2015 Oregon Revised Statutes
Volume : 15 - Occupations
Chapter 675 - Psychologists; Occupational Therapists; Certified Sex Offender Therapists; Regulated Social Workers
Section 675.360 - Legislative findings.

(1) The Legislative Assembly hereby declares that the comprehensive treatment of sex offenders who are subject to the supervision of the criminal justice and juvenile justice systems and the Oregon Health Authority is necessary in order to work toward the elimination of sex offenses. The Legislative Assembly hereby recognizes that sex offender therapists who examine and treat sex offenders therefore occupy a vital role in protecting the public from sex offenders who remain in the community prior to or following disposition or who will reenter the community following a period of incarceration.

(2) The Legislative Assembly further finds that the qualifications, practices, techniques and levels of effectiveness of sex offender therapists vary widely and that the court’s ability to effectively determine appropriate sentencing and monitoring for sex offenders, thus curtailing the incidence of recidivism in such offenders and enhancing the protection of victims and potential victims, is undermined by a lack of regulated standards of practice and professional responsibility.

(3) The Legislative Assembly recognizes the right of sex offender therapists to practice, consistent with the paramount requirement of public safety. Public safety is best served by regulating sex offender therapists whose clients are being treated under alternative sentencing or disposition, parole, post-prison supervision, supervision by a county juvenile department or custody of the Oregon Health Authority or the Oregon Youth Authority.

(4) ORS 675.375 establishes the titles certified clinical sex offender therapist and certified associate sex offender therapist. ORS 675.360 to 675.410 do not prohibit others from providing services to treat sex offenders. However, only those certified under ORS 675.360 to 675.410 shall represent the designated titles to the public. Adult and juvenile parole and probation authorities and the Oregon Health Authority may restrict their referrals to those providers who are certified under ORS 675.360 to 675.410.

[2007 c.841 §1; 2009 c.595 §1049]

Note: 675.360 to 675.410 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 675 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.