MO Adds Sex Offenders Treatment
More people in Missouri are considered sexually violent predators.The trend is sparking a new treatment program in the state. For the upcoming year, Gov. Nixon’s budget recommends more than $2.6 million for nearly 60 additional positions within the Sex Offender Rehabilitation and Treatment Services program. The facilities are in Farmington and Fulton.A state law taking effect in 1999 allows certain sex offenders to be civilly committed as a “sexually violent predator” after completing a criminal sentence. Mental Health Department Director Keith Schafer says the growth has been about 20 people per year.Schafer says the department regularly has sought and received additional staff in the budget.
