Review by Choice Review
In this clearly written scholarly work, DiCataldo (psychology, Roger Williams Univ.) examines the unintended consequences of making laws based on the behavior of the most horrendous sexual offenders and applying them to all sex offenders, including juveniles. The studies he examines indicate that though only about 3 percent of juvenile offenders reoffend, conviction of a sex offense puts juveniles on a lifelong sex-offender register that limits where they can live and work and stigmatizes them so that they are frequently harassed. Treatment programs too often apply a standard approach that leaves no room for individual differences. A small group of high-risk offenders need serious consequences, but some prosecutions involve juveniles who engaged in sexual experimentation, got caught up in the legal system, and were labeled pedophiles. Treating such offenses as an indication of a chronic problem can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. DiCataldo asks how the situation got to the point where childhood sexuality is seen as so potentially dangerous. He offers extensive references on varying aspects of the problem and carefully evaluates cases at both ends of the spectrum. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students, researchers, professionals. W. P. Anderson emeritus, University of Missouri--Columbia
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
