A Homeless Girl?

[aussiegal]

I'm fairly new so probably really shouldn't say anything but I just think what your doing is wrong, i think you should report her now so that the authorities can come and get her and return her to her family whether she likes it or not. I understand that she might have a real reason for running away such as abuse or what not and if thats the case she needs help in that situation.

Put yourself in her parents shoes for just 5 minutes. You and your wife are expecting twins , starting a family of your own, how would you feel and cope if it was your child that had ran away and you didnt know if they were safe or not.

Like you said once she's 18 than she is free to go and live where she likes but until then she is still classed as a minor. I dont think it really matter what the law is , you should report her cause it 's the right thing to do and I'm sure that if it was your kid (17 or not) you would want someone to report where they are.

anyway good luck with everything.

[rdan05]

Knowingly & willfully committing a criminal offense is a crime in itself. The authorities will not necessarily force her to return to home, they will force her to notify family she is fine & well. At her age with judicial intervention she can decide where and with whom she wishes to reside until she obtains the status of a adult. They will also ensure she legitimate.

Having an unbalanced wife is not a home a teen runaway requires; however, if an alternative situation can be worked out such as with a minister & his wife the court would go for it.

Computer hard drives do provide good evidence to substantiate a criminal case. Furthermore, units and special division patrol sites for info especially with regard to teens. Housing a minor who is admittedly a runaway or harboring a criminal is bad news guys.

Googling to read legality is also bad news, law enforcement, help agencies such as the relay league, and lawyer's are the only source for delving into the law. Seek experts not Google.

[demonbuttercup]

Aww sorry... it was just a joke in response to the OP. In that of course it would affect your sex life (since you have a small apt and usually only have sex in the kitchen).
Just thought it was odd that that was one of your concerns in the LONG list of concerns that you and others have brought up.

It is good to hear that you contacted your preacher friend...and he is going to offer some help.

Someone else mentioned it... I mean it's probably unlikely that anything legal would come about...and if it did.. it's just a misdemeanor....BUT that said.. yes it could/would cause him to lose his job....or not be able to work in security again......and w/ a family to think about...that is a major concern.

I just hope everything works out OK....and that this girl gets the help she needs..... but I think EEK said it best.. you can't save the world!

[EvilEvilKitten]

What troubles me most is Engage's lack of proper focus.

THOSE TWINS he is expecting are the MOST important persons in his world and he's putting them at risk.

Focus, man, focus!

There are agencies available to help the homeless girl - get in touch with them.

[Engage!]

I think I may have found the right answer.... this time (I hope.) The girl is out of my apartment as of early this morning. My friend took her in, and tomorrow he is personally taking her to a womens' shelter which his one of his former teachers in the seminary recommended. He called the shelter, and they will follow legal processes, and if the parents are the issue, the shelter will keep her until she can either find another relative or until she reaches the age of majority. The girl went willingly, and was concerned that I not try to break the law to keep her with us.

So, nobody has committed a crime (and I'd rather not break the law if there's a better option). My special concern for her was that she not be sent back to an abusive situation, and since sending her to a womens' shelter will solve that problem. However, there is a possibility that I'm not done yet. When she left this morning, she specifically asked me "When I'm eighteen and not breaking the law, can I come back?" I told her that I would let her, at least for a while.

Demonbuttercup - as for the sex thing, I found it important because if my wife isn't happy, nobody is happy! And also, I tend to give her whatever she wants.


EEK - I think you're probably right. I can't save the world, especially if the law is in the way. It's too bad. I'm still wondering if I did the right thing by getting her out of my home, but it surprised me how quickly I got emotionally involved. My first reaction to the girl was "Oh, no!" but soon after I began to care for her and get protective.

[CrazyJenny]

Glad things have worked out so far. Keep us posted.

I think it is a sad commentary on our society that this whole thing had to happen at all. First, that a girl is so abused that she has to run away. Second, that it's a crime to take her in, and third that minors are practically prisoners in their own homes. I'm glad when I was a teenager I never knew this stuff, or it would really have frightened me to know that if I had to get out it would have been this hard to run.

I'm not sure what to tell you about taking this girl in in the future. She needs her own life, and I'm not sure that it would be good for her to be in your family. I think "unbalanced" is a severe and bad-sounding term to have applied to your wife, but her clinginess is an issue. If that weren't the case, you might reasonably consider adding her to your family eventually, but only after counseling, and even then you would have to live in a larger space. Remember, the twins are coming soon!

[sera300]

To become personally involved IS Human...you did the right thing. As the other poster said, she is okay since she will soon be age of majority. At the age of 14 most can choose where they want to live and will not be returned to a bad home. It does not mean they end up in foster homes, there is an entire network of those who deal with runaways the main goal is to keep them off the street AND safe. Many safe homes they choose from are those who are in law enforcement...couples who have kids out of the home. I would say give her time, she may grow attached to the next family when she sees her basic needs are being met, love, shelter, food, etc. She is vulnerable and will need help dealing with what life may have dealt her.

You did the right thing, for your family, you, and for her. Many helpful couples are happy to have these kids and get them on their feet...plus she is off the streets and safe! There are many runawys havens (homes) which are legal and do this type of work.

[EvilEvilKitten]

It is your nature to serve and protect- this is why you very quickly became invested in this girl - she was a person in need. Your handling of it, however, left something to be desired. Abuse = women's shelter, police, and medical professionals. Take her in for the night, secure her person and make sure she is not in need of immediate medical attention and then get her out the next morning.

Each of us does what we can, Engage, but our first obligation is to our family.

Do NOT think this is a "sad commentary upon our society" - western society gives women and children far more protection and care than any other. Honor killings, acid attacks, slavery, and forced prostitution - the sheer brutality of most women's lives in other societies would horrify you. I'll stop there - before I lose my temper.

[LittleFury]

I'm sorry, but am I the only one that thinks that this entire sequince either completely made up or those two are completely nuts and their life is a complet cluster....? Either way, you two need to grow the hell up and get a spine, and fast, before the twins are born.

[Engage!]

Glad to know I'm bordering on insanity, LittleFury .

I have to agree with EEK, CrazyJenny. While alot of laws in the US are stupid and badly thought out, we do have an advantage over many places.

Yeah, I think this thread is done.