This conference is co-organized by the Centre International de Criminologie Comparée (CICC) and the Ordre Professionnel des Criminologues du Québec (OPCQ) and features four presentations.
This paid activity will be recognized by the OPCQ as continuing education for its criminologist members.
Tuesday, May 19, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., online via Zoom only.
Isabelle V. Daignault, Ph.D.
Professor, School of Criminology, Université de Montréal
Trained as a clinical psychologist, Isabelle V. Daignault, Ph.D., is a professor at the School of Criminology at Université de Montréal and co-holder of the Marie-Vincent Interuniversity Research Chair on Sexual Violence Against Children. She is an affiliated researcher with several research groups, including the International Centre for Comparative Criminology (ICCC), the Canadian Consortium on Child and Adolescent Trauma, and the Sexual Violence and Health Research Team (EVISA).
Presentation Abstract:
This presentation aims to propose a clinical framework for better understanding problematic sexual behaviors in children, exploring their developmental and contextual determinants, and guiding needs assessment and early intervention strategies.
Julie Carpentier
Associate Professor, Department of Psychoeducation, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Clinical Criminologist, Institut national de psychiatrie légale Philippe-Pinel
Julie Carpentier’s work focuses on youth intervention, sexual offending, criminal careers, developmental trajectories, and recidivism.
Presentation Abstract:
How can risk be assessed in adolescents who have committed sexual offenses when several months—or even years—have passed since the events? This common clinical question raises important challenges, particularly given that existing tools have primarily been developed for short-term prediction and only partially account for adolescent developmental realities.
This presentation offers a critical reflection on risk assessment among adolescent sexual offenders through several key questions: What outcomes do these adolescents experience in adulthood? How should time elapsed without reoffending be integrated into risk appraisal? What developmental considerations should guide assessment and recommendations? And what reference points should be used when offenses were committed online?
Drawing on recent research findings, including a longitudinal study with an average follow-up of 22 years, as well as key contributions in the field, this presentation highlights the dynamic nature of risk, the relatively low long-term rate of sexual recidivism, and the limitations of certain clinical tools when applied without context. Particular attention will be paid to implications for criminological practice, especially regarding the integration of time, development, and offense context into clinical judgment.
Mathieu Couture, Ph.D.
Psychologist and Director of Practice Development, RIMAS
Presentation Abstract:
This workshop will present the theoretical, practical, ethical, and legal foundations underlying specialized assessments in sexual offending. It will review best practices across all stages of the evaluation process, from initial case conceptualization and mandate reception to court testimony as an expert witness.
The workshop will outline the essential qualities of a sound assessment report while identifying common pitfalls to avoid. It will also highlight potential biases that may influence evaluators’ practice and discuss the key prerequisites required to develop recognized expertise and credibility within the professional community. Finally, it will provide a comprehensive “A-to-Z” overview of specialized assessment in sexual offending.
Patrick Lussier
Full Professor, School of Social Work and Criminology, Université Laval
Researcher, Centre de recherche universitaire sur les jeunes et les familles (CRUJeF)
Patrick Lussier’s research focuses on criminal careers, life-course trajectories, sexual offending, and criminological theory.
Presentation Abstract:
In January 2026, the Government of Quebec introduced a bill aimed at making public the personal information of individuals deemed at high risk of sexual recidivism. This practice, already implemented elsewhere in Canada, runs counter to current clinical and scientific knowledge regarding risk assessment and management among individuals convicted of sexual offenses.
The bill provides no clear guidelines regarding the definition of “high risk,” the criteria used, or the process by which such a designation would be determined. As such, it raises significant legal, ethical, clinical, scientific, and practical concerns.
In this context, this training offers a comprehensive review of current knowledge on the assessment of sexual recidivism risk among adult sexual offenders. It provides a critical analysis that goes beyond standard best practices, with particular emphasis on the responsible and informed use of actuarial tools commonly employed in clinical settings. Drawing on over 80 years of research on sexual recidivism and risk assessment, this session will present an overview of current evidence as well as common misconceptions surrounding the assessment of sexual recidivism risk.
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