Legal Question in Family Law in Illinois

15 year keeps running away, doesn't want to stay

What rights do the parents have when 15 year child keeps running away and doesn't want to stay with parents? parents are told they MUST take child back or be brought up for child neglect. parents are also afraid the adopted 15 year's actions will influence their two 4 year twins. What can THEY do about the girl that's been in therapy since she was 9? They adopted her 2 years ago.


Asked on 5/04/09, 10:16 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Sue Roberts-Kurpis, Esq. Law Office of Sue Roberts-Kurpis

Re: 15 year keeps running away, doesn't want to stay

This is one of life's more difficult questions. Due to the adoption, she is your daughter and you can be charged with child neglect if you lock her out or refuse to take her back after she's been picked up by police as a runaway or curfew violator. OTOH, since you adopted her (presumably from a public agency), you should contact that agency and see what you can do about undoing the adoption. You may also want to contact the juvenile authorities and have her declared a MRAI (minor requiring authoritative intervention) which should make her eligible for services through the juvenile court. The only other option is to keep doing what you have been doing and put her out once she turns 18.

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Answered on 5/04/09, 10:45 am


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