Bringing children's friends - what do I need legally?

[DVCkidsMOM]

For scout trips out of state, we get a medical POA signed by a parent and notarized and a copy of insurance cards.
Is a notarized POA really needed for 15 year-old guest, or will a note signed by the parent suffice?
Also, is there anything we should set up for the 18 year-old guest that we'll also have with us?

We don't expect any broken ankles or whatever, but want to be properly prepared just in case. And even though one guest is legally an adult, I still wouldn't want that teen in a hospital bed by himself with no visitors until his parents got there from out-of-state. He's not related to me, but I know that (if medically permitted) he will need a burger delivered - he may be legally an adult but he's still a teen boy!

 

[perkinsrose]

You may want to consider having the birth certificate if traveling by air. Sometimes with teens its difficult for some to tell if they are actually under 18 or not.

If you have done POA in the past and know the procedure/how to, I wouldn't risk NOT having one, you know? In all likelihood, you will not need it. But, like in scouting "always be prepared".

I would think the 18 year old should just carry own insurance cards, ID, etc. and should be fine but I have not been in that situation.

 

[Jerseyprincess317]

When we left DS with my mom for a few days we left his birth certificate, insurance cards and a notarized letter.

 

[Pesky]

I would stick with the POA, copy of insurance card, and copy of birth certificate. Hopefully you won't need it but always pays to have that on hand just in case.

 

[Gracie09]

You need nothing. If it's a true emergency doctors will treat regardless. If it's not an emergency they will attempt to contact the parents (in the age of cell phones/email etc it's much easier than days past). When we were foster parents they gave us a letter to carry stating we had custody etc of the child but that was more for local stuff since our daughters birth mother lives in the town next to us. When we travelled they said to bring the letter and they would note that we had permission to travel in the case files in case they received a call with a medical issue.

 

[happymommy]

I agree - you don't need anything. It's nice if they can bring along their medical insurance card, but it's not a big deal. If it's an emergency you could deal with that later.

My DD is 17 and has no ID (doesn't drive) other than her passport. She just brings it in case, but anyone that young doesn't need ID.

I think you are overthinking this. You can bring whomever you want. If there is an emergency, and 18 year old is an adult. A 15 year old needs no ID.