Legal Question in Family Law in New York

Hello.

I live in NYS, and my friend Xavier is 17 years old and he decided to run away from home, for significant purposes. His mom showed up at my door and told him to come home with her. He said that he wouldn't leave. He is usually a well manored boy, he complies with all her rules and favors, but they just don't treat him right. If I'm correct, it is in fact legal to run away, or leave home and not return if wanted, by the age of 17 or 16. Can a 17 year old, in New York State, run away from home and not return if he wishes? And his father, occasionally (or maybe frequently) abuses him.

Tonight, on the date of October 7th 2009, the day he ran away, he came to my house as a friend in need, so we told him he could stay. His mother showed up and called the police. He stayed here until they showed. The police told him that he had to go home. That is wrong. I know he's at home right now, getting his ass whipped by his father. Not with a belt, but his own hands, and his dad is huge.

If there's something that can be done, please let me know right away.

If you need to call

Thank you so much,

- Brandon Young. Rochester, NY, 14623


Asked on 10/07/09, 10:39 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Kristen Browde Browde Law, P.C.

If he is being abused his best option is to call Child Protective Services and file a report. this is also something that you can do on his behalf, as can someone from his school.

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Answered on 10/12/09, 10:48 pm


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