Privileged Communication and Sex Offenders in Florida

Abstract

The history of privileged communication and the evolvement of the psychotherapist-patient privilege are explored. The psychotherapist-patient relationship is a relatively modern relationship. New laws concerning child abuse and neglect, and the reporting requirements of child sex offenders have begun to shape the application of privileged communication within the psychotherapist-patient. These laws exist at the federal level and throughout each of the fifty states. The effects of abrogating privileged communication for child sex offenders in the psychotherapist relationship are explored. Withdrawal of the privilege creates distrust and hinders open communication within this relationship and prevents sex offenders from receiving needed treatment. The effectiveness of treatment to sex offenders, and particularly child sex offenders, by a psychotherapist is explored. The research shows that those treated by a psychotherapist have a lower recidivism rate than those who do not receive treatment. Recommendations include a change in current federal and Florida state laws that will allow sex offenders to receive proper treatment by a psychotherapist while still protecting children from harm

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2006

Semester

Fall

Advisor

Cook, Kathy

Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

College

College of Health and Public Affairs

Degree Program

Legal Studies

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Health and Public Affairs; Health and Public Affairs -- Dissertations, Academic

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0022078

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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