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  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Posts
    1

    Default Can I Get Into Trouble for Helping a Runaway, Police and Parents Know Where She Is

    My question involves guardianship in the State of: CA
    I have a 14 year old girl that originally ran away to my house from CO. Her mother is physicaly and emotionally abisive and there are several reports against her and have been investigations as well. As I don't have to tell you child abuse for a kid this age, 14, are not addressed quite as well as for a younger child. Mom also is an alcoholic and has a long history with meth addiction. Several times that I spoke with her it was obvious she was intoxicated. Sadly, the police officers said the same thing and she continues to change her story. Nonetheless, I did communicate with both mom and dad. Mom asked to have her shipped to her dad, who she'd only met two times before in her life. I was told dad had been give "temporary/verbal custody". Not surprisingly, the relationship went sour and she ran away again, back to my house. I communicated again with both parents and her mom said she didn't care as long as she was safe. That said, she sent the police to my house several times. The officers removed the child from missing persons and runaway for both CO and CA. The mom is now going back and forth with her stories. The police have read the communications I've had with her mom and are more or less just frustrated with her inconsistencies. I have been told by our local law that I am not breaking any laws but I am looking to make sure the same goes for federal law. Local CPS was here and reccommended I petition for guardianship. I have court dates for both temporary and general custody, the first being next week. While CPS was here they did speak with mom and dad and mom was upset and needed to think. Dad, on the otherhand, seemed agreeable so long as he didn't have to pay child support anymore. Now, when I reach out to him about the paperwork he says he's not signing. That is fine, I will move forward with the notifications and go from there. My biggest concern is just if I am breaking any kind of law. Like I said, the local law has repeatedly told me that I should not be worried - running away is not a crime and her parents know where she is. As a matter of fact, the local law indicated it is her parents who should be concerned for truancy and neglect. I have tried to get her enrolled in school with no luck just yet. It is crazy, they know where she is and have no intention of retrieving her but they won't allow release of school records so the child is missing out the last month or two before starting high school this Fall. Anything you can provide would be appreciated.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Somewhere near Canada
    Posts
    35,894

    Default Re: Runaway or No

    You need an attorney.

    If there is an ongoing investigation you cannot afford to be THIS involved without having competent counsel because frankly, if mom changes her mind you can be charged with harboring a runaway. You are an absolute legal stranger to this child.

    I'm sorry - but this situation is far more complex than a message board can deal with.

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