Posted by GeishaGirl on December 1, 2004, at 9:06:58
In reply to 16 year old's legal rights? ...safety first... » smokeymadison, posted by 64bowtie on December 1, 2004, at 1:46:55
I'm sorry about all the trauma that's happening to you and your sister right now.
Some great advice here!
I also wanted to add that in some states at the age of 16 you can file for "emancipation", which means that you are treated as if you were an adult of eighteen (at least this was the case awhile ago). I don't know if this would be less complicated or not. She would need to show that she could work to support herself and some other things, as well. I agree with others about seeking legal advice. Some are lawyers great and take on pro bono (free) cases and there are organizations that may help, as was previously mentioned.
The reason I mentioned looking into that option is because if there is objection to you taking care of your sister, it's possible that any psychiatric or psychological labels/ history that you or your sister may have will be brought up. I hate when that happens.
I hope that all goes well for you and your sister and that it's less complicated than it may seem.
I agree with Rod. I believe in hope. There are a lot of great people out there :)
Geisha Girl
> SM,
>
> You and your sister deserve a safe environment to grow and mature in, no matter how you might be labeled by the labellers. It took you a lot of living to get to whatever age you are. You surely have learned a thing or two you could teach your controlling stepmom.
>
> In California, each county has a Child Protective Services department that will take cases like your sister's solely on her testimony. Have faith, they can find cause against your stepmom just as easily as not. So, fear not! Encourage your sister to look into her counties CPS system. I happen to know Illinois where Dr. Bob hangs out in Cook county, has an aggressive and responsive CPS.
>
> Rod
poster:GeishaGirl
thread:422562
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20041122/msgs/422750.html