Judges' attitudes toward psychiatric treatment: a survey of the attitudes of superior court judges toward therapy and probation for sex offenders

The purpose of this study is to ascertain the attitudes of Superior Court Judges toward psychiatric treatment and probation for sex offenders. This study will attempt to validate the supposition that positive attitudes of judges toward psychiatric treatment with sex offenders will greatly improve the likelihood that judges will grant probation to sex offenders who have successfully undergone treatment. Social work is vitally concerned with the improvement societal functioning. This includes not only the strengthening of mental and physical conditions but also the improving of communication and cooperation between professional endeavors. Often there exist gaps not only in meeting the multitude of needs but also in communicating the value and methods by which some of these needs are met. This study is needed to discover the attitudes of judges concerning the treatment program for sex offenders. This knowledge will reveal if a cooperative relationship and a clear understanding exist between the court and therapeutic program of the hospital. Some contributions which may evolve from this study include the following: an increased awareness of the Atascadero State Hospital's treatment program by the court (this may be partially accomplished through presentation of the introductory letter and questionnaire); a growth in enthusiasm on the part of the hospital staff toward the treatment program; and a realization by the helping professions of the need to educate our communities in helping the treated offender re-establish himself into society.