MIMBY (Maybe in my backyard): a community development approach to providing treatment for adult sex offenders in the north region of B.C.

This report details the experience of working in partnership with a non-profit community corrections agency to address the issue of adult sex offender treatment in northern B.C. communities. A community development approach was used to research treatment and community needs specific to the north region, and to design a comprehensive program proposal in response to those findings. Needs were assessed by two methods. First, the specific needs of the offenders themselves were evaluated. Probation officers completed a caseload analysis survey form for a sample of 69 sex offenders on probation during a 2-month snapshot period. The second part of the project involved extensive consultation with a total of 56 service providers from eight different communities across the north region. The primary client groups served by the participants included not only offenders, but also the victims and families of offenders. Aboriginal-serving organizations, and the areas of law enforcement and the justice system were also represented. Data were gathered through a combination of Delphi group, focus group, and individual interview techniques. The results, at the very least, confirmed the need for additional sex offender treatment programs in the north region. Beyond that, it was established that both direct service and community development components are necessary to meet the conditions of safety, effectiveness, community-sensitivity, and sustainability. Such a program would be more likely to be supported and accepted by local professionals in a range of human services, and by the larger community. Ultimately, it would be more effective in fostering a sense of collective responsibility for the prevention of sexual violence. The final program design reflects the belief that sex offenders cannot be treated in isolation of the community in which they live, and that, in order to be effective and cost-efficient, the program must be "locally-delivered and regionally focused".