Can You Let an Out-of-Control Teen Live With Relatives

[Mercy&Grace]

I apologize for misunderstanding. Since Mom didn't say anything about getting the state involved due to the safety and health risks other family members were being put in, I assumed the issue wasn't as serious as it obviously is.

[Dogmatique]

I'm jaded, and perhaps saw more than was actually said.

Every time I've seen this situation though, it has involved parents who genuinely believed that the child returning to home could be disastrous. Unfortunately, that carries a stigma like no other. An ornery child? Be a parent and lay down the rules! But a teen with clear and obvious mental issues needs much more help. It's one of the most heartbreaking things you could read and too often the parent is ostracized, judged and made to feel even more guilty. That doesn't help the parent, and it doesn't help the child.

But yes, you're right. It wasn't spelled out.