The impact of sex offender residence restrictions: 1,000 feet from danger or one step from absurd?

Several states have enacted public policies that prohibit sex offenders who have abused children from living within close proximity to a school, park, day care center, or school bus stop. The purpose of this exploratory study was to describe the impact of residence restrictions on sex offender reintegration and to better understand sex offenders' perceptions of these laws. A survey of 135 sex offenders in Florida was conducted. Most of the molesters who responded to the survey indicated that housing restrictions increased isolation, created financial and emotional stress, and led to decreased stability. Respondents also indicated that they did not perceive residence restrictions as helpful in risk management and, in fact, reported that such restrictions may inadvertently increase triggers for reoffense. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.     

Legal issues in oral fluid testing

The use of oral fluid for drugs of abuse testing has received increased attention with the availability of accurate methods for the collection and analysis of drugs in oral fluid specimens. Already used in the transportation and insurance industries, there is increasing interest in oral fluid drug testing in the workplace, schools, roadside driving under the influence of drugs, and criminal justice. Given that sanctions may accrue from positive test results, legal challenges are to be expected. However, with its established scientific base, demonstrated accuracy and reliability of collection and test methods, and current positive regulatory developments, it seems clear that the use of oral fluid as a specimen for drugs of abuse testing will be able to withstand judicial scrutiny.     

Disease,Microdams and Natural Resources in Tigray,Ethiopia: Impacts on Productivity and Labour Supplies

We examine the effects of water microdams and ensuing waterborne diseases on household decisions in Tigray, Ethiopia, where the government implemented a water resource development programme two decades ago. We find microdams increase productivity of both fuelwood collection and crop production, but the costs of these dams to households can be significant. In villages close to dams, disease prevalence is higher and all household labour categories spend more time sick, and more time is spent by male and female adults caring for sick family members. These can cost the household anywhere in the region of 150–250 Birr per season, depending on the type of labour diversion and the productivity of labour. Males are most significant here. Removing their time from production results in 40–60 per cent higher productivity and income losses compared to diversion of female labour. Sick households also spend significantly more money on health care, especially when male and female adults are sick.