Teens & the juvenile justice system

After an arrest or referral, an intake officer or prosecutor decides what happens next. Some cases are dropped, some are diverted to a program, and some go to juvenile court.

Things to know

• Ask for a parent or guardian and a lawyer
• Stay calm and polite, even if you feel scared or angry
• Write down names and dates when you can

Diversion redirects young people away from formal court while still holding them accountable, often through programs, services or community work.

If a case goes to court, a judge decides whether the young person is responsible and, if so, what plan or consequences follow. This may include probation, services, or placement outside the home.

Probation means following rules and meeting with a probation officer while living at home. Detention is a short-term secure stay, often before court. Placement can mean a group home, treatment center or secure facility.

Growing up around danger can teach the body to stay on high alert. That can look like anger, fighting, running away or shutting down. These are survival responses, not proof that someone is “bad.”

Substance use problems are especially common among detained youth. Many young people use alcohol or drugs to numb painful feelings or memories.

Most juvenile facilities say they check young people for service needs, such as mental health, soon after they arrive. Be honest about how you are feeling, so you can get support.

Tips

• Be honest with your lawyer. What you say to them is generally private
• Ask them to explain anything you don’t understand
• Tell them about mental health needs or trauma, if you feel safe to
• Write down questions before each meeting

Things you can say

• “I don’t understand. Can you explain that again?”
• “I want to talk to my lawyer first.”
• “I’m struggling and need to talk to someone.”
• “School is important to me. Can I keep going?”

Rules about sealing or clearing juvenile records vary a lot by state, and there are common misunderstandings about them. A juvenile record can affect housing, school and jobs later.

What can help

• Ask staff how to contact your family and lawyer
• Tell staff about any health needs or care you had before
• Focus on getting through today, not the whole stay
• Tell someone right away if you feel unsafe or think about hurting yourself

Ideas

• Go to school and programs, even when you don’t feel like it
• Read, draw, write or journal
• Move your body every day
• Set a small goal each week

Ideas

• Keep a list of things to tell your family
• Write letters you can reread later
• Ask about visit and call schedules, so you know what to expect

Try this

1. Breathe in slowly through your nose for 4 counts.
2. Breathe out through your mouth for 6 counts.
3. Name 5 things you can see and 4 things you can hear.
4. Repeat until your body feels a little calmer.

Ideas

• Visit and call as often as you can
• Send letters, cards or photos if allowed
• Talk about the future, not only the mistake
• Tell them you love them, even when you are upset

Ideas

• Share mental health, learning or medical history with the lawyer and staff
• Ask what screening and counseling your child will get
• Ask about diversion and family-based programs
• Keep a folder of papers, names and dates

Caring for yourself helps you stay steady for your child. Family support groups, faith communities, counselors and friends can help.

NAMI offers free family support groups and education for families whose children have mental health conditions.

Siblings may feel scared, embarrassed, angry or forgotten. Give them simple, honest information and time with you. The When a loved one is incarcerated guide has more on supporting children.

Ideas

• Ask for school records to be sent ahead of time
• Meet with a school counselor before the first day
• Ask about credit recovery or tutoring
• Look into job training or GED programs if school isn’t the right fit

Ideas

• Plan what to say if old friends invite you into trouble
• Find one new activity with new people, like a team, club or job
• Stay close to adults who believe in you

Ideas

• Agree on house rules together
• Expect some tension. It is normal
• Family counseling can help everyone adjust

MST is a family- and community-based treatment for teens with serious behavior problems. Reviews found it reduced rearrests and days spent locked up.

FFT is a family-based program for young people ages 11 to 18. It is rated Effective by CrimeSolutions, with participants showing fewer repeat offenses and less risky behavior.

A form of CBT for children and teens with anger problems has been found to reduce aggression and improve self-control and problem-solving.

Because trauma is so common among young people in the system, counselors trained in trauma can help them understand their reactions and learn to feel safe again. See the Trauma: what it is & how it affects you guide.

Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24/7.

Text HOME to 741741 to reach a trained Crisis Text Line counselor.

Young people in delinquency cases have the right to a lawyer. If you can’t afford one, ask the court about a public defender. Local legal aid offices may also help with records and school issues.

Ask the probation officer, caseworker, school counselor or your clinical provider about counseling, family therapy and substance use support in your area.

findahelpline.com lists free, confidential helplines by country, including many for young people. If you are in danger, call your local emergency number.