Summary
- The role of the caseworker
- How juvenile correction facilities work
If your child commits a crime, she may be taken out of your home. This would happen if your child’s offense was severe or if problems with the law have been chronic. If a court action finds your child guilty, the court may place your child in the custody of the Department of Human Services (DHS).
Commitment, not detention
If your child is placed in DHS custody, this is called a commitment. This is different than a detention. Detention is when a child is held at a facility to await a court appearance. A commitment is a court action that legally gives the DHS custody of your child. They will be in custody for a specific length of time. While your child is in DHS custody, your rights as a parent are still intact. This includes giving permission for medical care. But, DHS will decide about your child’s placement.
When your child is first committed, make sure that she gets a thorough assessment. This should take into account certain factors. These include the nature of the crime, past criminal history, and your child’s social, family, medical, and mental health history. You should be included in the assessment. It is critical that a proper assessment is done. This is the information that will be used to make the decision about her placement. If a good assessment is not done, your child may not receive the correct services.
The role of the caseworker
Your child should have a caseworker assigned to her case. Work to have a good relationship with the caseworker. The caseworker may also be able to advocate for your child. The caseworker will be your child’s primary resource person. The case worker is the first person you should call about any issues or questions.
The caseworker is responsible for putting together a case history. The caseworker will also work on the treatment plan. The caseworker may schedule home visits and staff meetings to talk about your child’s progress. They may make other appointments for your child and have ongoing case meetings. If needed, they will make referrals to residential and non-residential programs.
The caseworker will have contact with you and the child from time-to-time. It is important to show that you are cooperative. You also need to be a positive influence on your child. If you need help, ask for it. Expect to be included in decisions. Make complaints as they are warranted.
How juvenile correction facilities work
Most programs operate on a point or level system. Good behavior results in more privileges. Poor behavior will result in fewer privileges. The level that your child has reached in a single program does not carry over from one placement to the next. If he is moved, the process starts all over again.
At some facilities, you may have to sign permission for your child to get services. These can include taking medicine or having a haircut. For security reasons and because space is limited, your child may only be allowed to keep a few changes of clothing. In some cases, your child may have to wear a uniform. You might be able to bring in food that is checked by staff first. It depends on the facility. You may be allowed to bring your child books or cards. Be sure to mark everything with his name.
Having a child in the custody of DHS can be stressful for the entire family. Try to find support for yourself. You might want to visit your child regularly. When you go to visit your child, you may meet other parents who are going through the same thing. You may be able to find a parent support group. Support groups can be helpful especially in this instance, because so many people are going to pass judgment on you. It will help to talk to other parents who are going through the same thing.
Visiting days can be stressful, too. You may want to share rides with other parents. This can give you someone to talk to as you drive. This may be very helpful if you have to travel long distances.
Summary
- The role of the caseworker
- How juvenile correction facilities work
If your child commits a crime, she may be taken out of your home. This would happen if your child’s offense was severe or if problems with the law have been chronic. If a court action finds your child guilty, the court may place your child in the custody of the Department of Human Services (DHS).
Commitment, not detention
If your child is placed in DHS custody, this is called a commitment. This is different than a detention. Detention is when a child is held at a facility to await a court appearance. A commitment is a court action that legally gives the DHS custody of your child. They will be in custody for a specific length of time. While your child is in DHS custody, your rights as a parent are still intact. This includes giving permission for medical care. But, DHS will decide about your child’s placement.
When your child is first committed, make sure that she gets a thorough assessment. This should take into account certain factors. These include the nature of the crime, past criminal history, and your child’s social, family, medical, and mental health history. You should be included in the assessment. It is critical that a proper assessment is done. This is the information that will be used to make the decision about her placement. If a good assessment is not done, your child may not receive the correct services.
The role of the caseworker
Your child should have a caseworker assigned to her case. Work to have a good relationship with the caseworker. The caseworker may also be able to advocate for your child. The caseworker will be your child’s primary resource person. The case worker is the first person you should call about any issues or questions.
The caseworker is responsible for putting together a case history. The caseworker will also work on the treatment plan. The caseworker may schedule home visits and staff meetings to talk about your child’s progress. They may make other appointments for your child and have ongoing case meetings. If needed, they will make referrals to residential and non-residential programs.
The caseworker will have contact with you and the child from time-to-time. It is important to show that you are cooperative. You also need to be a positive influence on your child. If you need help, ask for it. Expect to be included in decisions. Make complaints as they are warranted.
How juvenile correction facilities work
Most programs operate on a point or level system. Good behavior results in more privileges. Poor behavior will result in fewer privileges. The level that your child has reached in a single program does not carry over from one placement to the next. If he is moved, the process starts all over again.
At some facilities, you may have to sign permission for your child to get services. These can include taking medicine or having a haircut. For security reasons and because space is limited, your child may only be allowed to keep a few changes of clothing. In some cases, your child may have to wear a uniform. You might be able to bring in food that is checked by staff first. It depends on the facility. You may be allowed to bring your child books or cards. Be sure to mark everything with his name.
Having a child in the custody of DHS can be stressful for the entire family. Try to find support for yourself. You might want to visit your child regularly. When you go to visit your child, you may meet other parents who are going through the same thing. You may be able to find a parent support group. Support groups can be helpful especially in this instance, because so many people are going to pass judgment on you. It will help to talk to other parents who are going through the same thing.
Visiting days can be stressful, too. You may want to share rides with other parents. This can give you someone to talk to as you drive. This may be very helpful if you have to travel long distances.
Summary
- The role of the caseworker
- How juvenile correction facilities work
If your child commits a crime, she may be taken out of your home. This would happen if your child’s offense was severe or if problems with the law have been chronic. If a court action finds your child guilty, the court may place your child in the custody of the Department of Human Services (DHS).
Commitment, not detention
If your child is placed in DHS custody, this is called a commitment. This is different than a detention. Detention is when a child is held at a facility to await a court appearance. A commitment is a court action that legally gives the DHS custody of your child. They will be in custody for a specific length of time. While your child is in DHS custody, your rights as a parent are still intact. This includes giving permission for medical care. But, DHS will decide about your child’s placement.
When your child is first committed, make sure that she gets a thorough assessment. This should take into account certain factors. These include the nature of the crime, past criminal history, and your child’s social, family, medical, and mental health history. You should be included in the assessment. It is critical that a proper assessment is done. This is the information that will be used to make the decision about her placement. If a good assessment is not done, your child may not receive the correct services.
The role of the caseworker
Your child should have a caseworker assigned to her case. Work to have a good relationship with the caseworker. The caseworker may also be able to advocate for your child. The caseworker will be your child’s primary resource person. The case worker is the first person you should call about any issues or questions.
The caseworker is responsible for putting together a case history. The caseworker will also work on the treatment plan. The caseworker may schedule home visits and staff meetings to talk about your child’s progress. They may make other appointments for your child and have ongoing case meetings. If needed, they will make referrals to residential and non-residential programs.
The caseworker will have contact with you and the child from time-to-time. It is important to show that you are cooperative. You also need to be a positive influence on your child. If you need help, ask for it. Expect to be included in decisions. Make complaints as they are warranted.
How juvenile correction facilities work
Most programs operate on a point or level system. Good behavior results in more privileges. Poor behavior will result in fewer privileges. The level that your child has reached in a single program does not carry over from one placement to the next. If he is moved, the process starts all over again.
At some facilities, you may have to sign permission for your child to get services. These can include taking medicine or having a haircut. For security reasons and because space is limited, your child may only be allowed to keep a few changes of clothing. In some cases, your child may have to wear a uniform. You might be able to bring in food that is checked by staff first. It depends on the facility. You may be allowed to bring your child books or cards. Be sure to mark everything with his name.
Having a child in the custody of DHS can be stressful for the entire family. Try to find support for yourself. You might want to visit your child regularly. When you go to visit your child, you may meet other parents who are going through the same thing. You may be able to find a parent support group. Support groups can be helpful especially in this instance, because so many people are going to pass judgment on you. It will help to talk to other parents who are going through the same thing.
Visiting days can be stressful, too. You may want to share rides with other parents. This can give you someone to talk to as you drive. This may be very helpful if you have to travel long distances.