Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, your parents must be notified as soon as possible and in writing of all legal proceedings involving you. The notice to them must include your name, the charge against you, the time and place where you must appear, and a statement that you have the right to be represented by a lawyer. It will also encourage your parents to come to court with you. If you don’t live with your parents, or you don’t know where they are, then another adult relative who is likely to be able to help you can be notified. If you do not have a suitable adult relative to help, then any other appropriate adult you select can be given the notice. Last Reviewed: January 2020