What laws protect parents from out of control kids?

Question

My child recently snuck out of the house and didn't returm until 8am. This is not the first or 10th time, but the first time she got caught in the act. She lies, steals from me and is 150% untrustworthy. She is in the court system for running away once and i have to wait until 11-08-06 till the next court appearence before i find out if they will do anything to her. I have dealt with this for a year or more now. WHAT laws protect me? I am scared of what is going to happen. I cannot find ANY info on laws that protect ME. PLEASE can someone tell me something. I desperately need help. I need her removed from the home, I have done all i can and she is not getting any better.

Answer 1

My grandparents went through this same situation with my cousin. Only difference is she was on drugs at the time. We ended up mandating her to the courts. To do that you have to get in touch with your local law enforcement or Child Protection Services and explain the situation. Or when you go to court, ask for a private meeting with the judge. Explain that you can no longer care for your daughter and would like her to get the help she needs, that obviously she doesn't want to get from you. We did that when my cousin was 16. She went to juvenile hall for 6 months then was moved to a group home/ rehabilitation center about an hour away from our home. It was really hard for all involved, but she says she's so much better for it. She has now been sober for 7 years now and says the help she got there was something she never could have gotten from my grandparents.

I know this idea sounds a little drastic, but from someone who has been at their wits end dealing with someone who canot control their behavior, I know it works. Try talking to your daughter and explaing what the consequences could be if she doesn't shape up. If she is found out of the house in the middle of the night, you could be fined and even prosecuted for child endangerment. If you have other children, this cannot be an option. Let her know what's at stake, for the both of you. AND most importantly, talk to her as an equal. Most children choose this type of behavior to show that they are "mature" enough to do what they want. Explain to her, that technically there are repercussions for her behavior for the both of you and that if she would like to be treated as an adult, she should be able to deal with the consequences- whether that means being mandated or even emancipated. She should be aware of what her behavior can resort you to doing.

Answer 2

Keep calling the law on her, forget about the court date. that has nothing to do with her being out of control. The next time she does it, call the police, they are suppose to do something. Their are agency that can help you, I do not know what state you are from. That is what you tell the police, I can't take it any more, she has me so upset, I just can't deal with her, I want her removed from my home!