WOW...This is a new one....hopefully someone can help.

[marlynnp]

Dad should file for custody. Then he can make arrangements for his son to stay with you and within the same school system.

 

[laurafergie]

Parents can't do it. The minor has to do it himself.

Yes - I know this - I did not make my thoughts completely clear.

I'm sure OP realizes that this is a huge commitment on her part and I want to say that the PP - Pea-n-Me has made excellent points.

I just want to reiterate again. I am sure this young man is not taking this lightly either. My experience with children from difficult homes has shown that they are quite cynical and mature about many things. Though on the other hand they are still their age.

I am sure for things to have gone this far, his home life is worse than even OP thinks she knows. - I am STILL finding out things about my DD, and the circumstances would curl your hair.

Whatever you decide OP - be there for this young man. I guarantee you this was a difficult decision for the young man to reach out and you will save his life.

 

[simpilotswife]

Just wanted to let you know that in NY emancipation does not legally relieve a parent of their financial responsbilities to their child. I had a friend whose daughter was emancipated and she had her wages garnished to help pay for her daughter's medicaid. Also in NY a parent is financially responsible for their child until the child is 21.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

I was in similar circumstances when I was 17. My father and stepmother were alcoholics, my mother died when I was 12, I had been in and out of foster care (they just kept sending me back to my dad). I was a straight A student, well behaved and involved in many school activities.

To make a long story short, I came home from a date one night and my stepmother was drunk and kicked me out. I called my boyfriend and his Mom (a teacher) came to pick me up. She immediately called a friend of hers at social services to ask what to do so she wouldn't get in trouble. They gave her temporary custody and started the whole "reunification" process AGAIN. I jumped through all the hoops, paperwork, counseling, etc. Since she was not a foster mom, but someone who genuinely wanted to keep me she went to court and asked for either emancipation or custody. The court said since I was so close to being 18 they felt it would be in my best interest to give them guardianship of me until I was 18. After I turned 18 I lived with them for 2 more years while I worked part time and attended college.

So everything was handled through social services. But the court ordered my Dad to provide copies of his tax returns for financial aid purposes.

I honestly don't know what would've happened to me if she hadn't stepped in. When I was in foster care, I would stay at one home for one to two years, but then they would send me back to my Dad because they were worried about caring for me financially, no one wanted that burden. By the time I was 16 I felt like no one wanted me. It's great that you're willing to do this for him.