It might be different for everybody, but my BF has to go once a week for an hour, and he was told that it would be the length of probation, three years. We might talk to the counselor and see if he can get off earlier if the class keeps repeating itself. I would rather attend some couple's counseling instead, and he might be ok with that. We'll see. He actually enjoys the classes since they talk a lot about other important life things as well.

Once a week for three years is what we were told too. They won't have anything to work on with my son as far as SO's go, so we are hoping they'll adjust the focus. He might as well reap some benefit - and it'll stop them from being bored.

My son has 15 years.. so $100 session (he goes 1 on 1 because he doesn't want to go group) x52 weeks a year, that's $5200 x 15 years.. well. I'm excited.

I can understand that you are pissed off about your son getting 15 years of SO classes. And btw: I've never heard of such a long time laid down. One to three years, sure, but 15? That sounds more like time for being on the registry, not classes.

But as costs are also an issue, so why is he refusing to go to group? I hope he has a real good job because if that was my son, I sure wouldn't be paying for it.

These sex offender "treatment" programs while on probation are just a sham.

They are never intense enough to really treat anyone's sexual behavior issues and they are not run by anyone with even a scintilla of the kind of expertise needed to manage the program.

Their sole purpose is to generate money and give someone a job. They generate money by offenders having to pay out of their own pocket for each and every session. They also generate revenue since having such programs insures thousand and thousands of federal grants being awarded each year to these agencies to fight sexual crimes.

They have to keep the money train chugging along.

The people that such a program might help will not be helped by one or two hours a week and for many offenders, the programs is just a damn waste of time.

Just a total and absolute waste of time and foolishness.

rewdiazepam

My son didn't do anything. I don't see why he should pay for this.

He has a big issue with crowds or being around a lot of people. He has enough stress in his life. I'm not going to put him thru more just because it costs more.

I thought we weren't supposed to judge people here. Your way is not always someone else's way.

If he actually did something that he needed to be punished for or 'pay' the price then he'd be doing it.

I always have to laugh a bit about how sometimes we're not supposed to do things like this for our kids, yet if we meet a man or woman and they become part of our lives then we give them everything. But for some reason our society says when a kid reaches 18 then he's on his own.

Luckily my son's therapist is treating him more for PTS and mental health issues. I'm not sure what we're going to do if the judge here says he must take SO Treatment.. when it comes to the poly.

I'll be paying for that too.

I totally agree Rew. I think most people would be better off if they didn't have to be reminded once a week that they have to take treatment because their government thinks they want to have sex with children.

I think it depends where you're at. My hubby had to take 1 class a week and it was $35/wk. He was in them till his therapist decided he was good to go...right around the time his PO decided to let him off probation which was the half way point. His fines and fees had to be paid up...but then we got a $700 rebate from probation

I will say that as classes and therapists go, my hubby's wasn't too bad. the focus definitely wasn't on SO issues but more on life issues and things like finding jobs (life stuff) and my hubby enjoyed it...plus his therapist actually had some leads on places that would hire them. Every so often even tho' he's out of the class, my hubby will stop by and shoot the breeze with him after the class lets out and he'll let him know if his place of employment is hiring. A couple of other "ex attendees' do the same too

They are a cash cow. My husband is in his 10th year and it never ends to the advantage of the treatment program. The first year might of been helpful. The treatment center gets to say when it ends - never. They don't take insurance - just cash.

"I thought we weren't supposed to judge people here. Your way is not always someone else's way. "

You are so quick to anger, please lighten up. Seriously, no one here is out to get you. I was merely stating my opinion about what I'd do on the same position for my son - or is only your opinion allowed?

My son also hates crowds. He doesn't like meeting new people either. But with all the money we've poured into this and will continue to do so, if he balks at helping out with expenses by going to group vrs one-on-one, then I'd be royally miffed. He's talking to his new therapist this week and it is indeed on my mind.

Our family didn't choose this new life ahead of us and we've had to make a lot of tough decisions to try and make things right. We are going to huge lengths to make sure our son has a decent life but we also expect him to step up as well. It'd do him a lot of good to get out of his comfort zone. We are not going to be around forever so he's going to have to face the real world at some point. Might as well be now, while we are around to support him.

Just got off the phone and the one-on-one vrs group decision is a moot point. Group is 90 min long and costs $85 and one-on-one is 50 min and costs $100. I assumed group would be half of one-on-one. The $15 difference isn't worth quibbling about.

I asked how often he'll have to go and. He can go once a week or every other week. Also, the therapist said that he doubts that my son will need to go for the full three years - it could be only one year. Apparently, the courts leave it up to the therapists and he's never had the courts go against his advisement.

I've read a lot about how jobs are put in danger with treatment during work hours, but this therapist offers evenings. And like many others, he uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I have a lot of respect for the theory, it's supposed to work really well with Aspies. The therapist already knows that my son doesn't need SO treatment so we are all hoping he'll work on the problems that arise with Asperger's instead.

Am I being too positive about this crap we've landed in? Perhaps. But it is what it is and I'm dealing the best way I know how. I also know that compared to what others are dealing with, we have been unusually lucky so far. Knock on wood.

My son's plea agreement didn't specifically say that he had to have SO therapy or SO classes but kind of left up to the PO to decide about treatment. My son was sent to a therapist for one on one that the probation office seems to like. I didn't think she was all that great. After about 6 months, she refused to continue treating him (seems like she couldn't handle his aspie characteristics) and the PO told him he had to find another counselor or he'd be in violation.

I finally was able to get him seen by a mental health clinic near our home. I love the counselor he has there. Sooo much better than the one probation recommended and close enough that my son could walk there if he had to. She helps him with a lot of stuff like life issues. Always pleasant but knows how to ask the tough questions too.

We never had to pay for treatment. My son was able to get PAC which pays for it.

Even though my son doesn't go to any group therapy, he does attend a couple of christian based support programs.

I'm impressed that you were able to find a counselor that will work with your Aspie son, plus you don't have to pay for treatment (wow). My son's first impression of his new therapist is positive so I have high hopes.