what should I do

[Guest]

This is my story. I have moved from my home between my fathers to my mothers several times because of the way that I have been treated. My dad is into drugs. and there is constant drug trafficing through my fathers house and the next door neighbors to whom they are close with, and I cannot stand the smell and sight of the drugs. I don't feel comfortable with the way things go in the house and I am treated in ways that I cannot handle. My fathers wife makes up lies about me and tells everyone else with her immaturity to everyone but me. and my father does nothing to stop it, or intervene. I am told by others that i apparently separate myself from everyone else in the house and do nothing to contribute as though these are all lies.

On my mothers side of this, I have been through a lot with her between her abusive ex husband, to neglect from another boyfriend, to struggling financially and constantly moving to get away from it all. She has recently told me that she cannot trust me anymore and that it is not a good idea to move back with her. In return I refuse to be in an environment that i feel is unsafe, and don't have the option of going to the other parent. I am 17 but will be turning 18 in a month and feel that if I get emancipated, then it would be pointless where I am so close to 18.

I have a girlfriend whom I am staying with at this point in time but I am not sure what I should do as far as enrolling myself into a different school because i was told I need a parent signature in order to do so where im not 18. however as i stated before i will be in a month. My mom tried to convince me to go back with my dad but i do not feel that it is a safe option for me. Any advice as to what i should do about living situations, or school?

[ccsmod7]

Re: what should I do

Thanks so much for contacting us and reaching out about your situation. It sounds like you have been dealing with a lot between living with your dad and your mom. You mentioned that you were living with your dad for some time but there are a lot of drugs in the household and it’s not a safe situation for you to be in. You also mentioned that staying at your mom’s house has not been the best either and it doesn’t sound like she is okay with you staying there at the moment. It’s unfair that you have had to feel scared or unsafe in either of your parents’ homes. Everyone deserves to be in a safe environment.

Who is your legal guardian at this time? Do you know who you are technically supposed to be living with? Have you ever discussed this situation with anyone else? A friend, family member, counselor?

It’s good to hear that you are currently in a safe place and trying to figure out what is going to be the best situation for you. You mentioned that you are staying with a girlfriend at this point and that seems to be a good option for you at the moment. It also sounds like one of your main concerns is enrolling yourself in school. When is the last time that you were in school? Have you spoken with anyone from the school you want to go to about what you would have to do to enroll? Even if you are not staying at either of your parent’s homes would one of them be willing to enroll you into high school?

There is some legislation set up through the Family and Youth Services Bureau that has information about education in regards to homeless/runaway youth. It is called the McKinney Vento Act and is set up to ensure that even youth without stable housing can receive school services. If you wanted to get more information in regards to this act or what your rights are for getting enrolled in school, you may want to ask the school if they have a homeless youth liaison. They may be able to discuss with you what your rights are and what you are able to do to get back involved with school. We provided the website below that gives a bit more information.

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb/co ... nto_IM.pdf

Also if you ever wanted to discuss your situation more in depth or wanted specific resources in your area you can give us a call anytime at 1-800-RUNAWAY. We are a completely confidential hotline and there is someone available 24 hours a day to help. If you wanted us to look up resources for you or even help make calls with you that is something we are here to do. In the meantime please stay safe and give us a call anytime. Take care.

[Guest]

Re: what should I do

thank you for your reply, it means a lot to me

My legal guardian is my father. I lived with him and he went to court to resolve child support situations that he had been paying to my mom when i lived with her. They did not however come to a conclusion about who has custody of me. I am technically supposed to be living with my dad. I have discussed this situation with my girlfriend, and my girlfriends mom but that is about the extent of it. I tried to talk to my step mom about it but she basically told me that i was acting like a 2 year old, and that i had tonight to go get my things and that was it. I have no idea whats going to happen to it because i cant make it there right at this second.

The last time I went to school was Thursday I had a four day weekend, because of the holiday to figure out what it was that i was going to do. I am going to look this week into going to either Edward Little HIghschool or Franklin but i have no idea how to do it without a parent to enroll me. Neither of them are willing to do i

thank you for all the information you have provided to me and im sure it will be a great help.

[ccsmod8]

Re: what should I do

Hello,

Thank you for the speedy reply also. We are always glad to help. We hope that our response was helpful and that you are able to make the best of your situation. It sounds like a very tough time for you. We are here for you and want you to know that you are not alone. It just seems very complicated that so much of the legal aspects have not been resolved and that you are left without the proper options.

We provide services to our callers and hope you can give us a call over the phone for direct support. One of the services we provide is a conference call to your legal guardian. We understand that custody has not been handled formally but we can help to clear things up with your family by calling home with you. The purpose of the conference call is to get clarification on these matters and to secure a proper plan moving forward. We set up rules when we call so that you get to have a say. We want to help empower you.

Thank you for writing to us and trust that we want to help. We hope to hear from you soon. We can be reached 24 hours a day at 1800RUNAWAY. Good luck. Stay Safe.

-NRS

[Guest]

Re: what should I do

The thing is school is probably going to be your best option. And the one that will get the most people behind you. Personally without school and a career Im not going to be able to support myself and a family. If you could have a priority... Do you have children yet? Then make an education that priority; since all these people with the word that counts say its possible.

[ccsmod0]

Re: what should I do

Thanks so much for contributing to our bulletins. If you ever need help we are here at 1-800-RUNAWAY. good luck to you.
NRS