My sister-in-law, (16 years, 5 months), is being psychologically abused not only by her father, (who has had custody over her for four years in Massachusetts), but by peers as well. She is scared for her safety, and has recently been assaulted by her boyfriend, almost to the point of rape. Her brother and I live in Louisiana with my father, and she has expressed a desire to move in with us. I have more than one question on the matter.
1) What is the process for filing for emancipation in Massachusetts?
2) What are the laws pertaining to runaways in Massachusetts, as well as the consequences for the runaway and those housing her?
3) Could custody be transferred to her brother?
I would ask about custody being transferred to the mother, (who lived with us from December of last year), but she died in October 2010. Also, because her mother was disabled, my sister-in-law now receives benefits from Social Security. I would hate to see her harmed any further than she has been, or see her lose those benefits.

