The Coalition has just released a 20-page publication for families titled A Handbook for Families: Navigating the Juvenile Justice System.
Last year, police made more than 51,000 arrests of youth in Maryland. Research is not clear about the numbers of youth in the juvenile justice system with mental health needs. Estimates range from 60 percent and higher. Whatever the figure may be, we all know that many youth end up in the juvenile justice system as a result of their mental health needs.
This newsletter contains two articles taken from the Handbook for Families. You can access the entire handbook on our website at www.mdcoalition.org. We hope the information in the handbook helps families understand a very complex system and enables families to participate in decisions affecting their children.
-Jane A. Walker
Executive Director
Navigating the Juvenile Justice System
Having a child arrested is a parent’s worst nightmare. A knock on the door or a phone call from the police that their child has been arrested is often a family’s first introduction to the Juvenile Justice system. Family members tell us they could have predicted that their child would get in trouble with the law because of earlier signs and behaviors. Many times families have desperately tried to find help that would change the path their child was following.
You will have a mixture of questions and emotions when your child is arrested. First, you are concerned about your child’s welfare – Are they all right? Where are they now? Can you bring them home? Second, you are concerned with the circumstances of your child’s arrest – What did they do? Was anyone else involved? Was anyone injured? Was your child unjustly accused?
A natural reaction is fear – fear that your child is not going to be OK and or that they may not have the future you dreamed about; fear that anything you say may further harm your child; fear that you may somehow be charged too. Another natural reaction is anger – anger with the police, the person who filed the complaint, the Juvenile Justice worker, other youth that may have been involved and …even anger at your child for doing such a thing! You may also feel embarrassed or humiliated by having your child arrested. You may not want to tell relatives or employers, especially if you have to take time from work. In the midst of all of this confusion and emotion, it is difficult to understand what has happened and what lies ahead for your child.
The Coalition has just released a 20-page handbook for families caring for children involved in the juvenile justice system to help explain a very complex and confusing system and help families participate in the decisions that are made regarding their children.
The handbook defines “the people you meet” in the system, such as juvenile justice staff, judges, attorneys and defenders, gives strategies for advocating (including a 10-step list) and includes suggestions for the information you need from your child’s lawyer and what steps to take if you have problems with the system.
Other topics covered include informal supervision, formal processing, disposition, alternatives to detention and placement and education issues.
We must emphasize that the information contained in this handbook is not legal advice. You should always consult a lawyer for legal advice.
The handbook is posted on the Coalition’s website, www.mdcoalition.org. Copies are available by contacting the Coalition office at 410.730.8267, toll-free 888.607.3637 or e-mail info@mdcoalition.org.
Advocating for your Child in the Juvenile Justice System
You are your child’s best advocate and the one most concerned about their welfare. There are important things you can do that will help your child’s case.
1. Be organized. Put letters and reports from the police, Juvenile Services, courts, lawyers and lab reports in one folder. This is not the first thing that comes to mind when your child enters the Juvenile Justice system, but as time goes on it is critical to be able to refer back to papers or letters. Keep the folder for a long time – you never know when you may need it.
2. Be aware. You won’t remember everything, so keep a notebook to record information from meetings or telephone conversations with Juvenile Services workers or lawyers regarding your child’s case. Be sure to include:
- The date and time
- Who you spoke with and their title
- Important information they gave you – repeat it back to the speaker so you have accurate information
- Next meetings or additional phone calls you must make
3. Be prepared. Help others understand your child by writing down information about your child. Try to give your child’s full story – not just the piece that got into trouble with the law. Include information about any:
- Problems your child has had such as: previous arrests, suspensions or expulsion from school, poor grades, and drug and alcohol abuse.
- Family circumstances such as: illness, unemployment, death or divorce, language spoken at home or cultural or religious background
- Mental health diagnosis your child may have such as: depression, anxiety, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders and medication they may be taking
- Health or physical problems your child may have such as hearing, vision or diabetes
- Agencies and people you have contacted in the past to seek help for your child
- Strengths, interests and successes, such as, your child is good at art, sports, computers, music, funny, considerate, has held a job.
- Needs – you are the best person to understand what your child needs. Write it down so that you can share it with Juvenile Justice workers, lawyers and Judges or Masters when the time comes. Your child may benefit from: drug treatment, mental health services, mentoring, job training, special education or literacy services
4. Be vigilant. Ask to read and request copies of everything - including charges, reports, lab results, court orders, Juvenile Justice policies and procedures. You may have to request copies of some reports in writing.
5. Be present. Attend and arrive on time for meetings and court hearings. Sometimes this is difficult because of job pressures. Families are often embarrassed to tell their employer that their child has been arrested. Families may also lose wages and time due to time spent for meetings and court hearings. Remember that your presence is important. Your child needs you to be present and if you are not present others may assume you are not interested. If you are not able to attend, write a letter in advance explaining the reasons why you cannot be there and how you want to be involved with your child’s case. A responsible adult may attend in your absence but may not make decisions concerning the child.
6. Be honest. You will not help your child by trying to cover up for them or by making statements that are not true.
7. Be heard. While it may feel awkward or intimidating, you should speak up at meetings to provide additional information or to give input on your child’s needs. In court, you may have to ask your lawyer to inform the judge or master that you would like to speak. You may also write letters to the judge before the hearing to express your concerns or recommendations.
8. Be persistent. The Juvenile Justice system is overburdened. Stay on top of your child’s case by making phone calls or writing letters to keep informed of your child’s case. Keep calling or writing until you get an answer. Be sure to record all of your conversations and keep copies of your letters.
9. Be respectful. However you may personally feel about your child’s situation or the individual Juvenile Justice worker, lawyer or judge, you should always be respectful. It may be very difficult at times, but it is for your child’s benefit.
10. Be good to yourself. This is a stressful time for you and you need support too. Ask a family member, trusted friend or advocate to come with you to meetings or to court. They can be a support to you and can also be another set of ears to hear what is being said as well as a note taker for you. The Appendix in the back of this handbook lists some organizations that provide advocates for families.
Upcoming Events
• Parenting High Maintenance Children: July 18, 7–9 p.m., Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, Columbia, MD. Presented by Dr. Joyce Derby, clinical psychologist. For information, contact NAMI Howard County at 410.772.9300.
• 2006 Youth Leadership Weekend: July 28–30. Call Connie Escoe at 301-946-2947 for more information or to get an application.
• Suicide Action Prevention Network: Sept. 7–9, National Awareness Event, Washington D.C. For additional information, visit www.spanusa.org.
