Did you know that juvenile sex offenders are required to register and remain on most state sex registries for life even though the chance of them ever re offending is much lower than adults. Please help change this un fair law at the federal and state level. Many of us have made mistakes as juveniles before we became mature adults, it is just wrong to brand children for life this way especially when research shows re offender rates for juveniles are very low.

From The Center for Sex Offender Management (CSOM) is a national clearinghouse and technical assistance center that supports state and local jurisdictions in the effective management of sex offenders. CSOM aims to provide those responsible for managing sex offenders with ready access to the most current knowledge by synthesizing and disseminating research and effective practices to the field; and by offering specialized training and technical assistance on a wide variety of issues related to sex offender management.

How Often Do Juvenile Sex Offenders Reoffend?

Juvenile sex offenders appear to respond better to treatment and reoffend less frequently than adult sex offenders. Sexual re offense rates for youth over several years are estimated at approximately 10% In addition, if juvenile sex offenders reoffend, they are far more likely to engage in other types of delinquent behavior than to commit new sex crimes.

Can Juvenile Sex Offenders be Managed in the Community?

In some cases, yes. Placing juvenile sex offenders in custody does not necessarily reduce offending over time. In fact, it can actually increase the likelihood of re offense as youth who live with other delinquent or troubled juveniles may teach one another how to be even more serious young criminals. Many juvenile sex offenders can be safely managed in the community with specialized supervision and treatment.

Is Treatment Important for Juvenile Sex Offenders?

Many juveniles who come to the attention of law enforcement for committing sex offenses do not commit more crimes, even if they do not receive treatment. However, juvenile sex offenders who do receive treatment have lower rates of re offense for both sexual and non-sexual crimes.

Why Is Community Supervision Important for Juvenile Sex Offenders?

Community supervision (probation or parole supervision) can help ensure that youth behave appropriately in the community, and participate in treatment. Supervision also allows trained officers or case managers to provide support to (and work closely with) parents, school personnel, and others who are responsible for juvenile offenders.

What Other Strategies Are Being Used to Manage Juvenile Sex Offenders?

Many states have laws regarding registration and community notification that apply to juveniles. The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act, passed by the United States Congress in 2006, requires that selected (but not all) juvenile sex offenders register periodically with law enforcement and that some data about these youth be posted on the Internet. Like with adult sex offenders, there has been very limited research to date on whether juvenile registration and notification can help reduce re offending and enhance public safety.