People naturally take the incarceration of a young person very seriously. It can have significant impacts on their family, their friends, and their future, potentially jeopardizing their opportunities for years to come.

Feeling frightened and confused is natural, but taking action matters too.

You can do a lot to support an incarcerated youth, but doing it right requires you to stay informed, patient, and rational. Here, we’ll look at how families can play a vital role in supporting children and teens in detention centers.

How Can Families Keep Regular Contact With Incarcerated Youths?

One of the best things you can do is keep consistent contact with your loved one. Moreover, encourage other family members to do the same. That said, detention can be a very lonely experience for incarcerated young people.

According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, in-person visits support a young person’s wellbeing while in custody. Phone calls and letters also help minimize stress and isolation.

However, they do have a right to access to their family.

Reminding them of this helps them understand they have support and haven’t been forgotten. Doing so also shows that you will do what you can to help and protect them. It also helps you signal to the facility that your child has support, and that any kind of mistreatment is likely to end in trouble for them.

Why Encourage Participation In Facility Programs?

You should treat detention facilities with a large degree of skepticism. Still, they exist to support the rehabilitation of young offenders. In short, to that end, facilities likely offer a host of programs.

These range from educational classes to vocational training and therapy.

Encourage your child to participate in these programs, not only because they can help develop skills and build confidence. , but also because it can keep them busy. Additionally, boredom is a big problem in detention facilities.

It can be a catalyst for disruptive behavior that often gets detainees in further trouble.

How Do You Inform Staff Of A Child’s Needs?

Routine contact with facility staff can help you confirm they have what they need to address your child’s needs. Ultimately, your child may have educational needs, like special education requirements, or medical needs, like help managing a chronic illness. Either way, speak up to make sure staff look after your child properly.

Providing detailed information helps ensure that the staff is aware of your child’s needs. Putting this information down in writing and emailing or mailing it also provides a record that you can use to hold them accountable should they fail to act on it.

How Should Families Keep Legal Matters Progressing?

While you should be working to ensure that their needs are met in the facility, this shouldn’t stop you from trying to help them get out, as well. Similarly, maintain frequent contact with your child’s lawyer, providing updates as to their detention. Also, seek information on what can be done to progress their case.

Information that you share could help support their case. Indeed, make sure that you’re kept up-to-date on any hearings or meetings so that you’re able to demonstrate your commitment and advocacy for your child as best as possible.

How Can Families Know And Protect Their Child’s Rights?

Every child has rights, including those in detention. Know your child’s rights so you can speak up if you believe someone has violated them.

For instance, your child may show signs of being a victim of sexual abuse, or may tell you directly. If that happens, you can work with an experienced attorney for youth sexual abuse cases. This kind of legal support can help ensure that the facility and those responsible are held to account.

According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Prison Rape Elimination Act protects youth in custody. These standards require facilities to prevent, detect, and respond to sexual abuse.

A larger power disparity makes children much more likely to become victims, so you have to stay extra vigilant to protect them.

Where Can Families Find Outside Support Groups?

Advocating for your child can be tough, but you’re not alone. There are organizations and support groups across the country that can offer guidance, resources, and emotional support to the families of children in the justice system. This includes support for parents after their children’s release.

After all, rehabilitation doesn’t end when your child is no longer incarcerated. In fact, they’re going to need support in order to reintegrate successfully into society.

The tips above will not guarantee any potential legal outcomes for your incarcerated loved one. They can, however, ensure that you’re providing the best support that you can and help you avoid the missteps that can often lead to worse outcomes.

Please cite as:

Ontology of Value (January 2nd, 2025). Breaking the Cycle: How Families Can Support Incarcerated Youths. Retrieved from: https://ontologyofvalue.com/breaking-the-cycle-how-families-can-support-incarcerated-youths/

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