NCJ Number
209874
Date Published
2000
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This fact sheet provides information for parents and guardians of children who have gotten into trouble with the law.
Abstract
When parents and guardians have a child or youth involved in the criminal justice system, life can become very stressful and confusing. This fact sheet developed by the Department of Justice in Canada contains general and useful information for those responsible for the care of a child in trouble with the law. It contains information on several pertinent issues: (1) the child’s right to professional legal service or a lawyer; (2) the idea that a child should have legal representation; (3) the lawyer needing to know that he/she works for the child/client, and the do's and don'ts of police questioning; (4) understanding the consequences of the child’s actions; (5) the consequences of having a youth record; (6) informing parents and guardians of the measures or proceedings involving the child; (7) how to take part in the criminal justice process; (8) understanding the out-of-court options called extrajudicial measures; (9) extrajudicial sanctions; (10) the ability of conferencing with key people in the justice system to assist in making decisions about the child; and (11) the availability of court-based or judicial measures to assist in the parent or guardian’s participation in the criminal justice process. It is important to make sure the child has access to legal advice, that parents and guardians stay informed about what is happening, that the child is aware of the consequences of his/her actions, that the child is informed about the different stages of the process, and that parents and guardians learn how the process works and get involved. It is important to understand that this is not intended as a substitute for professional legal advice.