About Us
The Montana Sex Offender Treatment Association’s (MSOTA) mission is to promote community safety and education by maintaining professional standards for the evaluation and effective treatment of sexual offenders, individuals with sexually abusive behaviors, and/ or sexual behavior problems. MSOTA promotes education and training throughout the state and region.
Purpose
The mission of the Montana Sex Offender Treatment Association is the promotion of community safety and education by maintaining professional standards for the evaluation and effective treatment of sexual offenders, individuals with sexually abusive behaviors, and/or sexual behavior problems. MSOTA promotes education and training throughout the state and region. A number of MSOTA clinical members are recognized nationally for their work and expertise in the area of evaluation and treatment of sex offenders. The relatively small population of Montana has enabled the association to coordinate efforts and provide consistency of services throughout the state.
History
MSOTA was first established in 1986 as an organization composed of various professionals who work directly with sex offenders. MSOTA’s purpose is to promote the highest standards in the evaluation and treatment of sex offenders. Over the years, the association has developed a broad base for recognition and acceptance throughout the social service and criminal justice systems in Montana. It has been influential in establishing standards for evaluation, treatment, and treatment providers. Individuals who have reached clinical member status within the organization are recognized as possessing specialized knowledge, skills and abilities to treat and assess sex offenders. Additionally, the organization promotes legislative issues relative to sexual abuse. MSOTA is guided by a set of ethical principles that each member is required to follow.
In 1990, a major effort was undertaken to disseminate evaluation standards of care for the treatment of sex offender to professionals throughout the state of Montana who work directly with sexual abuse related matters. The effort included District Court and Federal Court Judges, State and US Probation Officers, the Department of Public Health and Human Services Division Social Workers, Juvenile Court Workers, County Attorneys, and Public Defenders. Since that time, the standards have been updated and disseminated as changes have been made. MSOTA has also been influential with the Department of Corrections’ policy regarding sex offenders.
MSOTA was one of the first state organizations of its kind. Other states have followed its lead in establishing their own state chapters. Most MSOTA members are also members of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers. ATSA is the international association for the treatment of sexual abusers. All MSOTA clinical members must be licensed within their respective disciplines to perform mental health services in the state of Montana. The association meets regularly, with meetings held throughout the state. Elected officers serve a two year term as do the MSOTA Board of Directors.
