If your teenage child is awaiting incarceration, there are a few measures you can take to prepare yourself. This will be a troublesome time for both of you. You’ll want your child to know that you love them no matter what. Also, you will have to exercise precautions for your own mental wellbeing. These four steps will help you feel prepared when the time comes when you have to temporarily part ways.
1. Conduct an Inmate Search
When an inmate disobeys direct orders in a prison facility, depending on the severity of the incident, they may be moved to another detention center. Correctional officers can rip inmates from their sound sleep, telling them to quickly pack their belongings in the middle of the night. Being shuttled from facility to facility can cause immense stress for inmates. Sometimes, they have done nothing wrong and are still subject to transfers. This is usually a result of overcrowding.
Even as a parent, you won’t always receive a phone call from the facility regarding your child’s transfer. That’s the truth. You are unlikely to receive updates unless you actively seek them out.
Conducting an inmate search will ease your mind—allowing you to know where your loved one is being held at all times. GoLookUp allows you to run inmate searches. They are an international-based website and all of the information they distribute is of public record. If you’re unsure where your offspring has been moved to, you can utilize their inmate search category.
2. Have Your Loved One’s Attorney Fight for the Best Deal
Depending on the nature of the crime, your child’s lawyer may be able to avoid juvenile detention centers altogether. Non-violent offenders can ask their lawyer about the possibility of Polaris Youth Residential Treatment Center. They specialize in teens suffering from depression.
If your child’s crime is a possible result of mental illness, a plea deal may be obtainable. This residential center has psychiatrists, social workers, psychologists, and pediatricians on staff. Residents receive proper treatment that will aid in rehabilitation when they re-enter the real world. As a parent, you’ll feel at ease knowing your teenager is in a reputable, caring community of professionals.
3. Schedule Visitations
Just because your family member is incarcerated doesn’t mean you won’t be able to see them. Scheduling visitation as often as your schedule permits will be beneficial for both of
you. Visitation shows forgiveness, love, and it will help your loved one while they serve their time.
You’ll want to call ahead to inquire about visiting hours. If you’re planning on bringing clothes, books or belongings—make sure they are allowed and not deemed as contraband. Knowing what to expect can reduce your anxiety. Studies show that regular visits improve relationships and strengthen family bonds.
4. Therapy and Support Groups
Keeping your mental health intact is highly important during this stressful time. You may consider the option of scheduling a therapy appointment. Therapy is confidential and you can vent about the hardships you’ve been faced to endure. You’ll want to convey strength when visiting your loved one—in turn, this will help them stay strong.
You can also conduct an internet search for local support groups for parents in your predicament. Sometimes, it’s nice to feel less alone in your own struggles. Plus, connecting with family members who are encountering the same burden as you can be nice. You may even build long-lasting friendships.
Remind yourself that you are capable, strong, and resilient. You can make it through this. After all, it’s only temporary. That isn’t to say it won’t be rough. It will be, but maintaining a state of good mental health will help you and your loved one.
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