Upholding the law and standing by any sentencing received from the justice system is only a small part of healing after your child commits a crime. You must hold your child accountable for her actions and be aware of how she thinks, feels, and acts in order to effectively prevent further crimes.

Types and Objectives of Punishment

According to Dr. Burke, there are four different types of punishment. Each has a different philosophy and objective:

• Deterrence: applied with the belief that an unpleasant consequence makes people think twice before repeating the behavior. This is most effective at stopping crime that is planned or premeditated. Sometimes the goal is to deter the individual from repeating the behavior; other times it is to deter others from engaging in a similar behavior.

• Retribution: an “eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth” punishment applied with the belief that offenders should suffer similarly to their victims.

• Restitution: applied with the belief that offenders should repay their victim's loss in money or services.

• Rehabilitation: used more frequently with juveniles, it is applied with the hopes of helping the person resolve comor-bidities that may contribute to crime.

What type of punishment do you think would be most effective for your child? What do you think would keep her from repeating the behavior?

Prevention of Further Crimes

The importance of bonding can't be overstated. You will have the greatest impact on your child's behavior by being a positive force in her life. Make regular, positive one-on-one time with your child a priority to prevent further crime, help your child develop in healthy ways, and be aware of what's going on in your child's life so you know what to do when things are getting out of control.

Resources in Your Community

Most communities have youth outreach programs designed to minimize crime and help kids rehabilitate who have been on the wrong side of the law. Reach out, find out what they are, and sign up for any free programs as long as they are run by licensed facilitators and have some kind of proven track record. Ask for free or low-cost counseling; you may likely qualify. If you don't inquire, you won't know what's available.