Mission, Vision & History

MISSION

Governing Statute: T.C.A. 39-13-701 through 39-13-709

The Tennessee General Assembly created the Sex Offender Treatment Board for the evaluation, identification, treatment, and continued monitoring of sex offenders who are subject to the supervision of the criminal justice system.

VISION

Develop and maintain a comprehensive approach to adult sex offender management in Tennessee which enhances professional standards and collaboration for stakeholders that results in enhanced public safety.

GOALS

Development of treatment standards

Development of treatment provider standards of practice

Establishment and maintenance of a statewide provider network

Provide access to treatment for indigent offenders

Provide continuing education to providers

Promote effective collaboration among stakeholders

HISTORY

Historically, the Board’s work emphasized the development of a statewide system of professionals specializing in sex offender treatment.  This foundational work was essential due to the deficit of treatment professionals with specialized knowledge and training of the adult and juvenile sex offender populations. 

Therefore, in 1995, the Board contracted with the Special Problems Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Tennessee – Memphis.  The Sex Offender Treatment manual was an outcome of the collaboration which was used for several decades before transitioning from a module-based curriculum to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. 

Since 1997, the Board has provided specialized training in sex offender treatment techniques through an annual training conference.  In recent years, the Board has emphasized formalizing standards, guidelines, including administrative policy and procedure.