What Parents Should Know

California Juvenile Offender Attorney

At the law office of Jeffrey B. Hayden, Attorney at Law in Redwood City, California, I am not only dedicated to defending juveniles accused of a crime, but also offering parental advice for juvenile offenders. I believe that parents need to understand that calling the authorities is not the solution to everything involving your child's behavior, not does it promote positive child rehabilitation.

Parental Advice for Juvenile Offenders

Simply put, if you call the police on your child, you have lost all control and have placed it in the hands of the authorities. There are instances when a call to law enforcement is necessary, but often it is a tactic that is overused. Do not allow the police to get involved in a disciplinary matter that you should be attending to as your child's parent.

Questioning and Manipulating Authority

If there is constant police intervention in responding to your child's bad behavior, your son or daughter begins to question your authority. In addition, they get an in-depth knowledge of how to manipulate the very system you are using to invoke disciplinary measures on your child.

If your child is arrested and officially placed in the system, your household will never be the same. A probation officer will often visit to review the conditions and the way you manage your domestic life. There may be periodic searches and seizures that occur when you least expect them. Simply put, only call the police if it is warranted and you feel your safety is threatened.

Resources Available to You

In offering parental advice for juvenile offenders at the law office of Jeffrey B. Hayden, Attorney at Law, I let the parents know that the best solution is to involve the authorities as little as possible. There are community-based resources available. A willing neighbor can be called upon to help or serve as mentors. Even your local church can offer advice, not to mention a myriad of activities to keep your child involved in a productive endeavor.

Calling the police is a last resort and should not be your first choice. If the child is threatening and extremely violent, a call to the authorities is necessary to protect all who are involved in a very difficult situation.

For additional parental advice for juvenile offenders or to schedule a free initial consultation, please contact me.