LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Funding problems are jeopardizing treatment for some sex offenders in a Lincoln-based program.

The program known as STOP won’t have funds for about half of its 50-plus patients after June 30, unless other sources for money can be found. STOP stands for Sexual Trauma/Offense Prevention.

Deputy Lancaster County Public Defender Joe Nigro says “we can’t just have it shut down,” referring to public safety factors.

The program provides therapy that’s aimed at helping people avoid reoffending and helping them adapt after being in prison or in the state psychiatric hospital in Lincoln.

Without the program, some patients might have to go back the state hospital or back to prison, because they have been ordered by the mental health board to participate in the program.