Parents & Their Part in the Juvenile Justice System
Parents have a significant role to play when a child becomes involved with the juvenile justice system. Although the child is being charged with a crime, it is the parents who must help their child navigate the system and understand the process as it occurs. Children need the love and support of their parents as they deal with the consequences of their actions.
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Supervision
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According to the Dane County Government Juvenile Court Program, one significant role of parents in a juvenile court case is to supervise their child and enforce the rules set by the judge through a court order. No court order will be effective if you do not enforce it at home and ensure that your child is following the rules.
Consistency
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Any parent who has a child involved in the court system will need to be consistent in order to be effective, according to the Idaho Third Judicial District Court. When you tell your child "no," stick with your decision no matter what. If your child knows that you will be consistent, they will be less likely to push boundaries.
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Communicate
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Effective parenting requires communication between you and your child. There is a reason your child is in trouble, whether it be peer pressure, impulsiveness or oppositional behavior. Talk with your child and try to find out what they are thinking. When your child believes that you will listen, they are more likely to open up.
Stability
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The Maryland Coalition states that many children involved in criminal activity lack a stable home environment. Make sure that you are providing your child with a home environment that is predictable and safe. A predictable home environment teaches your child that you can be counted on.
Find Help
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According to the Idaho Third Judicial Court, all parents should seek professional help for their child if necessary. Help may include therapy, an educational assessment or a psychological evaluation to determine your child's needs.
Example
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Set a good example for your child. All children learn by example and if your child becomes involved with the juvenile justice system, you will be completely ineffective as a parent if you too are involved in criminal court. Your child will learn from what you do and not what you say.
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References
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