Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania

Re: Family Issue

You asked about a sister that is a real bitch.

There is nothing wrong with harboring a child when that child was forced out of the family home. It is a mitzva. Your sister can report him as a runaway and the police will investigate the matter. Depending on the circumstances they may even get social services involved, but since it is a he said/she said matter they won't waste a whole lot of their time.

You might want to point out the fact that kicking the child out of the house is a serious crime. Whereas "harboring a runaway" is not an actual crime unless the child is voluntarily absent from the familial home or has escaped from state custody. In a HS/SS case the authorities will look on the preponderance of the evidence as to whether to even bring a claim. Moreover, I am unaware of any cases that have been brought against a family member for "harboring a runaway."

Tell you what, if you get charged. I'll see if I can find someone to represent you for free or low cost. You may even want to call your local police department (ask for the duty commander) and explain the situation ahead of time. That way they will have a more tempered response if the bitch makes good on her threat. Seriously consider having the child file charges against her for her idiocy. (There would be several charges with the most serious being felony child endangerment.) And, uh, how did she plan to explain the two and a half month lapse between his disappearance and her reporting him as a runaway?)

Regards,

Roger