COVID was hard on adults, but new studies show it was even harder on kids and teens. Kids faced the same crisis their parents and guardians did, but with even less control. They were alone and afraid during the peak of the pandemic. In addition to this chaos, they also lost loved ones.

A recent article published by yahoo!news discusses the ways in which these dark times affected kids' emotional well-being. Tragically, mental health problems rose dramatically. So too did substance abuse disorders. While the emotional toll is undeniable, there are professionals who can help. It's important for parents and guardians to remember that, in addition to psychological help, it may be necessary to seek legal help as well.

Child Delinquency Issues Worsening

Substance abuse and emotional troubles often result in behavioral issues. Kids don't always express their suffering in sadness. Instead, they may start misbehaving. It's not uncommon for troubled teens to get into legal trouble for committing any of the following acts:

• Stealing
• Vandalism
• Possession of illegal drugs
• Underage drinking
• DWI
• Violent offenses

If your teen is exhibiting alarming behavior, you should step in right away. Not only do you need to connect them with a mental health professional, but you should also retain a juvenile criminal defense attorney in NJ.

Consequences of Juvenile Offenses in New Jersey

Although the punishments that accompany juvenile offenses are less severe, it is a mistake to brush off the consequences. Teens who start down a road of criminal behavior before adulthood often have a difficult time course correcting. This isn't because they've taken a liking to a life of crime. Instead, it can be difficult for kids to get back on track because the consequences of juvenile offenses impact opportunities for success in the future. When these doors shut, young adults find it more difficult to overcome the temptation of bad behavior.

The ways a teen's future could be impeded by a juvenile record include:

• Disqualification from college admissions applications
• More difficulty qualifying for financial aid
• Being refused housing opportunities based on a history of bad behavior.

The above points account for only a fraction of the difficulties your child might face if they can't get out ahead of their behavioral issues.

Protect Your Kids by Calling a Juvenile Defense Attorney

If your kid is in trouble, you need to speak with a qualified juvenile defense attorney in New Jersey right away. Attorney Joseph D. Lento understands how worrisome it is when a child is struggling. At the end of the day, nothing is more important than their future. The dedicated Criminal Defense Team at the Lento Law firm will work tirelessly to protect that future. To learn more, call 888-535-3686 today, or contact us online.