What are an Employer's Obligations if a Runaway Teen Employee Shows Up for Work
My question involves juvenile law in the State of: Washington.
I received a call from one of my employee's mother informing me that there is a runaway report out on said employee. She is scheduled to work tomorrow (5/6/16). What are my obligations in regards to reporting her whereabouts? She has a very poor home life and I would prefer not to contact her parents. If someone could help me with this situation I would be very appreciative.
Re: Runaway Report for Employers - Wa
How do you know what her home life is like?
Re: Runaway Report for Employers - Wa
Well, if you KNOW that the child is a runaway and fail to take some sort of action (thus, concealing her from her parents and the authorities) you MAY be subject to criminal charges. Maybe.
If you are concerned about her home life, call the police when she comes in. Since you truly have no idea what the home life is like, you may be aiding a recalcitrant, petulant, and/or disobedient child who manipulates those around her.
Avoid the legal entanglements and call the police when she comes to work.
Re: Runaway Report for Employers - Wa
Quote:
Quoting
cbg
How do you know what her home life is like?
I have worked with both her and her two brothers for over 3 years now and have gone through different situations with all of them.
Quote:
Quoting
cdwjava
Well, if you KNOW that the child is a runaway and fail to take some sort of action (thus, concealing her from her parents and the authorities) you MAY be subject to criminal charges. Maybe.
If you are concerned about her home life, call the police when she comes in. Since you truly have no idea what the home life is like, you may be aiding a recalcitrant, petulant, and/or disobedient child who manipulates those around her.
Avoid the legal entanglements and call the police when she comes to work.
The only information that I have about her is from her mother who called me about the run report and from her brother who told me she had left from an argument with her father. Thank you for the information!
Re: Runaway Report for Employers - Wa
Quote:
Quoting
ry21
I have worked with both her and her two brothers for over 3 years now and have gone through different situations with all of them.
The only information that I have about her is from her mother who called me about the run report and from her brother who told me she had left from an argument with her father. Thank you for the information!
You have gone through being told a long litany of what may be blatant falsehoods. Please, don't fall into the trap of believing everything you're told by children. Without exception, they all lie at some point in their lives and tend to do so more frequently if their behaviour is "rewarded" (an example would be gaining attention ... which seems to be going to plan in this scenario).
Protect yourself, too :)
Re: Runaway Report for Employers - Wa
Quote:
Quoting
ry21
The only information that I have about her is from her mother who called me about the run report and from her brother who told me she had left from an argument with her father. Thank you for the information!
Then do yourself a favor and speak to the police rather than risk trouble to you.
Re: Runaway Report for Employers - Wa
She is a minor; she has been reported as a runaway; you know where she is. Her relationship with her parents is none of your business. If you believe she is in danger if she goes home, contact the police. Otherwise, are you prepared to have criminal charges against you? Because that's what you're risking if you do not report where she is.
Re: What are an Employer's Obligations if a Runaway Teen Employee Shows Up for Work
Quote:
Quoting
ry21
I received a call from one of my employee's mother informing me that there is a runaway report out on said employee. She is scheduled to work tomorrow (5/6/16). What are my obligations in regards to reporting her whereabouts?
They're probably pretty limited. The "harboring a runaway" statute, RCW 13.32a.080, does not apply unless you provide shelter. The mandatory reporting law, RCW 26.44.030, only applies under circumstances of possible abuse and neglect, and only in relation to listed professions... you can check the list in the statute. There may be some form of "contributing to the delinquency of a minor" statute that could apply, although it looks like your state has repealed its general statute -- note also, there could be local ordinances that cover such acts.
What did the child's mother ask you to do? What did you tell the child's mother that you would do?