How to Know What to Expect If Your Child Is Under House Arrest

If your child becomes subject to the juvenile justice system in your area, a judge may place him or her under a form of home supervision sometimes known as house arrest. This disciplinary approach, which confines your child to his or her home, is sometimes used as an alternative to jail sentencing. It may or may not involve electronic monitoring. Relative to other types of probation, house arrest offers the highest level of supervision available for delinquent youth.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

1. Expect the judge who orders house arrest (also known by other names, including home supervision) to issue strict guidelines governing the conditions of the child's release into your custody. Expect to adhere to those guidelines or face the possibility that the house arrest order will be revoked.
2. Understand the nature of house arrest. House arrest limits your child's freedom by requiring him or her to remain at home, but in many cases, the program grants certain concessions. Your child may be allowed to attend school or participate in a drug treatment program. He or she may be allowed to attend religious services. If your child is employed, he or she may be allowed to attend work. Be aware, though, that your child's schedule will be heavily monitored.
3. Be aware that house arrest may be part of pre-sentencing arrangements. This kind of supervision is ordered by the court pending trial.
4. Keep in mind that house arrest may be a condition of release if your child is serving time in a juvenile correctional facility.
5. Know that house arrest may be part of your child's sentence if he or she is found guilty of a crime after being tried in juvenile court.
6. Contact an advocacy organization like the American Civil Liberties Union if you feel your child's rights are violated by the court (see Resources below).
7. Get specific information on how the juvenile justice system is administered where you live. Start by visiting your state government's Web site. Such sites usually offer links to or phone numbers for more information on what to expect when your child interacts with the juvenile system.

Tips & Warnings

• Understand that your child has the right to an attorney, just as an adult accused of a crime does. If you cannot afford an attorney, one may be appointed for your child by the court. It's usually a good idea to consult with an attorney before making any important decisions about a child involved with the juvenile justice system.
• Know the expenses you'll likely face if your child is placed under house arrest. You may be required to pay court fines and fees. You may also have to pay legal expenses, should you choose to have your child represented by a private attorney.
• Having a child involved in the juvenile justice system, even if he or she is released into your custody, can be extremely stressful. Consider joining a local support group for parents of children involved with the juvenile justice system.