Minn. report: More treatment for sex offenders

Published 10:40 am Friday, March 11, 2011

ST. PAUL, Minn. — A new report recommends more hours of treatment for sex offenders committed to a secure state treatment program after prison.

Friday’s report from Legislative Auditor James Nobles says the civil commitment program for sex offenders offers fewer hours of treatment than state prisons, even though the cost is more than three times higher.

Nobles says turnover among treatment staff at the Minnesota Sex Offender Program has hampered progress for some offenders.

The findings come as a judicial panel considers one offender’s attempt to become the first person permanently freed from the program since it began in 1995. Lawmakers are also grappling with the program’s growing cost. A legislative panel reviews the report later Friday.

Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson says the sex offender program is working to increase treatment hours.