. D. O. Friedrichs; University of Scranton