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Kan. sex predator program costs to double by 2025, report says

Sex offender assault

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The state’s auditing agency says that the cost of civilly committing sexual predators for treatment in Kansas will double during the next 10 years.

The Legislative Division of Post-Audit presented a report Tuesday that estimates the program’s cost will increase from $13.9 million in 2014 to between $26 million and $34 million in 2025.

In Kansas, offenders deemed sexual predators are committed to a Larned State Hospital after they serve their criminal penalties.

The number of patients in the program has grown to 258 and just three have been released since the program was launched in 1994, while 27 have died during their confinement.

The report also found deficiencies in the way patients are assessed. The agency running the program says many of the report’s recommendations have already been implemented.

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The state’s auditing agency is set to present a report on the cost and effectiveness of Kansas’ program to involuntarily commit sexual predators to treatment.

The Legislative Division of Post-Audit will present its findings Tuesday into the program that civilly commits some sex offenders to a Larned State Hospital after they serve their criminal penalties. The report will compare it to similar programs in other states, and look into ways to reduce the rise in its population and cost.

The number of patients in the program has grown to 258, most of whom are confined to Larned State Hospital. Since the program was launched in 1994, only three patients have been fully released while 27 have died during their confinement.

Critics say the program unconstitutionally prolongs offenders’ sentences.

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