Sex offenders against children may be released early under new ruling

The Constitutional Court has ruled that those convicted of sexually abusing children may be eligible for early release if they pose a low risk of reoffending and meet other conditions, LRT.lt reports.

Under the conditional release terms, some offenders have already left prison early, including a former youth mentor, Remigijus Jakštys, and two others. The Probation Service will supervise those released before the end of their sentence, imposing restrictions such as electronic monitoring, mandatory behavioral change programs, and specific movement routes.

Gintarė Burokienė, head of the Probation Service’s Resocialization and Supervision Division, said probation officers begin preparations a month before the scheduled release to assess the situation and determine appropriate measures.

One major challenge arises when an offender’s home is in the same area as their victim, as this can retraumatize the child. Child rights advocates may provide support or, in extreme cases, remove the child from an unsafe environment.

Restrictions typically last three months and may be lifted if no violations occur. Supervision intensity depends on factors like criminal history, lifestyle, and risk assessment. Offenders may also be barred from areas near schools or daycare centers, required to seek employment, or prohibited from contacting certain individuals.

Burokienė noted that structured methodologies evaluate criminogenic factors, such as lack of family ties, to tailor supervision and reduce reoffending risks.