Kid trouble

[michealc]

I live in Oregon.

My daughter, who will be 18 in April, has long been a handful and is now completely out of control and marginally delinquent. She is staying out all night, likely drinking and taking drugs. I have reported her as a runaway twice in the past month. She hasn't been arrested for anything yet, and she eventually wanders home after her sorties. Her grades are still OK, and she plans to attend college next fall. Meanwhile, her behavior is extremely disruptive to the rest of the household. I am evaluating my options, including telling her to find another place to live even before she turns 18. One possibility would be for her to live with her father (I presently have custody), but his household is chaotic as in frequent shutoffs of utilities, no food in the house, etc.; and this past week he lent her his truck on a school night to go pick up a boyfriend at 11:30 PM. (She's currently forbidden to use my car.) So her Dad's would not be the best placement.

I'll appreciate any comments, but I'm really not looking for a discussion of family dynamics, the possible utility of counseling, etc. I'd like comments about my legal options.

 

[Zigner]

I live in Oregon.

My daughter, who will be 18 in April, has long been a handful and is now completely out of control and marginally delinquent. She is staying out all night, likely drinking and taking drugs. I have reported her as a runaway twice in the past month. She hasn't been arrested for anything yet, and she eventually wanders home after her sorties. Her grades are still OK, and she plans to attend college next fall. Meanwhile, her behavior is extremely disruptive to the rest of the household. I am evaluating my options, including telling her to find another place to live even before she turns 18. One possibility would be for her to live with her father (I presently have custody), but his household is chaotic as in frequent shutoffs of utilities, no food in the house, etc.; and this past week he lent her his truck on a school night to go pick up a boyfriend at 11:30 PM. (She's currently forbidden to use my car.) So her Dad's would not be the best placement.

I'll appreciate any comments, but I'm really not looking for a discussion of family dynamics, the possible utility of counseling, etc. I'd like comments about my legal options.

So you want to send her away, but you don't. Your legal options are irrelevant, since you don't really want to explore them.

Get the child in to counseling and rehab (not necessarily in that order)

 

[Isis1]

personally, i'd send her to dad's. let her see what it's like first hand what happens when you can't pay the bills.