31. They get into trouble with the police or courts.

Any child might get into trouble once with the police or have to go to court. It might not be a sign of serious trouble. He learns and does not find himself back in the same fix. This sign is for children who get into trouble over and over again.

If your foster child is in this fix, the court will do what it needs to do. He will get some of those logical and natural consequences. What do you do? Help improve his self-esteem. Work with him on his social skills. Help with the serious learning problems he likely has. You can work with the causes of his behavior and adjustment problems. The courts and community will deal with the results of those problems.