Parents Must Be Allowed To Take Back Their Children

Six juveniles burglarized and vandalized my family’s home recently. The damage estimate was more than $3,000.

After going through a detention hearing, arraignment, and sentencing, all six were released with a light slap on the wrist.

Not only has the Legislature taken parental rights away, the courts hand out laughable sentences. They allow juvenile offenders total freedom with no responsibility.

Any fines, detention cost, and restitution must be paid by the parent, even though the parent has no control and cannot force the child to live at home. I have become quite familiar with state laws regarding juveniles in the last six months. One of the six juveniles arrested for the destruction of my home was my 15-year-old daughter.

My daughter has been a runaway off and on since September. She has been arrested for several shoplifting charges, possession of LSD, auto theft, and malicious mischief. Each time she was released on her own recognizance without the police notifying me, even though she was reported as a runaway.

The only notification I received was when I was notified of the fines and fees. She has been treated in local hospitals without my consent or knowledge and I learned of it when I received the bills.

In September when I started having problems with my child, I went to everyone I could think of. The only responses I received were, “there is nothing you can do,” and, “there is nothing we could do.”

I spoke with people in the Spokane Police Department, Juvenile Court and probation officers, mental health professionals, School District 81 security, Crosswalk, Daybreak, Child Protective Services and anyplace else I was referred. With each phone call and appointment I became more discouraged and disappointed in our system.

It is time we took our streets back. But before we can do this, the parents must be allowed to take their children back. We still need stronger laws regarding juveniles in this state. I encourage each and every person to learn more about such legislation, support it, and see that it is passed and enforced. Allowing the crime and violence is sending the wrong message to all of our youth.

MEMO: Your Turn is a feature of the Wednesday and Saturday Opinion page. To submit a column for consideration, call Rebecca Nappi/459-5496, or Doug Floyd/459-5466.