Parental Separation

This technique exploits the vulnerability of juveniles by removing the one safeguard most likely to protect their interests,a parent or legal guardian. Interrogators often tell young suspects that cooperation will get them home faster, or frame parental presence as an obstacle to "clearing things up." Without an advocate in the room, juveniles face the full psychological weight of law enforcement authority alone, lacking the emotional regulation and legal sophistication that a supportive adult could provide. This isolation amplifies feelings of fear and helplessness, making the minor more compliant and less likely to assert their rights or question the interrogator's claims.