Friend Kicked Out- Got Complicated?

[Guest]

My friend was kicked out of her house by her mother last week and was brought to me by her Granny because there was nowhere else for her to go and she couldn’t stay with her. She’s been staying with me since then and has had many arguments with her mother over message since. Last night her mother told her that since she’s not coming back, she’s be “packing [her] ********” and that she should come get it. So we did. We went to her home and got it all.
Now, today, her mother messaged saying that she has made arrangements with law enforcement to come and get her and take her home tomorrow, even after making her leave. (I have made a report to cps but that’s not the main issue I’m writing about.)
I’m now worried that me or my parents could get in trouble for her staying here.
We did not bring her here. At no point did we refuse to take her home or anything of the sort. We left that all up to her and her mom figuring it out through message. For several days her mom said nothing, and we just let her stay here. I refused to take her to get her things while things were being sorted out because I wanted to be sure I was not going to start a war. It was only when her mother said she was packing her things that I was willing to let her take anything to my place.

Can I or my parents get in trouble? I don’t really care much if I would for whatever reason, I just don’t want my mother in trouble when she hasn’t done anything wrong, just allowed Ericka to stay with me while she figured out if she was going home again or what the situation was.

(She is 16, I am 17- we live in Tennessee)
Please, someone answer soon.. its very urgent and I’m up late crying instead of sleeping.

[ccsmod4]

Reply: Friend Kicked Out- Got Complicated?

Hello,
Thank you for writing to us here at the National Runaway Safeline.

We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on.
We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time.
We are not legal experts in the law. Most states have a safe harbor law that allows someone to provide a safe place for runaway or throwaway (a minor that has been kicked out of the home) for a limited amount of time. They are then required to contact the parent/guardians, police or CPS.

It sounds like you and your family provided safe harbor for your friend during the time she had been put out by her mother. It also sounds like CPS was contacted and that may show some proof that your parents contacted the authorities.
For more information your parents might consider contacting the local law enforcement about the laws regarding taking in a minor that has been kicked out of the home by their parents.

If you would like to talk more about your situation please call or chat with us soon.

Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).

We hope to hear from you soon.

Take care,
NRS