Time served should be just that, a sentence of time decided by the court that has a beginning and an end. Apparently this is not so for sex offenders. Some sex offenders seem to be getting caught up in the…
A Camper In The Woods: A Counselor’s Definition of “Housing Success”
One More Suicide Is One Too Many
Fear of life on the registry may be responsible for another life cut short. On Tuesday, 1/30/2018 the news reported that former “Glee” TV show” actor, Mark Salling died of an apparent suicide. Mark had been found guilty of possession…
Registrants and PTSD Screening
Periodically registrants in Sex Offender Group Therapy (you know, that “one-size-fits-all” group therapy that most registrants on supervision are mandated to attend after release from prison) are asked to fill out a screening questionnaire. The questionnaire asks about their basic…
TN TBI Blames Partial Budget Shortfall on “Uncollected Sex Offender Fees”
Thank you TN for dropping this blog piece right in my lap, it makes my job so much easier! The state of TN Comptroller of the Treasury/ Jan.2018 Audit is complete and it’s not looking good for TBI. Although there’s…
The Age Factor: Accused Adults vs. Adolescent Accusers
Hawkins County Criminal Court/TN has an interesting criminal sex offense case in the works. Dr. Chris Calendine, a Rogersville pediatrician has been accused of sexual battery of a 12 yr old boy and a 14 yr old boy. From news…
Does Social Justice Exist for Registrants?
There are dozens of definitions of Social Justice. Wikipedia defines it as the concept of fair and just relations between the individual and society. This is measured by the explicit and tacit terms for the distribution of wealth, opportunities…
Changing the Question “IS” the Answer
Have you had any contact with children? That’s the standard question to registrants from P.O.’s and polygraph technicians. Shouldn’t the question be, “Have you had any “Inappropriate” contact with children?” Wouldn’t that solve a lot of the registry woes? It’s…
Sex Offense: An Unpayable Debt?
“No matter how much time you’ve spent in prison, you haven’t exactly paid your debt to society.” This was recently told to a group of registrants by a counselor in a sex offender therapy group. So, are sex offenses an…
TN US District Court Case May Be Pivotal for Registrants
A case filed in US District Court, Nashville, TN last week has the potential to be a pivotal point in changing the registry, not only for John Doe who is filing the suit, but for all registrants. Plaintiff John Doe…
If We Are Sex Offenders, They Are Sex Offenders !
Sexual Misconduct. Sexual Harassment. Inappropriate Sexual Behavior. Sexual Advances. Propositioning. Groping. Indecent Photos. Non-Consensual Sex. We are at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to those of power, fame and fortune being knocked off their pedestals for sexual…
Be An Educated Consumer When It Comes To Court Mandated Sex Offender Therapy
Any Group Therapy is supposed to be a “safe” environment. A setting conducive to treatment, a place where one feels safe and secure enough to open up about their issues not only to the therapist who oversees the group but also…