juvenile living on her own

Could you tell me if my husband and I are doing anything illegal by letting our 17 1/2 year old daughter live on her own in Virginia? My husband is transferred through work quite frequently and therefore we have moved our daughter several times in the last few years. We are getting ready to move from VA to South Carolina in a couple of weeks. Our daughter approached us with the idea of her staying here in Va and living on her own. After giving this much thought, we agreed and she moved in with a lady and her two sons. She pays rent to her, is working full time and pays her bills. In South Carolina girls are legal at 17 and she will be 18 in November. We would not do this if we did not think she was responsible and mature enough to handle it. Someone told us that if anything should happen such as her getting hurt, involved in a car accident, etc. we could be brought before court for abandoning her. Is this correct? Thank You
CherokeeLady

Your issue deals with "emancipation of minors". You should check state law for how a minor may be emancipated. Under the scenario you describe, in many jurisdictions, your daughter would be considered "emancipated" because self-sufficiency and intent are key elements to this determination. If she is indeed emancipated, you would not be subject to the liability you described.