RICHMOND—
A program meant to provide treatment and oversight for violent sex offenders has grown in scope over the last few years- now lawmakers have to figure out how to pay for it.The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services predicts its 'Civil-Commitment' initiative will need about $26 million over the next two years to continue operating at full capacity.
"There are 215 people in the facility [in Burkeville] right now," said Dr. Steven Wolf, director of the Sexually Violent Predator Program. "We anticipate the facility will be full some time after the first of the year."
The number of eligible violent sex offenders has ballooned since 2006- when the Virginia General Assembly passed a law expanding the number of eligible crimes from four to twenty-eight.
State Senator Ryan McDougle, R-4th, said the new guidelines are more encompassing and better equipped to protect the safety of Virginia residents.
As for the shortage in funding, McDougle is confident the Assembly can fill the gap- a predicted $9 million in 2011 and $16.6 million in 2012- with a pool of money set aside by lawmakers for various shortfalls.
"If an individual has that high probability to recommit, it is our duty to make sure we are putting them in a facility for treatment," said McDougle.
The scenario raises an interesting dilemma for the parties involved.
When convicted sex offenders are released from jail, many re-enter society struggling to adapt to their new life, which now has the title "sex offender" attached to it.
However, citizens also struggle when sex offenders are released; they struggle with the possibility that these offenders may commit another sex crime.
To prevent this from happening, the state began the Civil-Commitment Program which is a tool to try and protect Virginia's most vulnerable citizens. This is done by maintaining treatment for violent sex offenders who are deemed "very likely" to perpetrate the same crimes upon release.
Dr. Wolf noted the Civil-Commitment program has been a great success. It keeps violent sex offenders, who still pose a threat to citizens, in a safe and isolated environment.
Convicted felons are evaluated by specialists and depending upon the findings can end up in a treatment facility for years or gain release on a "conditional" basis. This means they will be under constant surveillance and placed in therapy with the goal, according to Wolf, of "regaining their liberty."
