Emancipation in Iowa

[grandma las vegas]

I have a 14 year old grandson, who wishes to live with his aunt in Western Iowa. His father is not stable due to a crack addiction, and his mother is an alchoholic. Neither is responsible, and he is currently almost on his own. His mother went on a rampage about 4 months ago, and moved out of the current home, leaving him with a step-father. The step-father was willing to let him live there at the time, but that has worn rather thin now. The mother lives in an apartment, and has basically abandoned the child. He has an older brother, in the local college.
The mother refuses to sign over guardianship to my daughter. The father has stated that he will do what ever is necessary to get him enrolled in the new school, and to get medical treatment if necessary.
Since the child does not want to live with either of them, I wondered about emancipation, so he can pick where he wants to live. He should be able to do this anyway, at 14, but the Child Protective Services, do not see it that way. And I use the term very loosely.
So any help with this problem would be greatly appreciated. Thanx Grandma Las Vegas.

[Mr. Knowitall]

Child protective services is involved in the case? What action, if any, have they taken?