taking in a runaway

What is the name of your state? Oregon

my daughter has been in contact with a girl from Indiana over some chat line who stated she was running away to Canada to get away from a verbally/emotionally abusive mother. Parents are divorced, dad wants nothing to do with her.

our daughter told her if she was going to run, that she would ask us to allow her to come stay with our family.

the girl is 16.

if we agree to take her in, what legal problems could we be setting ourselves up for?

please, only serious advice.

Jail, Fines and more if you're willing to listen.

yes please

Being a runaway is a crime. You are aiding and abetting that crime by taking in the runaway. Therefore, not only can the state charge you, you will open yourself up to civil penalties (being sued) if you take this child in.

In lieu of taking her in you need to steer her towards help in her area, i.e., children services and Child protective services. Have her talk to a school counselor or someone who can help her THERE without her running away.

Being a runaway is a crime. You are aiding and abetting that crime by taking in the runaway. Therefore, not only can the state charge you, you will open yourself up to civil penalties (being sued) if you take this child in.

In lieu of taking her in you need to steer her towards help in her area, i.e., children services and Child protective services. Have her talk to a school counselor or someone who can help her THERE without her running away

...I agree...Hun you are asking for trouble you don't need!

Understood. I agree. However, if she is set on running away, she will end up living on the streets.

My concern is the legalities:

What is the legality for which we could be fined?
Sued for?
Liable for?

I need a list to show to our daughter.

Thank you.

I need a list to show to our daughter

***** Why in the hell do you have to prove or show your daughter anything???

YOU are the parent!!!!!....That's why!!

Are you not the parent?...Look anyone can see that you don't want a child out on the streets (no one really does)......BUT How does that make this child your responsibility, AND Are you willing to risk it ALL for taking this child in?

(Edit) Just an additional thought....Like Hexeliebe said...This child can reach out to many programs ...Why not suggest one?

Hexeliebe already answered your question - being a runaway is illegal, as is harboring a runaway. You open yourself up to criminal penalties by taking this girl in. And her parents can then sue you for depriving them of their daughter's presence.

You're the parent, you get to set the rules. Tell your daughter that you won't take this girl in, but you are more than willing to help her find help elsewhere.

[cbg]

I'm not 100% certain of this but I think if she crosses state lines and comes to you, you can be charged with kidnapping.

I am in a similiar situatinon. Except the girl is 18 and her parents are kicking her out. I'm afraid though that they will turn psycho(oh wait they already are) and decide they want her back and report it as running away. SHe is 18 so am I safe???

[stealth2]

Over 18, she can move wherever the hell she wants. Any state, any country, with anyone she feels like living with.

Under 18? OP - you are asking for a world of trouble. You can be criminally charged with harboring a runaway. If you're convicted, your kids will likely end up in the system while you serve your sentence. Not really a good plan.

[Crazyhorse]

I need to find myself an 18yo runaway.