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When children break the law they’re treated differently than an adult who commits the same crime. The intention of the law is to punish the kids for what they’ve done but to also give them a chance to learn from their mistakes. Often the child is spoken to about the crime by the police and if the child admits participating in the crime it’s normally kept out of courts - if the child hasn’t been in previous trouble with the law. Instead of going to court it’s often handled in a manner where the child is responsible for paying back any damages he’s done and returning any stolen property. An apology and an explanation to the victim can also be a stipulation.
Crimes by kids can consist of something as simple as trespassing or as serious as robbery or worse. Some more serious crimes can end with the child having to appear in court. In these cases a family group meeting is usually called. This involves the parents, someone who represents the law and someone acting as a youth advocate. The punishment for the child is discussed, along with reparations and fines. These proposals are offered to the judge for consideration. The person who was the victim has a voice in the matter as well. The victim is allowed to speak with the judge to say how the crime affected him or his family and what he would like to have given as punishment. His opinion will be taken in to consideration by the judge but that doesn’t mean that the judge will punish the child in the manner that the victim has suggested.
When the matter is kept out of court the child is expected to follow the guidelines set down by the meeting. This might include attending school without missing any days or being late, attending counseling meetings, working a part-time job to pay restitution, reporting to a guidance counselor weekly and other stipulations. The parent or parents are often included in the future arrangements, sometimes in the form of attending family counseling sessions with the offender. If the child fails to comply then the matter is usually taken up at court.
When it becomes a court matter things change. Stiffer penalties and fines are implied and there are more serious consequences should the child not comply. And, in some states, the parents can be held responsible for the monetary portion of the fine and for making sure that the child attends counseling and school.
The punishments can differ depending upon the crime that is committed. For a simple trespassing charge the child might receive just a stern warning from police and escorted home in the squad car with a warning to stay a certain distance from the site. In the case of vandalism the offender is usually required to begin some type of counseling and to repair or pay for any damages. For a more serious crime like robbery the child will be ordered to make monetary restitution along with counseling, and maybe probation. The child meets with a probation officer once a week and discusses how he has spent his time in the previous week. Sometimes the officer requires only a phone call once a week to see how the offender is doing. After proving that he can stay out of trouble the child’s probation is lifted and hopefully, life returns to normal. Should the child get in trouble once again while on probation the matter is usually taken to court where a judge can order that the child be taken to juvenile hall. Juvenile halls are a type of jail for young, repeat offenders. They are confined in barracks and given counseling while working to keep the hall in order. This can include cooking, mopping, cleaning bathrooms or mowing grass. Discipline is strict but the child can earn merits towards being released with good behavior.
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