My sister's friend is fourteen years old and lives with a very abusive mother. No one believes her, even though there are witnesses. Is there any way to get her out of that house? She lives in California.
207637
Have her talk to someone at her school (teacher, counselor, etc.) -- they have to take action if she reports abuse. Separately, she can call child protective services or, for an emergency situation, the police.
321417
obviously depending if shes a minor or not, could she not get in contact with socail services? if shes 16 or over she has the option to just leave without her parents permission, she can not be left on the streets, with the right help she could be housed in a bedsit. x She is old enough to just walk out! and so are you! if both or one of you work can you not both find some where small for you to live together? come on the pair of you are at your ages classed as young adults, she doesnt have to stay at home with her parents, im getting the feeling your not from the uk are you? or america? other wise im sure youd have both done your own thing by now.
468078
They join for exceptance and out of fear.  The best way to get her out of the gang is to get her out of the hood.  I know that it is not easy to just up and move a whole family....but her future move may be prison or a cemetary if she stays in this place.  Once a person is in a gang, it is pretty impossible to safely get back out, so as I see it moving away from there is the only way.  Be prepared for resistance no matter what, as very often her gang brothers and sisters become more important than real family does.  This is so sad, best of luck to all of you.
467126
Your friend is in trouble and it sounds like you can help.  You should call the police ASAP!!!  If you don't want to report the abuse, report the dope.  \nI don't know how old you are but you if you are in school (not University) then you can tell a school counselor, they are mandated reporters in most states.\nGod luck to you and your friend.
131135
I think that you are either in a different country or from some extreme ethnic background because the fact that they are not letting her out is kidnapping and forcible confinment! \nIf you are in America call the local police or hiatus house!\nIf you are in a different country I'm afraid there is nothing you can do, because a daughter has to listen to her father in many countries and may be killed for dishonoring her family if she runs off with you.
143742
She is a sicko! My ex husband was like that. He had this terrible obsession with money and he was always hoping that I would get into a car accident so that he could collect the insurance money, he even threatened to poison me. He married me for a second income. \n\nOkay, so this guy beats your brother and you are aware of it. You need to contact 1-800-4achild 1-800-424-4553. It is totally anonymous. Tell them everything that you have reported here. They will then take action. You can also find out the number to the police department in that area. You need to get your little brother out of that situation before something happens to him as well. With the way your mother is and the way your stepfather is, CPS will yank him away. I am not trying to scare you, but you have to do what is best for your little brother right now. It sounds to me like he is in some serious danger.  Maybe there are some relatives that he can be turned over to. You need to get him out of that situation. I know that you want to see him and everything and there may be a way, but you need to help him FIRST.\n\nPlease let me know if you need anything or if you just need someone to talk to.
495683
Oh Kirk - you need to get out of there as soon as you can.  You deserve better.  There is help and support out there. No one has the right to treat you like that.  Are there any agencies you could contact ? And please contact your mom or another close relative or someone you feel you can trust.  I guess you much feel totally alone and scared and adults have not exactly been a source of trust for you.  Believe me you need to get out.  I wish I could help  I truly do.  I am in Scotland.  I am not surprised that you feel so bad about your life.  IT IS NOT your fault please believe that.  Contact someone and get yourself to safety.
17645
I can understand how one tragedy can lead to another. She may be ready to be a responsible parent but, the children may have already suffered irreversible harm especially the son who was beaten brutally. The state and the courts have a responsibliity to protect those children even when a parent is unable to. The courts and social services try to do everything they can to keep the family intact whenever possible. I don't know if there is anything she can do at this point. If she is not currently seeing her children, she can apply for visitation and the courts will decide the outcome. If they refuse visitation that will pretty much tell her that she has no chance to get them back.
273165
OOps sorry let me edit this..\n\nMost important question is - are they LEGALLY your gaurdian?  It sounds like this might be your sister.. or maybe a young aunt.\n\nWhat state are you in?  How old are you?  It depends on how your caregiver will react.  I did the same thing when I was 17 and my parents freaked and were able to take me back.  I spent a few days in Juvi.. but other than that nothing terrible will happen.  If you are 17, I suggest talking to your parents about this and seeing if they would let you.  Does your friends family want you to move there?  Have them talk to your caregiver.  If you are any younger, either wait or have the family talk to your caregiver..  I totally understand where you are coming from, sometimes your home can just be toxic, especially if your parents are going through a divorce, or some issues of their own.. I've been moved out for 2 years now, and even when I come to visit, it just sucks my soul dry.. Some people and places are just so bad for you.  Talk to them .. really.  OR just go ahead and do it, but know this - they will be able to find you - and they will force you to come back - BUT after that happens, they will be open for dialog with you - you will be able to tell them how damaging their home is to you - and they will be able to take you seriously.. This is what happened to me- They never listened until after I ran away.. Then they let me finish my high school degree online and let me move out when I needed to.\n\nTo help you any further, I would need to know your age and your state.\n\nAnd like the other person mentioned, if you are working and making some of your own money, you might be able to get emancipated. \n\nChoices Other Than Emancipation\n\nEmancipation is only one of several alternatives available to you if you feel you cannot live with your caregiver.  You may want to consider other options such as:\n\nfamily counseling or mediation service between you and your parents; \nliving with another responsible adult (aunt, uncle, grandparent, or family friend); \nseeking assistance from public and private agencies; \nan informal agreement with your caregiver allowing you to live outside your home. \n\n\nMy final advice to you is this - family counseling - if nothing else works - this will.  The other person there can help you communicate effectively with your caregiver - and don't assume they will only be on your caregivers side either.  Present your case to them, and unless you have no reason for wanting to move out, they will support you and help you work out a solution with your family..\n\nGood luck, ok?  Feel free to personally email me if you need any personal or legal advice..  Bj_Osterhout@yahoo.com
624287
I used to act just like her from age 9-16 I used to disappear with friends all hours of the night and come home with no answers.  But then again I had a cop for a dad..I was always in trouble and I think after the scare my mom and dad did to me i learned alot..My folks pretty much told me to get into the car and took me down to the MORGUE of all places and asked me if I wanted to end up like that...then after that I tried to committ suicide cause i thought they ment they didn't want me around and ended up in a psych ward and then put on house arrest for two and a half years...But the morgue was thier last step and it scared the only livin crap outta me.  I understand not havin the money for help  i lived the same way...But...now I see the way people are raising thier kids letting them get away with everything ..what happened to old fashion discipline..one take the Phone away two ground them don't let them leave the house ...3...Tell her she isn't going anywhere unless you know where she is going and what she will be doing...4 Everyone should have respect for their elders that includes the parents,teachers, etc...and if this don't work...talk to the police department in your town..see how she likes to be locked up...thats one thing my mom and dad did that i didn't like but..got used to it...in this situation your parents need to show her who is boss...even if it means  taking out a belt and whipping her butt with it...I hope this helps you out...
553367
Usually, the child can "choose" which parent they wish to reside with when they are over 12 or 13.\n\nHire an attorney -ask him if he can do an emergency ex parte motion for your husband to have full custody and/or remove her from her mother's home, or guardian ad litem; and a temporary restraining order.  Remedies should exist via the family court system.   \n\nYou may want to contact her doctor and tell him what is going on.  He perhaps has pull with CPS to quickly remove her from this environment.
83077
For the sake of others in this situation:\n\nI called the Emergency Room at Marymount Hospital (Garfield Heights, OH).\n\nI spoke to Reception, and the Charge Nurse.\n\nHospitals (at least in Ohio) cannot treat minors without the authorization and/or consent of a parent or legal guardian, unless it is an immediately life-threatening situation. No Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, adult-siblings, friends of family, etc.\n\nNo matter how much they may want to, they simply cannot.\n\nEven if a Social Worker refers, and takes, the child to any facility or shelter, the facility cannot take the child in, unless her Mother or Father actually accompanies her to the site.\n\nThe Charge Nurse was very sympathetic, but the hands of the medical professionals are tied by the law. Sorry situation.\n\nThe ER Charge Nurse suggested calling the police, have someone admit the police to the home, WHILE THE MOTHER IS PRESENT. The police can force the Mom to seek treatment for a minor, IF they are willing to do so. Judgement call by the responding officers.\n\nThis may be the best bet.\n\nLet's hope this girl does not keep falling through the cracks until she succeeds in her suicide attempts!\n\nI agree with the previous posters who suggested calling the DCFS (Dept of Children and Family Svcs), and a suicide prevention hotline for futher advice.\n\nAs Joker stated, Child Endangerment may be a very good option.
618966
REPORT IT!!!!!\n\nIf she's a minor, report it to Child Protective Services.\n\nIf she's an adult, GET HER OUT OF THERE.  Report it to the police.  Take her home with you or to a shelter.  \n\nShe may be scared.  You be brave enough for both of you.  Dont let her live that way for even ONE MORE MINUTE.   She may get mad at you; but you gotta do it.  She'll thank you in the long run--and you just might save her life.
229973
Another answer here says to take away the source. How are you going to do that? Put her in a convent until she's 21? Please. \n\nThe world is full of potty mouths and racists and thieves and worse. You can't keep her from encountering the bad people in this world. All you can do is teach her right from wrong. Rather than punish her, explain to her WHY it isn't accceptable to use those words. Explain respect. Explain that she should treat people the way she wants to be treated. You'll do fine, mom!
668492
Well- if you look in the Yellow Pages under "Attorneys" you should find a whole crapload of them willing to represent her, for a fee.  Why does she need representation for what happened to your brother, anyway?  Sounds like he should not have fled the police.
462486
Honey, the best thing you can do for your children is to leave this man regardless of their school situation.  Teens make friends easier than you would think.  But don't even consider leaving one of your children with this man, with you gone, who do you think the violence will turn to.......your daughters.  \n\nI would suggest calling the Dept of Social Services in another county if you don't trust your county and tell them the whole story and they can help you out of the situation.  Battered womens shelters are every where and you need to locate one quickly, because they can and will help you.  They will give you courage and strength where you cannot find any now.  \n\nPlease make the phone calls.  Your life is at risk here.  I know.  My babysister was beaten to death and burned by an abusive boyfriend 5 years ago.  She was five months pregnant.  She knew he would kill her eventually, she stated as much, but she would not take the steps to get out and we could not force her to.  Well, one night he got mad, they argued and he beat her to death then had a friend set fire to her body............he has never been punished and never will be because his friend is his aliby.......\n\nI recently went to view the pictures of her body and of my unborn nephew and let me tell you, if you could see them, you would leave and never look back because IT CAN BE YOU, IT IS NOT ALWAYS 'THE OTHER PERSON.'  She was 28 years old and absolutely model beautiful, burned away.........don't let that happen to you, ok.\n\nSo, ya see, if you feel he will kill you, then God is giving you an instinct of self-preservation and I want you to listen to that instinct and get out of there.  Make your plans and don't discuss them with your daughters, for they will tell.  Call DHHR and a Womans Shelter.  I beg you to leave and take your children with you!!!!!!!!  I will pray for you!!!!!!!!\n\nYou can do it! don't doubt it.  I divorced my hubby of 15 years, 5 years ago.  In the military stationed in Hawaii.  I left that island with the clothes on my back and my daughter right beside me and it was tough, really tough, but you can make it....your girls will need counseling though and so will you due to the abuse.\n\ntake care
315152
You are only 16 so You maybe considered a Minor in Your State.  Who do You live with?  Perhaps another adult could help You.  Call the District Attorney's Office in Your Area, You can ask the person that answers the phone, ask them first if they can answer questions about removing a Restraining Order before You tell them the entire story, because if they can't answer Your question, You will have to repeat the entire story again to Someone else.  They will know about the law and You won't have to get the Police involved.  If they ask You to leave Your name and You are not comfortable with doing so, just ask when someone who might be able to answer Your question might be in, and You will call back.  You may have two problems, Your age, and the fact that Your Mother filed the Order. \nMore important, has He ever hurt You?  Like yell, push, demand, threaten, or throw things? \nJust take a good look first.  Good Luck