Is Your Child Beyond Your Control?
Today’s children are given more freedom and more responsibility. However, they are increasingly refusing to obey house rules or school rules. CT state law has determined that a youth is less than 18 years of age.
Examples of a youth that is beyond the control of their parents or guardian are:
l Has run away without just cause
l Has been defiant towards parents/guardians and house rules
l Has engaged in indecent or immoral conduc.
l Has been habitually truant from school or defiant of school rules
l Is 13 years of age or older and has engaged in sexual intercourse with another person and such other person is 13 years of age or older and not more than 2 years older or younger than such child
A petition for a youth who is beyond the control of the parent/guardian may be made to Juvenile Court to assist the parent with the child’s behavior. The court may be petitioned either by the parents or with the assistance of the Youth Unit. For a Youth In Crisis a referral can also be made to our local Probate Court for possible assistance. Complaints in regard to truancy or defiance of school rules are the responsibility of the school staff to report.
It is important to note specific problems or violations and when they occurred. Also, note the household rules and curfews and the specific violations. Other problems such as alcohol and/or drug abuse as well as verbal abuse and defiance of home rules should be documented.
Prior to filing a Family With Service Needs or a Youth In Crisis complaint, measures should have been taken in an attempt to improve the problem such as counseling, evaluations, hospitalizations or use of community resources.
A Family With Service Needs or a Youth in Crisis referral is a tool to help parents deal with children. Both referrals are dealt with in the Juvenile Court. However, if during an investigation there is probable cause that a crime has been committed by the child, an arrest will be made. The adult criminal court will have more power to deal with the child.
If you need assistance or additional information about this subject
you can contact the following references:
Glastonbury Police (860) 633-8301 911 for emergencies
Glastonbury Police Youth Unit (860) 652-4280
Youth and Family Services (860) 652-7660
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