Begin Main Content Area

High Standards

In addition to the investigator and administrative staff members, a fulltime psychologist facilitates the work of the Sexual Offenders Assessment Board (SOAB) members on a daily basis, through the critique of all assessments for adherence to SOAB standards. The psychologist also consults with all SOAB members and assists in their ongoing training. The psychologist is an expert in the evaluation and treatment of sexual offenders, including certification in the administration of the Hare Psychopathy Check List-Revised (PCL-R), a status achieved by few professionals nationwide.

For PBPP assessments, the SOAB uses only tests and instruments that are relevant to the assessment at hand and that meet the appropriate scientific standards. The SOAB, through the work of a national research expert, has established the reliability and validity of two such instruments on a Pennsylvania population.

The SOAB and its staff continue to formally train quarterly, including training with national and international experts in diagnosing and treating sexual deviance. To provide additional information and instruction to its board members, the SOAB has expanded its regular quarterly training to one and one half day meetings.