My dad is leaving NJ and going to FL for 4 days. I only live with him. I guess I mentioned it to my mom (they're divorced) and she called up my guidance counselor at school. I'm perfectly fine with it and my mom knew this, so I don't understand why she would go behind my back and do that... but... my guidance counselor said she "had" to call DYFS even though I told her my neighbor's (who have a clear view of my house/driveway/everything) would be watching me and basically stalking and my grandma would be coming by almost daily. DYFS called my dad and said they "wouldn't reccomend it" but they couldn't do anything. My dad still mentioned "if DYFS comes by..." I want to know- is it legal?
2007-02-07 14:33:16 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
Yeahh, my mom seems to love starting stuff. Weird, I was with her Monday, the day I found out she called the school, but didn't bother bringining it up... now today DYFS (NJ's Division of Youth & Family Services... or something) I'm so annoyed with her. If she calls me anytime soon I know I'll freak out on her. I'm way mature for my age in my opinion, which may not mean much, but whatever.
2007-02-07 15:04:56 · update #1
At 17 you are old enough to stay home on your own once you are over 15 in most states DYFS can't do a thing about it unless you have a party or something then your father can be brought up on charges. My mom works for DSS and she agrees your mom is just tryin to start stuff as u say. But if they show up it seems like you and your dad have a plan so stick to it
2007-02-07 15:20:43 · answer #1 · answered by evillama4eva 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The reason DYFS can't do anything is that yes it is legal for you to be home alone for a few days at 17...they wouldn't recommend it because you ARE 17...Your mother is just being a mom. She probably just wants to ensure your safety...obviously she knows WHY DYFS doesn't recommend leaving a 17 year old home alone. It has less to do with legallities and more to do with RESPONSIBLITY...something most 17 year old don't like to deal with on a daily basis...Your father is either very brave or very crazy to leave a teen home alone...and it has nothing to do with DYFS...
2007-02-07 18:33:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its legal for you to stay home alone for a few days by yourself. Its ok. Its not ok for your divorced mother to call your school and have them call DYFS to start something negative. It's really none of her business in the first place, since you live with your dad.
He's a big boy, and if he feels you will be ok and have a grandma to check in on you, then everything is good.
Just sounds like your mom wants to show up your dad to someone important..
Good Luck!
2007-02-07 14:42:31 · answer #3 · answered by ebay_convert 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
now that is loaded. Your mom cannot get custody of you anymore. You would have to sign an affadavit and want that yourself. She is petty and bitter. I stayed home alone from sixteen on. My parents were free to pop out of town without me if they wanted and I was old enough to be legally punished if I didn't behave like a law abiding citizen. How dare DYFS try to control your life. You and your family are not owned by the state. They have NO rights over your families decisions whatsoever!!
File a complaint against the county agency with the state agency.
2007-02-07 15:13:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's a law that's never enforced...like jaywalking! You won't get in trouble...You need to tell your mom to act like an adult and quit putting you in the middle of whatever their problems are. When I was 15 years old I would spend weekends alone all the time. No big deal! You sound mature enough, just behave! LOL!
2007-02-07 14:43:03 · answer #5 · answered by claireandmouse 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you are 17 not a baby i am not sure about legal but it sounds like mom wants custody. When do you turn 18? Then you are legally an adult, thank god. Mom does not sound too cool. Go stay with a friend that would piss of mOm and dad won;t get in any trouble.
2007-02-07 14:38:26 · answer #6 · answered by Shelli Belle 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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2016-04-21 13:40:51 · answer #7 · answered by paola 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think that it should be fine as long as you attend school. There are many 17 year olds that live on their own, own a place and take care of themselves. Also some kids-even under 17- their parents leave way before they wake up so they make themselves breakfast and go to school, and then don't come home till late so they make themselves dinner.
2007-02-07 14:40:16 · answer #8 · answered by Answerfinder1360 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Okay, it's not illegal. Heck if your dad allowed you to move out they couldn't do anything. Don't do that though. I moved in with my husband a few months after I turned 17. We weren't married yet or anything but I still moved out of my mom's house an into his. So anyways, yes, it is legal.
2007-02-07 15:26:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is legal, but I think it is extremely dumb on the parents end. I don't care how good of a kid you are, everything you are not suposed do, see, eat, say, ect. Will be done. My kids will be able to stay at home by there self while Im on vacation, when they are grown w/ a family of there own and there just there to take care of my plants.
2007-02-07 18:51:13 · answer #10 · answered by medleyc1 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋