I recently received this question on the site:
We have an 11 yr old son with behavior issues. I would like him to see where he is headed if it doesn't stop. Are there any tours or visitations to the detention center that he could be part of? I understand and respect that the kids who are there deserve privacy but I'm looking for something that might help wake him up. Thank you.
This is not the first time that I've been asked this question. You might be wondering the same thing. As of yet, Snohomish County Juvenile Detention Center does not offer tours for youth. You might have seen TV shows like "Scared Straight" and think that it would be a good solution. Many professionals actually believe that these programs don't work because depending on the age, the youth may not be at the development level to associate their own behaviors with the detention outcome; they truly believe, "it won't happen to me."
You can, however sit in on the A.R.Y. Youth Drug Court with your son, which takes place Fridays at 3:00 pm. This is a good way to see what happens in the court room and to see what some of the sanctions are that youth are court ordered to follow through with (click here for more information). I also encourage you to read the free middle school parent's guide which you can find along with other parenting resources on the same link (the Love & Logic tips are great). Remember, it is crucial that you take care of yourself during this time, too. You will need to stay loving and strong so that you can support your son through this difficult period of growing into adulthood.
We have an 11 yr old son with behavior issues. I would like him to see where he is headed if it doesn't stop. Are there any tours or visitations to the detention center that he could be part of? I understand and respect that the kids who are there deserve privacy but I'm looking for something that might help wake him up. Thank you.
This is not the first time that I've been asked this question. You might be wondering the same thing. As of yet, Snohomish County Juvenile Detention Center does not offer tours for youth. You might have seen TV shows like "Scared Straight" and think that it would be a good solution. Many professionals actually believe that these programs don't work because depending on the age, the youth may not be at the development level to associate their own behaviors with the detention outcome; they truly believe, "it won't happen to me."
You can, however sit in on the A.R.Y. Youth Drug Court with your son, which takes place Fridays at 3:00 pm. This is a good way to see what happens in the court room and to see what some of the sanctions are that youth are court ordered to follow through with (click here for more information). I also encourage you to read the free middle school parent's guide which you can find along with other parenting resources on the same link (the Love & Logic tips are great). Remember, it is crucial that you take care of yourself during this time, too. You will need to stay loving and strong so that you can support your son through this difficult period of growing into adulthood.