How to Emotionally Support Juveniles Tried As Adults

A juvenile convicted of a crime often receives probation as a sentence. The court might also impose other sanctions, such as victim restitution and community service. In some cases, juveniles are tried as adults and subject to the same penalties as adult offenders. Follow these steps to lend support to a juvenile who must endure this process.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

1. Focus on the positive. Remember that in most cases, the justice system is focused more on rehabilitation than on punishment. This can be a great help to juveniles because it forces them to get the aid they need to defeat damaging attitudes and behaviors. It may present an opportunity for a fresh start.
2. Take the time to listen. Juveniles tried as adults are likely under a great deal of stress. Sometimes the most powerful step you can take to help them is to listen to their problems and give them a safe forum in which to vent their concerns and frustrations.
3. Find qualified help in a therapist or counselor with experience working with troubled youth. He or she can provide the juvenile with the tools needed to cope with the stress of the trial. If the juvenile's case involves drugs, a drug treatment program will also be useful.
4. Consider your own needs. If you're the parent of a juvenile in the court system, the experience may be taxing. Therapy or counseling may help you get through this hard time. You may wish to speak privately with your child's therapist or ask him or her to refer you to another good professional.
5. Learn about the rights of juveniles by visiting the American Civil Liberties Union Web site (see Resources below).
6. Visit the National Center for Juvenile Justice Web site to learn more about supporting a child tried as an adult (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Understand the rights of juveniles under the legal system. Everyone taken into in police custody must be informed of his or her Fifth Amendment rights, including the rights to remain silent and to seek the services of an attorney. If detained individuals are not made aware of these rights, statements made in custody may not be used against them in court.
• Know you may incur financial expense in the process of supporting a juvenile tried as an adult. You may, for example, have to pay for therapy.