Rebuilding Futures: Post-Release Rehabilitation and Social Reintegration of Juvenile Offenders

The release process is often treated merely as a legal act, while children’s reintegration into society, continuation of education, family relationships, and psychological well-being are not addressed in a systematic way. This significantly increases the risks of reoffending (recidivism), school dropout, substance abuse, and social exclusion.

Research shows that the post-release period is one of the most vulnerable stages for children in conflict with the law. During this time, children face stigma, peer rejection, family problems, economic hardship, and psychological trauma. Difficulties in returning to school, academic failure, and insufficient teacher and school support further increase the likelihood of their return to risky environments and delinquent behavior.

In many European countries, existing post-release programs are mainly focused on supervision and control, while rehabilitation, empowerment, and psychosocial support are not sufficiently structured. However, scientific evidence clearly demonstrates that preventing reoffending requires an integrated approach combining family-based interventions, school support, psychological counseling, social skills training, and peer support programs.

At the same time, post-release support services differ greatly across countries, and there is a lack of shared standards and coordinated practices. Therefore, there is a strong need for European cooperation to exchange effective rehabilitation and reintegration programs, identify good practices, and develop common approaches for supporting children after release. Strengthening cooperation between universities, probation services, schools, and social welfare institutions is essential to ensure that children are not left alone after leaving the justice system and that sustainable support mechanisms are established.

This project aims to address this gap by contributing to the development of a more holistic, evidence-based, and humane post-release rehabilitation model for children across Europe.