Every week, the child welfare supervisor learns of another child molesting a child. It's up to her, and other members of a multi-agency committee, to recommend behavioral treatment, detention or a combination of the two, a formidable task considering the charged nature of sex crimes.
Raising the stakes in Utah: signs of an increase in juvenile sex offenders. "We're seeing more of them and at younger ages," said Coburn.
The trend has officials at the state Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) flummoxed. Some blame the Internet and easy access to increasingly graphic pornography. Others point to growing awareness by parents and law enforcement. Conflicting data have some experts debating whether there's a growing threat.
But from where Coburn sits, the trend is real and posing real challenges for "the system."
DCFS intervened in 778 juvenile sex offender cases in 2005, a 22 percent increase over 2001. In Coburn's region - encompassing Utah, Wasatch, Juab and Millard counties - growth was more pronounced, at 50 percent.
The number of adult sex offenses grew 5 percent over that same period.
Utah courts and correctional officials, however, report a small but steady decline in adolescent sex offenders under their jurisdiction.
So why the difference at DCFS?
Without a survey of individual cases, "it's impossible to say," said state juvenile court administrator Ray Wahl. But Wahl and others speculate it might be related to a shift in the state's response to teen offenders, driven by research showing that only 6 percent to 11 percent of treated juvenile offenders recommit sex crimes.
Ten years ago, states treated teen offenders much like adult offenders, by locking them up with other criminals.
"The general philosophy today is to keep kids at the lowest possible level of oversight, closest to home or in the homes and in treatment," said Wahl. DCFS is the most likely agency to help parents with resources and supervision, Wahl said.
It's a theory bolstered by data showing younger perpetrators under DCFS care. From 2001 to 2005, the agency saw a 23 percent increase in offenders between the ages 8 and 12.
Placing preteens in "kiddie prison," especially those cited for misdemeanor crimes such as urinating in public, doesn't work, said Michelle Gourley, a therapist and attorney who has devoted her career to treating juvenile sex offenders and screens cases for 3rd District Court in Salt Lake City.
"They pick up bad habits from the older kids and it tends to solidify their self-concept as a sex offender rather than returning them to a normative environment," said Gourley, who says most adolescent sex offenders can be cured with psycho-educational counseling - a lesson in boundaries and what constitutes deviant behavior.
Coburn and her staff, however, typically deal with more serious crimes, such as rape and aggravated sexual assault, as illustrated by one case discussed at a recent multi-agency meeting.
A 17-year-old boy court-ordered into therapy for having sexual intercourse with his younger sister admitted to other offenses and victims. His probation officer worried he might pose a greater risk to the community than previously thought but didn't want to stick him in detention and penalize him for "coming clean."
The teen is living with relatives, but their work schedules make it impossible for them to provide 24-hour supervision.
Coburn could recommend sending him to a group home, residential treatment facility or structured foster home. But those options can cost three times the amount it would take to keep him with relatives and hire a tracking service.
Also, in six months of determined hunting for foster homes willing to take in teen sex offenders, Coburn has found one.
"It's hard, because they can't have other kids in the home. And most people are turned off by the idea of sheltering a sex offender," she said.
Kathleen Jones, director of a sex offender probation unit in Utah County, is working with Coburn to persuade lawmakers to fund a "safe house" for the youngest sex offenders.
But sex offenders have received few breaks from Utah lawmakers. On the agenda this year are bills to impose harsher penalties on adult offenders. Policymakers also are pushing compliance with a new federal law that mandates the posting of the names of felony-level sex offenders 14 years and older on public registries.
Elizabeth, the mother of a Utah teenager who has been in state custody for a year for sex offenses, opposes the registry.
As the mother of both a perpetrator and victims of sex abuse - her son molested his younger siblings - "I can identify with both sides," said Elizabeth, who asked that only her first name be used.
But Elizabeth says her son, also a victim of sex abuse, deserves to have a fresh start.
"When my child came to me pleading for help, what could I do but do whatever in my power to help him?" she asked. "I hope and pray he takes responsibility for his actions and does what he can to expunge his guilt and his record."
kstewart@sltrib.com
Characteristics of juvenile sex offenders
* They are typically between 13 and 17.
* They are generally male.
* 30 percent to 60 percent suffer from learning disabilities.
* Up to 80 percent have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder.
* Many have difficulties with impulse control and judgment.
* 20 percent to 50 percent were victims of physical abuse or domestic violence.
* 40 percent to 80 percent were victims of sex abuse.
Source: Center for Sex Offender Management, a project of the U.S. Department of Justice