In the first year, 4,377 offenders were referred to the Department of Children and Families' Sexually Violent Predator Program for assessment.
Of the 2,808 that had been assessed as of December 31, 1999, 176 or 6% of referrals were found to meet the criteria for sexually violent predator and were recommended for civil commitment. The program should track recidivism of all referred offenders, including both those released and detained.
Backlogs, bottlenecks, and shifting release dates have slowed processing times. The program took almost three times longer to refer cases to a state attorney than the 45 days required by law. The program is taking corrective action.
The program should have formal selection criteria and mandatory training for its contract evaluators. The study of sexually violent predators is an emerging field and there is no psychological certification in the study of this disorder at this time.

Sex Offender Registration and Public Notification Improved; Some Aspects of the Process Could Be Streamlined
Report 08-60 October 2008
The Delays in Screening Sexually Violent Predators Increase Costs; Treatment Facility Security Enhanced
Report 08-10 March 2008
Centralizing DCF Substance Abuse and Mental Health Programs Provides Benefits But Also Challenge
Report 05-07 February 2005
Progress Report: Sexually Violent Predator Program Is Reducing Backlog, But Still Not Timely
Report 04-63 August 2004

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.