How to Help a Minor Leave Home

[Raxhia]

My question involves juvenile law in the State of: Florida, but moving to Michigan.

I'm writing this on behalf of a friend, who is the one in need of emancipation, or just of getting out of his house. His family is verbally abusive, and I am genuinely concerned that staying there until he turns 18 might cause him to take his life. He lives in Florida, and I live in Michigan. He turns 17 in March (I believe), and I'm a college student, but I intend to be able to give him some place to go and make sure he finishes high school and goes on with his education. I already know his family is highly unlikely to fill out any emancipation papers for him, as they've told him that he won't be leaving, even after he turns 18. As I said, I'm genuinely concerned for his wellbeing, and I don't know what to do, but there has to be something.

Thank you.

[cbg]

In Florida, the ONLY way a minor can be emancipated is if HIS PARENTS complete the petition.

[shortie]

they've told him that he won't be leaving, even after he turns 18..

They can't stop him from leaving once he turns 18.

If you are concerned that he is suicidal, you need to take him to the ER. They can admit him for treatment, or recommend therapy programs he can try to get into.

He can also contact the suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255 for immediate help.

He is 17. He does not have to put up with them for much longer.

[Raxhia]

There's a number of things - like his mother - who are stopping him from getting proper help. If I lived in the same state, I'd be less worried, but I'm at sort of the other end of the country. I know they can't stop him, but there's a certain amount of verbal abuse going on and his mother is very, very controlling, so he's still somewhat scared to try to leave.

- - - Updated - - -

In Florida, the ONLY way a minor can be emancipated is if HIS PARENTS complete the petition.

There's nothing like a guardianship or something for his own safety? It absolutely HAS to be his parents?

[shortie]

If you are THAT concerned for his safety, call Child Protective Services.

So you DO have options to try to help him. But those options do not include 1.) Harboring a run-away or 2.) him being emancipated.

His options are to go to the hospital or call that hotline number I gave you. And your option to help him is to call CPS.

[cbg]

The only way any minor is going to legally leave home before the age of majority, which in no state is younger than 18, if either with parental permission or if he is removed by the state.