Title: The Minnesota Sex Offender Program, explained | MinnPost
Headings: The Minnesota Sex Offender Program, explained
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The Minnesota Sex Offender Program, explained
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Briana Bierschbach

Content: Frank is expected to make a ruling within the next few weeks on the fate of Terhaar, a ruling that could pave the way for other MSOP clients to be released. Before that happens, though, here’s what you need to know about Minnesota’s complicated system for treating sex offenders — and why it’s become such a hot button issue: So what exactly is the Minnesota Sex Offender Treatment Program? The program — often referred to simply as MSOP — opened in Moose Lake in 1995 as a high-security treatment program for sex offenders who are believed to be dangerous or have a “sexual psychopathic personalities.” A typical “client” in the program might show a lack of remorse for their actions or seem likely to reoffend. The treatment is administered by the state Department of Human Services. Article continues after advertisement
Why are sex offenders in MSOP called “clients”? In short: because they can’t be called prisoners. In fact, most — but not all — people in MSOP have completed prison sentences for sex offenses, and have been sent to MSOP for continued treatment through a process called “civil commitment.”