The containment approach was developed by Kim English. It is one of the most effective models in managing sex offenders in the community. The Containment Approach Model Includes Five Parts:
Having a team work with the offender can be much more beneficial and efficient. With a team, the offender can be better managed because gaps in management will be covered. The containment team consists of: parole/probation officers, treatment provider, polygraph examiner, and the victim advocate.
Parole/Probation Officers represent the external control components. The supervising officer, adhering to court and/or Parole Board orders/conditions, limits what the offender does or is allowed to do, and tries to limit the offender’s exposure to potential victims and high risk situations. Some key elements for external controls include ensuring offender participates in appropriate treatment programming, electronic monitoring, appropriate employment and maintenance of a daily journal.
Probation Officers, who are provided with extensive training in sex offender management, represent the external control component of the model. As such, the Officer shall be responsible for holding the sex offender accountable to the special conditions as set by the court. To maximize supervision of sex offenders, caseloads for these specialized officers shall not exceed 30 offenders.
These community treatment providers, identified by the Department of Correction, shall be responsible for assisting the offender in developing and managing his/her internal controls. Specifically, the sex offender specific treatment provider works on helping offenders identify their individual pattern of abuse, i.e., the thoughts, actions, and events that precede their offense behavior and how they can respond differently to avoid re-offending.
These are individuals certified/licensed in administering polygraph examinations. Polygraph examiners work closely with treatment providers and supervision agents in developing questions to monitor the offender?s compliance with both treatment and supervision conditions.
This team member represents the interest of the victims. At a minimum, this component means that concern for the safety and privacy of known victim(s) and victim families influences the supervision plan designed for an individual offender. The victim advocate also works with victims of sexual assault to ensure that they have adequate safety plans, assists in treatment referrals, obtains information relative to the offense that may be helpful in the treatment of the offender, and provides information to the victims regarding the program and treatment outcomes. The victim advocate sits in on treatment meetings, conducts home visits with the supervising officer, and is equal partner on the containment team.