How to Determine if Your Child Has Been Arrested or Incarcerated
Every parent hopes their child is safe and well, but sometimes unfortunate events occur. One such event is the arrest or incarceration of a child. It is crucial for parents to be aware of such incidents for their child's well-being and legal rights. This guide aims to help parents determine whether their child has been arrested and what steps they can take to find out.
How Parents Are Notified of Their Child's Arrest
Policymakers and law enforcement agencies have established procedures to notify parents or legal guardians when a child is arrested. Unless the child is a minor and has no legal rights, a parent typically will be notified of their child's arrest. For non-custodial parents or guardians without legal rights, proving such rights through legal custody is necessary to obtain information from the police.
Protecting Mental Stability and Legal Rights
Parents who are unaware of their child's arrest may indicate a lack of mental stability. Considering the severity of such incidents, it is reasonable for authorities to notify the parent or guardian. If the parent suspects something amiss and the child is not willing to provide the information, a background check can be conducted to verify suspicions.
Minors and Legal Custody
If the child is a minor, parents will usually know about the arrest due to legal obligations of guardianship. However, if the details are not made public, calling the local police or sheriff's office is a good starting point. They may inform the parent or may provide guidance on how to proceed.
Checking Arrest Information for Minors in Canada (British Columbia)
In Canada, specifically in British Columbia, parents can take advantage of a public records system to check their child's arrest status. To do this, parents should go to Google and search for “BC CSO.” This will lead to a page for the Judicial Institute of British Columbia, where they can input the child's last name, first initial, and even their aliases and other identifying information. A secret passcode is required, and the results will include the child's full name, all convictions, court appearances, and sentences for each charge.
Checking In Your Local Area
For parents within the United States, checking with local jails or sheriff's departments is an effective method. Often, these institutions have an online database or a public information desk where parents can search the jail roster based on the child's name. Alternatively, a call to the local jail can provide the necessary information.
Conclusion
Being informed about a child's arrest or incarceration is crucial for a parent's peace of mind and to ensure the child's safety and legal rights. By understanding the procedures in place and utilizing the available resources, parents can better support and protect their children.