Written question asked by Claire Curtis-Thomas (Labour) on Thursday, 16 February 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 February 2006. It was answered by Fiona Mactaggart (Labour) on Thursday, 2 March 2006 on behalf of the Home Office.

Sex Offenders

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is compulsory for individuals convicted of sexual offences who maintain their innocence to participate in the Sex Offender Treatment Programme (a) in prison and (b) on probation.

Answer: The information is as follows:"(a) It is not compulsory for sexual offenders in prison to participate in the Sex Offender Treatment Programme.""(b) Following assessment, sex offenders can be required to undertake treatment as a condition of a Community Rehabilitation Order or as a condition of their release from prison on licence. The degree to which convicted sex offenders accept responsibility for their offence behaviour varies in each case and may change over time, particularly after release from prison. It may be necessary, in the interests of protecting the public, for offenders who maintain their innocence to participate in a treatment programme."

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 443 c964W;443 c964W; 53909
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Offenders Prisons Probation Rehabilitation Sexual offences Sex offender treatment programme
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk