The VTPSA is a Cognitive-Behavioral treatment program for convicted sex offenders. There are community-based treatment programs in 11 counties. The major goals of the program are to help offenders (1) accept responsibility for sexual offending, (2) modify distorted thinking patterns, (3) enhance victim empathy, (4) control deviant sexual urges, (5) improve social competence, (6) develop relapse prevention skills, and (7) develop community support networks. The institutional and community-based programs are a continuum and adhere to common philosophy and practices. The community-based programs are mandatory for participants, as detailed in their probation warrants, furlough agreements, or reentry plans. Supervision of the offenders is provided by the Department of Corrections and the probation and parole officers receive specialized training in how to supervise sex offenders.