Out-of-Control 17-Year-Old

[dianadh]

My question involves juvenile law in the State of: Florida
My 17yr old son is out of control, refuses to go to school or work, smokes pot daily in our home, steals money from us any chance he gets. We had him put in rehab but was kicked. We have taken away his stuff to no avail. Help! Can we kick him out?

[Dogmatique]

No, you are legally responsible for the child until he's 18.

[aardvarc]

Have you been reporting his illegal activities? If not, it's time to start. You can get outside help to start holding him accountable for his actions (or lack thereof), and if you're going to do that, it's best to bring that hammer down while he's still a minor and has time to salvage his behavior BEFORE he obtains a criminal record that'll follow him in adulthood (school attendence won't be an issue because the mandatory attendence age in FL is only 16 and he can't be forced to go to work - that's the great thing about being a minor; that someone ELSE is legally required to provide room and board for you until you're 18).

[davidmcbeth3]

Its called a lock. Put him in his room & lock the door. Take him to school & pick him up. Otherwise just suck it up for 18 mo. and hope you don't end up in jail. Or turn him into the authorities.

Or take him down to the recruiter's office.