How to Deal With Your Teen Getting Arrested

No parent wants to think about the day that phone call may come -- the one telling you your teenager has been arrested. The days and weeks that follow can be complicated and scary as you and your teenager have to face the consequences. Finding ways to cope can be important, should your teen get into real trouble.

Instructions

    • 1

      Start by surrounding yourself and your child with the help you may need. Contact a lawyer and your child̵7;s social worker, if one has previously been involved. Create a plan with these experts by your side, including determining what sort of punishment or restrictions you should place on your child at home while you're working through the legal details.

    • 2

      Seek the help of a counselor as you cope with the details of your teen̵7;s actions. Try to get your teenager to see someone as well. Talking these issues through with a professional may help you to navigate the challenges still ahead.

    • 3

      Talk about ways to resolve your child̵7;s problem behaviors. Solicit suggestions from both your child̵7;s lawyer and therapist. Options may include transferring schools or attending a scared straight program, according to Sue Scheff, found of Parents Universal Resource Experts. Find appropriate ways to address the situation based on the specific crime your teen committed.

    • 4

      Discuss the potential consequences of the arrest with your teenager. Utilize honesty as you ensure your teen understands what may still be coming. Avoid sugarcoating the details, recognizing that no good can come from downplaying reality at this point.

    • 5

      Reach out to other potential adult role models for your teenager, suggests Help Guide, an international nonprofit organization run by Psychotherapist Jeanne Segal and Educational Psychologist Robert Segal. Talk to family members and friends who might be willing to take a more active role in your teen̵7;s life. Understand that you can̵7;t always do everything on your own, and don̵7;t hesitate to contact local church leaders or nonprofit organizations if you think they may be able to help.

    • 6

      Be good to yourself. Now is not the time to blame yourself for your child̵7;s behavior or to allow guilt to eat away at you. Talk to friends and family about what you are feeling, and remain aware of signs of anxiety or depression. Attempt to cut yourself some slack, and make a point of engaging in stress-reducing activities, such as yoga or nightly walks.

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