Youth Exist Within Families: Supporting Caregivers & Siblings
A Listening Guide to the Roadmap for Change Podcast, Episode 10
Youth involved in the juvenile justice system are not just individuals; they are part of complex families who are uniquely impacted by the justice system alongside them.
Welcome to the Episode 10 Listening Guide!
Youth involved in the juvenile justice system are not just individuals; they are part of complex families who are uniquely impacted by the justice system alongside them. In this episode of the Roadmap for Change podcast, siblings and caregivers explain the financial, emotional, physical, and social challenges of the juvenile justice system and the ways practitioners in the system can support them.
As you listen (Step 1), feel free to take notes, and then take some time with the reflection questions when you’re done (Step 2). This will help you process some of the more complex topics and find the ways that they intersect with your own life experiences, work, and circle of influence. Then, choose one of the possible action items (Step 3) that feels accessible and see if you can put it into practice.
Step 1: Listen to the Episode
Step 2: Consider These Reflection Questions
1
What conversations do you or your family tend to avoid? How might you engage with topics that seem overwhelming? What support or resources might you need?
2
How have you seen caregivers be judged for the actions of their child? In what ways might curiosity instead of judgment have changed those situations?
3
Think about your sibling or a set of siblings you know. How did the siblings react differently to what may be seen as the same set of experiences?
Step 3: Take an Action Step
Explore the Debtors’ Prison for Kids map from the Juvenile Law Center to learn more about the costs, fines, and fees families in your state face.
If you are a parent or caregiver, do you feel that you have a non-judgmental space to talk about the challenges of raising a child? Consider joining a support group, meeting with a therapist, or scheduling a regular phone call with a trusted friend or mentor.
If your sibling is or was involved with the legal system, reflect on the experience and emotions you had. Seek out a support group, therapist, or trusted friend to process the experience. If you feel ready, talk about the experience with a family member to break down the cycle of avoidance.