What Is SARATSO?

The term SARATSO refers to evidence-based, state authorized risk assessment tools used for evaluating sex offenders.

State law established the SARATSO (State Authorized Risk Assessment Tools for Sex Offenders) Review Committee, to consider the selection of the risk assessment tools for California. Research shows that the most accurate way of predicting whether a sex offender will reoffend is by utilizing a validated risk assessment instrument.

What is the Containment Model?

A collaborative approach to sex offender management, known as the Containment Model, is used in California. Communication and collaboration among the supervising officer, treatment provider, and polygraph examiner are the heart of this model, which relies on ongoing communication about risk.

SARATSO Mandate

To learn more about SARATSO and the legislation that governs our work, please refer to Penal Code 290.04 - 290.09. 

What's New?

Effective October 2026: Individuals registering for LS/CMI and Stable-2007/Acute-2007 SARATSO hosted training events must be California Sex Offender Management Board (CASOMB) certified prior to registering for courses. Pursuant to PC 290.09, individuals mandated to provide risk assessment services to registered PC 290 persons in the community on probation and parole supervision must be certified with the CASOMB to assess risk. If you have any questions regarding this policy, please feel free to email the SARATSO Review Committee at SARATSO@cdcr.ca.gov