Role and participation of parents or guardians

Role and participation of parents or guardians 

Police notification 

The police should, when arresting a juvenile, take all reasonable steps to inform his parents or guardian. The police will, as far as reasonably practicable, request an “appropriate adult” to accompany the arrested juvenile at the police station when questioning him. 

Further, if the juvenile is charged, the police have a statutory duty to warn the parent or guardian to attend at the court before which the juvenile will be brought, provided the parent or guardian can be located and lives within a reasonable distance. 

Mandatory court attendance 

Parents or guardians must attend all stages of the proceedings unless the court orders otherwise. The court may compel their attendance through a summons or warrant as if they were a witness. This requirement is intended to provide necessary psychological and emotional assistance to the juvenile throughout the legal process. 

Withdrawal from the courtroom 

Conversely, if it appears necessary in the juvenile’s interest, for instance, if a parent is hostile, the court has the authority to require the parent or guardian to withdraw from the courtroom. 

Participation in the trial process 

The parent or guardian’s role extends beyond mere presence. If the court sees fit, particularly if the juvenile does not do so himself, the magistrate must ask the parent or guardian if they wish to put any questions to the prosecution witnesses.