A Judge’s Guide

DEVELOPMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
adolescent evaluate and assess decisions about the adolescent’s
future and help the child plan financially?
If the parent has a new adult relationship, is he or she introduced
to the adolescent with discretion and sensitivity? Does the parent
set age-appropriate and relationship-appropriate boundaries
between the parent’s partner and the adolescent?
What rules and consequences has the parent established? How is
the adolescent included in discussions about discipline? Is the
parent there when the adolescent is supposed to return home?
How does the parent discuss sexuality, healthy relationships, and
other factors that may impact the adolescent, such as substance
abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and gangs?
How does each parent support the adolescent’s relationship with
the other parent?
Has the parent attended a research-based parenting skills training
program?
If a parent is diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder or
psychiatric disorder, has he or she sought treatment? If so, what
has been the outcome of the treatment?
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