[Risk and Protective Factors Among Sexual Offenders: Relapse Prediction and Changes During Treatment].

OBJECTIVE: Investigation of two questions: first, whether sexual/forensic therapists are able to make valid assessments for future criminal behavior and second, whether their treatment changes factors relevant for new offences.

METHODS: First, the predictive validity for recidivism of HCR-20 and SAPROF were tested. Second, the dynamic scales of both instruments were analyzed concerning changes during treatment process.

RESULTS: Both instruments showed good predictive validity. The dynamic scales scores of HCR-20 did not change, whereas the I- and M-scale scores of SAPROF increased statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: The therapists were able to identify high-risk clients and seemed to mainly focus their interventions towards factors associated with new offences.