Emancipation For A 15 Year Old?

[Nsanders5]

I am from Washington (state), and I am very concerned about a teenager that I have gotten to know very well. She is turning 15 soon. Most of her family has died of cancer, and her only living blood relative is her mother. The mother is neglectful, degrading, and sometimes abusive. She is a very strong girl. She has a lot of people that really care about her, and would have no problem taking her in. I know for a fact that she will be getting an emancipation when she is 16, but I don't know if she can wait another year before something happens or she runs away.

Is there any laws that are similar to an emancipation that a 15 year old girl can use?

Thanks for any help. We have been trying to find some help for her for a while.

[cbg]

The minimum age for emancipation in Washington state is 16. There are no provisions for anything resembling emancipation for a 15 year old.

Additionally, even at 16, emancipation in Washington requires the permission of the parent or legal guardian in most cases, as well as (in all cases) the ability to manage her own financial affairs. Which means that she must be able, financially, to support herself. That does not mean being taken in by someone else who will then support her.

If she is being abused, then rather than waiting for an emancipation that will not happen for a minimum of a year and may not happen at all, consider calling CPS. Otherwise, unless she is given permission to move in with a friend or other relative by her mother, she must remain where she is until she can meet the eligibility requirements for emancipation and convince a judge that it will be in her best interest.

[Nsanders5]

I did forget to mention that she is a highly accomplished musician who makes about 150 - 400 a weekend playing music at weddings and well as teaches guitar lessons, so she would be able to support herself.

The one thing we are worried about with CPS is if it fails... her mom will be horrible to live with at home, and if she leaves this area, all the opportunities with her music and education will be lost. Is there any sort of protection against that?

Thanks for such a quick reply.

[panther10758]

What if CPS fails!? You mean it more convient to let a 15 year old live on her own!

[Happy Trails]

If CPS fails, it may be they can not come up with enough evidence to prove that it would be in the best interest of the child to have her removed from the home.

CPS doesn't want to separate families if it isn't necessary. They very well may recommend counseling and help the two of them to get along with each other.

You state:

The mother is neglectful, degrading, and sometimes abusive.

I don't mean to sound as though I have no compassion, but how do you know that the above is indeed happening?

I can't add anymore than CBG already stated, only to agree with CBG that emancipation at this point is not the answer.

[Nsanders5]

No I mean as if say her case wasn't strong enough and the courts forced her to stay with her mom. Her mom, knowing what she tried to do, would make life even worse for her. She tried to run away once, but couldn't bring herself to do it, and her mom found out and locked down her life.

[Nsanders5]

Sorry I was writing that last post as post before it came up.

I know that this is happening because I have witnessed it, along with others, no one has actually seen any physical abuse, and the girl herself has said there isn't much, but the mother is very emotionally abusive.

[panther10758]

What if it rained for 40 days and 40 nights!? This isnt about "what ifs" when the call to CPS has not been made yet! When CPS opens a case it stays open for 30 days this means if things get bad the child can contact the worker. In fact even after that I would keep the workers number. She cant be emancipated if shes being abused call CPS there is no other option!

[Nsanders5]

Sorry... I don't know much about laws, or CPS and its workings... I am just trying to help her find the best solution. Does CPS consider emotional abuse or is it just physical?

[Happy Trails]

Sorry I was writing that last post as post before it came up.

I know that this is happening because I have witnessed it, along with others, no one has actually seen any physical abuse, and the girl herself has said there isn't much, but the mother is very emotionally abusive.

So before a drastic step, like removing her from the home, counseling would be the best approach, IMO.

Has the 14 year old discussed her problems with the school guidance counselor? Some families have problems, that doesn't mean that there isn't help out there for them.