SOMB
Understanding treatment standards, finding approved providers, and navigating the SOMB process in Colorado.
Note: We cannot recommend specific treatment providers. However, we can offer some strategies for finding providers by contacting us.
Colorado Sex Offender Management Board
The Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB) is a 25-member volunteer board housed within the Office of Domestic Violence and Sex Offender Management (ODVSOM) at the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice. Established under Colorado Revised Statutes 16-11.7-102, the SOMB sets the standards and guidelines governing the evaluation, treatment, and supervision of individuals convicted or adjudicated of sexual offenses in Colorado.
The Board coordinates a multidisciplinary approach involving treatment providers, supervision officers, law enforcement, and victim representatives. SOMB meetings and sub-committee meetings are open to the public.
Email: [email protected]
Website: dcj.colorado.gov — SOMB
Overview of Sex Offender Management in Colorado
Upon conviction, individuals undergo a sex offense-specific evaluation that includes an evaluation for treatment, an evaluation for risk, and procedures required for monitoring. These evaluations identify risk levels and treatment needs to inform court recommendations.
Treatment typically involves taking responsibility for behavior, developing victim empathy, and learning appropriate social skills. Adult offenders must submit to polygraph testing at least twice annually, with increased frequency for higher-risk individuals.
The Colorado Sex Offender Lifetime Supervision Act mandates lifetime supervision for most class 2–4 felony sex offenses, with intensive supervision probation required. Non-SVP offenders may petition to terminate registration after 5–20 years depending on offense severity.
SOMB Standards & Guidelines
The SOMB Standards govern the practice of all approved treatment providers, evaluators, and polygraph examiners in Colorado. Treatment is defined as “therapy, monitoring, and supervision of any sex offender which conforms to the standards created by the board.” The standards cover both adult and juvenile populations and include policy briefs on polygraph disclosure, treatment discharge, and denial procedures.
Adult Standards (2024): Download PDF
Website: dcj.colorado.gov — Standards & Bulletins
SOMB Approved Provider Search
Only providers on the SOMB Approved Provider List are eligible to provide sex offense-specific treatment anywhere in Colorado (unless provisionally approved for a specific judicial district). Providers on the list have met education and experience qualifications, demonstrated that their services comply with the Standards, and agreed in writing to provide services in compliance with those Standards.
Important: Being listed is neither licensure nor certification. Some providers indicate expertise with specific populations (LGBTQ+ individuals, female offenders, PTSD, substance abuse), but this information is self-supplied and not independently verified by the SOMB.
Tips for Finding the Right Treatment Provider
Advocates for Change cannot recommend specific treatment providers, but we can offer some strategies for finding a provider who is the right fit:
- Use the SOMB Provider Search — Start with the official search tool to find approved providers in your area.
- Ask your supervision officer — Your parole or probation officer can provide referrals to approved providers in your judicial district.
- Talk to others in treatment — Ask others in your treatment group or support network about their experiences with providers.
- Ask family and trusted contacts — Family members and support people may have researched providers on your behalf.
- Contact AFC — Reach out to us at contact us and we can help point you in the right direction.
- Attend AFC meetings — Our meetings are a great place to connect with others who can share their experiences navigating the treatment process.
Remember, finding the right provider can take time. If your current provider is not a good fit, you have the right to request a change — work with your supervision officer to explore other approved options.
SOMB Official Website
The official home of the Colorado Sex Offender Management Board — meeting calendar, board members, standards, bulletins, newsletters, and public comment opportunities.
Website: dcj.colorado.gov — SOMB
Approved Provider Search Tool
Search for SOMB-approved treatment providers, evaluators, and polygraph examiners by location, name, or specialty across Colorado.
Website: sombprovidersearch.state.co.us
Adult Standards & Guidelines (2024)
The full SOMB Standards and Guidelines for the evaluation, assessment, treatment, and behavioral monitoring of adult sex offenders in Colorado.
Standards & Bulletins Archive
Access all current and archived SOMB Standards, policy bulletins, and guidance documents including juvenile standards, polygraph disclosure policies, treatment discharge criteria, and denial procedures.
Overview of Sex Offender Management in Colorado
A comprehensive overview from the Division of Criminal Justice covering the full lifecycle of sex offender management — from conviction and evaluation through treatment, supervision, registration, and potential discharge.