The Minnesota Sex Offender Program (MSOP) and Minnesota Security Hospital (MSH) have undergone tremendous growth in the last 18 months, and our psychology department is expanding as a result. We are seeking licensed or license-eligible individuals with a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology to join our team. Preference will be given to those experienced in the treatment and evaluation of individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses, and/or individuals with a history of sexual offending. MSOP/MSH offers competitive salaries and benefits. In addition to clinicians, MSOP is seeking individuals with clinical leadership abilities for our open Psychology Director (Moose Lake) and Assistant Clinical Director (Moose Lake) positions.

We encourage those interested in more information to contact: Shelia M. Brandt, Psy.D., LP, Director of Psychology, St. Peter Campus (SOFS) 100 Freeman Dr., St. Peter, MN 56082; (507) 931-5181. e-mail: Shelia.m.brandt@state.mn.us.

Obituary for Charles Yeschke - Network member

 History 

“The Network” held its first meeting on May 18, 1995.  The conception was a result of a meeting between two probation officers from different counties who do group supervision of sex offenders.  They thought it would be great to meet on a regular basis with others from around the state that do group supervision.

The intent of the “The Network” was for POs and therapists who were involved in group supervision of sex offenders to meet and 1.) Exchange ideas; 2.) Offer each other support; and 3.) Serve as a central place for other jurisdictions to learn about the different ways to do group supervision.

Therapists and case managers from Minnesota Correctional Facility-Moose Lake attended the second Network meeting.  They pointed out the need for those working in the Institutions to know what is going on in the various communities to better prepare inmates for their release.  “The Network” now has members from Community Corrections Departments, State Institutions where sex offender treatment is offered, Community based Sex Offender Treatment Programs, Half-way houses, and others who work with sex offenders.  Anyone who works with sex offenders is welcome to become a part of  “The Network”. 

Structure 

“The Network” meets quarterly throughout the state.  Future times and places are agreed upon at each meeting.  The meetings tend to be on Fridays and are a daylong event.  One-half of the meeting is devoted to “business”, the sharing of information, updates of programs, legislative happenings, dialogue and support.  The other half of the meeting is a more formalized “training” on specific programs and/or issues.

The Department of Corrections Risk Assessment/Community Notification Unit provides support services to “The Network” in the form of Support Staff, mailings, statistics and training.

The Network” members do not pay dues.  Members are encouraged to be active in of the Minnesota Corrections Association (MCA) and/or Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA) including the local chapter - MNATSA.  These organizations are viewed as the main organizations in touch with current local corrections and sex offender treatment issues.  “The Network” participates in regular dialogue with the MCA legislative and Adult Justice committees and in 1996 was extremely grateful for the support of the MCA lobbyists in communicating our concerns with the Community Notification legislation. 

Philosophy 

“The Network” members have found several points of common belief.  The following are some of the programs and concepts supported and encouraged by “The Network”: 

Future Goals 

In addition to continuing to provide statewide networking and support for members, “The Network” is working on the following goals for the future: 

 Contact Information

To become part of “The Network” and/or be placed on the mailing list please send e-mail to:

Thomas R. Thompson or call 651-266-7667.