How to Explore Rehabilitation Options for Juvenile Delinquents

Individuals under the age of 18 who are charged with offenses usually are not tried as adults but rather are tried in juvenile court. If they are convicted in juvenile court of offenses that would be actionable if committed by an adult, they are referred to as "juvenile delinquents." Rehabilitation is the effort to prevent them from committing additional offenses by providing them with other options or skills.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access

Instructions

1. Talk to a local attorney or your child's probation officer. Local rehabilitation options vary a great deal, so you need to get information about the policy of your own state and county.

2. Contact your state or county government. State or local law often governs the rehabilitation options available to the court. Access state and local government Web sites, which may offer helpful information on rehabilitation policy.

3. Contact a local social services agency, social worker or legal aid organization. These can often provide useful information or refer you to more appropriate local resources.

4. Keep in mind that when a juvenile has exhibited chronically reckless and damaging behavior, the best option for rehabilitation may involve confinement in a juvenile detention facility.

5. Understand that in situations in which juvenile delinquents have damaged public property, community service may appropriate. This form of rehabilitation can bring them in closer alignment with the community and may help them understand the impact of their actions on the world around them.

6. Know that in cases where juveniles are involved in drug-related offenses, a drug treatment program can be an essential part of the rehabilitation plan. Drug treatment programs can help them break a drug habit by placing them in the care of counselors with the skills necessary to help.

7. Consider counseling for both you and your child. Counseling can address the core issues behind your child's unlawful behavior and can be an important part of the rehabilitation process.

8. Follow up by contacting a local or national advocacy group, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (see Resources below) if you feel your child is not being offered adequate rehabilitation options.

Tips & Warnings

• Get information on the rights of juvenile delinquents. Everyone taken into police custody must be made aware of his or her First Amendment rights, including the rights to remain silent and to seek the services of an attorney. In the event a detainee is not told about these rights, statements and confessions made in custody are considered invalid and may not be used in his or her trial.

• If you're the parent of a juvenile delinquent, know your child's behavior may prove financially taxing. You may have to pay for rehabilitation. If, for example, the court rules your child needs drug counseling, you will have to foot the bill.