Incorrigible (Ungovernable, Out of Control) Adolescents

The Juvenile Court Act (42 Pa.C.S. Sec. 6301 et seq.) offers as one element of the definition of a Dependent Child the following: A child who has committed a specific act or acts of habitual disobedience of the reasonable and lawful commands of his/her parent, guardian, or other custodian and who is ungovernable and found to be in need of care, treatment or supervision.

Generally speaking, a child is considered incorrigible if they are out of control at home, in school and in the community. This is the child unwilling to accept authority from anyone and whose behavior is placing him/her at risk of harm.

Venango County Children and Youth Service offers services to caretakers who have exhausted community resources without success in an effort to provide proper guidance, structure and supervision to their child. The agency should be a last resort. Caretakers should be encouraged to utilize available community resources such as medication, counseling, parenting classes, support groups, etc. prior to contacting Children and Youth for services. However, sometimes it is helpful for Children and Youth to have a one-time “motivational” office visit with the child and his caretaker to clarify the expectations of the law and the agency regarding parental supervision and child compliance to make everyone aware of the options and potential consequences of continued incorrigibility. The caretaker can call to arrange such a visit.

It is important that the caretaker is the referral source in these cases since without their investment, Children and Youth Service’s intervention is not likely to be successful. Professionals are encouraged to assist families in making connections. Please call Children and Youth for information to assist in this process.