PARENTS

Immediate Help
As a parent, what are my rights?
What to do when your Teen is Aggressive and Violent
What to do when your teen breaks all of your rules
What to do when your teen skips school
What to do when your teen won't talk to you
What to do when your teen is using drugs and/or alcohol
Services Map

Legal Guide for Pregnant Teens in Florida

As a parent, what are my rights?

If you are like many parents with a teen in the home, it can be a difficult time for everyone. In some cases, dialogue, counseling and even social services may not be making a difference in finding common ground with your teen. You may feel that you are at the end of your rope and have lost all control. The following are some rights afforded you by state law that you may not be aware of. In Florida, as a parent, you are responsible for your children until their 18th birthday and can not deny them food, clothing or shelter.

You can access the Florida Statute (F.S.) references listed below by going to www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes or your local library.

Excessive unexcused absences from school: Compulsory School Attendance: F.S. 1003.21. Rules and regulations around consequences for youth not attending school regularly. Truancy petition may be filed in situations where a student has a accumulated 15 unexcused absences in a period of 90 calendar days
Danger to self or others: Involuntary examination: F.S. Chapter 394.463; Involuntary placement: F.S. Chapter 394.467; Criteria and procedures for involuntary assessment by and/or placement into a mental health program.
Violence at home: Domestic Violence: F.S. Chapter 741.29 Procedures for charges and arrest of suspected individual. Domestic Violence: F.S. Chapter 741.30 Injunction for protection against domestic violence
Substance abuse: Public Health: F.S. Chapter 397.6811 Initiation of involuntary assessment and stabilization; Public Health: F.S. Chapter 397.675 Criteria of involuntary admission to treatment program
Runaway, refusing to follow household rules, not attending school: Children and Families-in-need-of-services F.S. Chapter 984.15 Petition for Child in need of services

What to do when your Teen is Aggressive and Violent

Everyone experiences anger - it is a natural outlet for charged emotions. It is when the anger becomes so uncontrollable that it develops into a rage that the parent notices aggressive behavior and violent acts. Parents may need outside support to identify the issues behind the anger.

What can I do?

TALK to your child at home or go to a counselor.
Praise POSITIVE behaviors. Serve as a ROLE MODEL for your child.
Rule out that the behavior has not been caused by medications or illegal drug and/or alcohol use.
Help your teen identify HOW to deal with their anger.
Provide physical ACTIVITIES to release the energy created by anger.
Use HUMOR to ease tension.
SET clear limits and ENFORCE these limits.
During a violent episode, isolate the teen from other family members to ensure the safety of others and don't back them into a corner.
Ensure that your teen does not have any weapons.
Contact local law enforcement if your teen is a danger to self or others in the home.

NEED IMMEDIATE HELP?

Contact local police department to assess your teen for referral to the local runaway shelter or crisis unit. Your local runaway shelter is available to provide counseling to your family to address the issues. Make an appointment for yourself even if your teen refuses to go with you. In severe cases, consult with local law enforcement about pressing charges against your teen for assault or property damages.

24 Hour Toll Free Numbers: 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929) 1-800-352-5683

MORE INFORMATION?

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What to do when your teen breaks all of your rules.

The teen years pose some of the most difficult challenges for families. Teenagers sometimes say that no one can understand their feelings, especially parents. Consequently, the teen may feel angry, alone, and confused while facing issues about identity, peers, and sexuality. Parents may be frustrated and angry that the teen seems to no longer respond to parental authority. Methods of discipline that worked well in earlier years may no longer have an effect. Parents may feel frightened and helpless about the choices their teen is making and how to best help them.

What can I do?

RESPECT your teen and let them know you expect responsible behavior.
CARE about things that are important to your teen.
Continue to see and PRAISE the good things your teen does, even if they seem small.
Set REALISTIC rules and enforce with reasonable consequences. Make sure the punishment fits the action.
You may find that WORKING with your teen to set rules and consequences improves his/her following them and understanding them.
ATTEND local parent support groups.
Parents may need assistance in managing their teen's behavior in the home and at school. It is important in these situations to TALK with a professional.
ASK FOR HELP. Contact your local Children and Family in Need of Services (CINS/FINS) agency for free counseling, support and shelter services. Make an appointment for yourself even if your teen refuses to go with you.
COMMUNICATE! COMMUNICATE! COMMUNICATE!

NEED IMMEDIATE HELP?

Contact your local helpline or United Way to obtain local agency information for support. Call local State Attorney's Office or Department of Juvenile Justice with questions of legal rights.

24 Hour Toll Free Numbers:
1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929)
1-800-352-5683

MORE INFORMATION?

Additional Links:

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What to do when your teen skips school

There are many reasons that may contribute to your teen skipping school. It is important for parents to discuss with their teen the reasons why they will not go to school. In many cases, identifying the reasons will determine the best course of action.

What can I do?

Meet with school staff to talk about SOLUTIONS. Do your homework - suggest what programs might work for your teen.
ADJUST your schedule to take your teen to school.
Call the school DAILY to check on your teen's attendance.
ACCOMPANY your teen to school for the full day. Let your teen know that unless they attend school on their own, you will go with them.
IDENTIFY someone to talk with you and your teen - maybe a friend, another family member, your pastor, family doctor or a counselor.
Get your teen INVOLVED in extra-curricular activities at school or in a community mentor program.
ASK FOR HELP. Contact your local Children and Family in Need of Services (FINS) agency for free counseling, support and shelter services. Make an appointment for yourself even if your teen refuses to go with you.

NEED IMMEDIATE HELP?

Contact the school and meet with staff to discuss your options. In some cases, your teen may not receive a driver's license if they are not attending school.
Limit your teen's access to the home during school hours. Ask a neighbor to tell you of daytime activity at your home if you work.
Explore the possibilities of changing schools with your teen and school district staff.
Consider alternative education programs that may better meet your teen's needs and interests.
Enroll your teen into a private boarding school.
24 Hour Toll Free Numbers:
1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929)
1-800-352-5683

MORE INFORMATION?

Additional Links:

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What to do when your teen won't talk to you

Adolescence is a time of self-exploration, and separation from family members. Sometimes their behaviors and lack of communication lead to school failure, family conflicts, drug abuse, violence or suicide. It is important to recognize some behaviors as either typical adolescent separation or possible emotional and/or mental health problems. Few things hurt like the lack of communication between parents and children. This pain often feels unbearable for both the teen and the parent. There is hope that if the pain is healed, things are usually better than they have been in the past.

What can I do?

Take the first step. STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN to what your teen is saying and not saying. Listen more than talk.
Do not interrupt when your teen is making a point but request that they give you the same RESPECT when you are speaking.
ENCOURAGE your teen to assist you to find solutions.
Talk about events and feelings and try not to jump to conclusions.
Be aware of WARNING SIGNS indicating possible mental health or emotional problems.
Seek outside SUPPORT! Talk with a friend, neighbor, family doctor or church pastor. Participate in family counseling.
Ask for HELP. Contact your local Children and Family in Need of Services (FINS) agency for free counseling, support and shelter services. Make an appointment for yourself even if your teen refuses to go with you.

NEED IMMEDIATE HELP?

If your teen is depressed or talking about suicide, contact your local mental health agency for an immediate assessment. Contact your local Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health (ADM) office for information on accessing the Family Services Planning Team (FSPT) for services.

24 Hour Toll Free Numbers: 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929) 1-800-352-5683

MORE INFORMATION?

Additional Links:

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What to do when your teen is using drugs and/or alcohol

If you are like many parents, the temptation is to deny the ugly reality that teen substance use has hit home. But disbelief and denial only allows the problem to continue and worsen. Your teen's behavior and moods may indicate their use of illegal drugs or alcohol.

What can I do?

Don't panic! Talk with your teenager about your worries and how you feel. Losing your cool could make the situation worse.
LEARN about the drug scene in your community by contacting local schools, hospitals, or substance abuse treatment center.
Avoid LENGTHY discussions while your teen is under the influence.
Determine the DEPTH of the problem. Is your teen experimenting or has it become a habit?
Seek APPROPRIATE treatment. A local counselor will be familiar with available services and can assist you in developing a short-term plan while you and your teen get the help they need.
Select the BEST TREATMENT for your teen and family. Ask questions such as: What treatment approaches does the program use? How will our family be involved in our teen's substance abuse treatment? What will the treatment cost?
Ask for HELP. Contact your local Children and Family in Need of Services (FINS) agency for free counseling, support and shelter services. Make an appointment for yourself even if your teen refuses to go with you.

NEED IMMEDIATE HELP?

If your teen is under the influence, contact law enforcement and request they assess your child for referral to a detox program. Contact your local Clerk of Court about the Marchman Act that may allow for involuntary referral of your teen to a treatment program.