Parent Watch Pointers #1


 What Should I Do If My Child Is On Probation?
Probation is a common consequence for adolescents who have had to appear in court, particularly first time offenders. Probation means a young person was found guilty of a crime and has been sentenced to comply with the terms of a probation order. Probation means he or she can remain in the community only if they comply with the terms of the probation order. Otherwise, the court has the power to send the offender to detention or jail.

Probation is usually ordered for a specific period of time. The terms can vary but they often include:
    • Keep the peace and be of "good behaviour"
    • Attend school
    • Avoid certain people or places
    • Be in the home by 10:00 p.m.

How can parents influence the terms of a probation order?

Before your child is sentenced, sit down as a couple and decide what behaviours you'd like your child to change and what behaviours you will not tolerate. Single parents should ask a close friend or family member who knows the child to join in the process.

Make an appointment for you and your child to see the crown attorney assigned to the case. Review your list of expectations with both the crown attorney and your child. You may not get all your requests included in the probation order but many of them might be. Also, the court and your child will clearly understand that you have a position about the child continuing to reside in your home.

After sentencing, make sure you understand the terms of the probation order. Make an appointment for you and your child to meet with the probation officer to go over the terms of probation. Then all three of you will know the expectations. You do not need to remind your child of his or her obligations as defined by the order, although you can if you want to.

What if my child breaks probation?

Probation is supposed to be a deterrent. The restrictions are meant to impact on the child's normal freedoms and behaviours. You should also provide your own consequences for your son or daughter when they fail to meet any of your conditions.

You may find it useful to document infractions of the probation order and to make your child aware of them. You must decide whether to report an infraction to the child's probation officer. At the probation officer's discretion, this can lead to a breach of probation and possibly a trip back to court. (A breach of probation is a significant failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the order, for example: ignoring curfews, ignoring restrictions on associating with particular peers or frequenting particular places, persistent truancy, or any abusive behaviour.)

Although your first instinct may be to protect your child by not reporting infractions, it might not be in their best interest to do so. A return to court and possibly a trip to detention or jail could be just the thing to get the child's attention.

© Lifecycle Counselling 1998

 Parent Watch® and Lifecycle Counselling will not be held liable for any damages or losses, howsoever sustained, as a result of the reliance on or use by a participant or any person on any of the information or opinions expressed or otherwise contained herein.

Where appropriate, professional advice should be sought.