Parenting issues relating to children, minors and young people

Where you can sort this out:

Příbram
Town Hall, Department of Social Affairs and Health
, nám. T. G. Masaryka 107, Příbram I

What are behavioural problems:

Behavioural problems in children (inappropriate, risky or dangerous behaviour) include a long-term lack of respect for authority, aggression, truancy, lying, theft, bullying or self-harm. These often stem from disrupted family relationships, a lack of boundaries or problems at school. The solution often involves intervention by specialists (OSPOD, Educational Care Centres). 

The most common manifestations of behavioural problems include:

• School problems: Truancy, refusal to work, behavioural disorders, bullying.
• Aggression and defiance: Outbursts of anger, use of foul language, bullying of those weaker than themselves.
• Anti-social behaviour: Theft, lying, cheating, experimenting with addictive substances.
• Mental and emotional difficulties: Anxiety, depression, withdrawal, self-harm, eating disorders.
• Family conflicts: Disrespect for parents, running away from home. 

We consider the following to be possible causes:

• Dysfunctional family: Disrupted emotional bond, divorce, absent or, conversely, overly strict upbringing (extreme freedom or an autocratic style).
• Lack of stimulation: Boredom in gifted children; lack of attention in others.
• Personality factors: Learning difficulties, low frustration tolerance. 

Solutions and support:

• Seek professional help: Contact the school’s prevention co-ordinator, the educational and psychological counselling centre or the Educational Care Centre.
• Cooperation with the Social and Legal Protection of Children and Youth (OSPOD): In the event of serious problems (delinquency, running away), contact the probation officer for children and young people.
• Change of approach: Focus on improving communication and setting clear and consistent boundaries, rather than simply punishing the child.
• Family therapy: This helps to improve the family atmosphere and relationships. 

Problems left unresolved over the long term can develop into more serious socially pathological phenomena.

Criminal activity by minors and young people:

Criminality among minors and young people encompasses unlawful acts committed by children and young people up to the age of 18 (theft, robbery, vandalism, sexual offences, manslaughter). Children under the age of 15 are not criminally liable. However, if they commit an otherwise criminal act, the public prosecutor always submits a proposal to the youth court for the imposition of an educational measure. The court then hears the case and decides on the proposal. In justified cases, protective education may even be ordered.   

Who is authorised to act in this matter:

Any citizen may report a suspected offence to the Czech Police.

Conditions and procedure:

The Czech Police will notify the children and youth probation officer of any suspicion of unlawful conduct by a child or young person. In their work, the probation officer focuses primarily on influencing the child’s future behaviour. However, they are not responsible for investigating the child’s unlawful conduct, and their actions do not affect the outcome of the proceedings. Nor are they responsible for protecting society from the child.

When meeting with a child or young person, the children and young people’s probation officer will discuss the ongoing proceedings, their progress and possible outcome, and explain their role in those proceedings.