15 Year Old Ran Away

[MrsRam]

My question involves juvenile law in the State of: Florida
My adopted son is 15 and a half and ran away about a week ago. So far all efforts to find him have been pretty unsuccessful. I don't think he wants to be found and I believe it is better that he come home when he wants to rather than being forced. I know this may sound cold...it isn't. I love him very much and am incredibly worried about him, but we have only had him for about a year and a half and he is not connected in. However, I am worried about the legal consequences if he gets in trouble while he has run away and the legal consequences if we don't search for him. I don't know legally how to make him stay home or for there to be legal consequences towards him if he does not. I am also considering discussing emancipation with him if and when he gets home. My husband and I would very much like to adopt a baby but I'm wondering if emancipating J would mean we could not.

[cbg]

The chances of a runaway being granted emancipation, even WITH parental support, are so slim I don't think you need to worry about that.

[MrsRam]

Thanks, the more I research this the more I see that it is about as likely for him to follow society's rules as it is for him to follow ours.

[cdwjava]

Have you reported him to the police as a runaway? If you have not, why not?

[MrsRam]

Oh yeah we reported him right away.

[cdwjava]

Assuming he wants to be emancipated, and assuming both parents sign off on it, do you really think a court would grant emancipation to an irresponsible minor?

You will have to put up with him until he is at least 18. You might not want to actively hunt him down, but that's your call. However, you may still have some legal liability for any harm he might cause while he is gone so you might want to consider looking for him.

Look into alternative programs for troubled youth. Perhaps a "boot camp" sort of program might work ... perhaps serious therapy ... who knows? But, you can't just give up. Being a parent is tough and you can't just give it up when the going gets rough.