Division of Forensic Services
Bureau of Sex Offender Evaluation and Community Treatment
The Bureau of Sex Offender Evaluation and Community Treatment (BSOECT) handles work related the implementation of the Sex Offender Management and Treatment Act (SOMTA).
SOMTA amended sections of New York State's Correction, County, Criminal Procedure, Executive, Judiciary, Penal, and Mental Hygiene Laws (MHL), and the Family Court Act. It created a detailed process for the civil management of certain sex offenders. The purpose of civil management is to provide offenders with comprehensive treatment to address and reduce their risk of sexually reoffending.
BSOECT units:
- Risk Assessment and Record Review (RARR)
- Strict and Intensive Supervision and Treatment (SIST)
Risk Assessment and Record Review (RARR)
RARR unit evaluates all offenders referred for assessment under MHL Article 10. Each assessment involves the review of records including, but not limited to:
- police reports
- victim statements
- court transcripts
- pre-sentence investigation reports
- correctional and mental health records
Strict and Intensive Supervision and Treatment (SIST)
MHL Article 10 provides for either confinement in a secure treatment facility or management in the community under a SIST order, depending on the Court's dangerousness determination.
The primary goal of SIST is to safely manage SIST clients in the community. SIST enhances public safety through mandatory sex offender treatment and intensive supervision by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). The SIST unit works with community treatment providers and DOCCS to:
- establish supervision and treatment plans
- monitor client progress in the community
- provide oversight of community-based treatment