Emergency Emancipation

[TigressStar]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Rhode Island

I have a 17 year old friend who is currently in a bad home, but DCYF refuses to get involved because it is legally 49 days before her 18th birthday. It is getting to the point where she is self-mutilating herself because her mother who is physically and mentally/verbally abusive to her refuses to let her leave. The police will not get involved, and the poor girl is highly upset. Is there any legal loophole where she can get out of that house ASAP? Please, PLEASE help.

 

[cbg]

It's unlikely that any action could be taken within 49 days. Not to mention that emancipation of a teen who is self-mutilating is unlikely in the extreme.

You have made no mention of how she would support herself if emancipated - does she have a job? Will it pay 100% of her rent, food, clothing, utilities, transportation, insurance, medical care?

Emancipation is not granted on the basis of how bad a minor has it at home; it is granted, in the rare cases when it is granted, on the minor's proven ability to support him/herself.

 

[racer72]

It is getting to the point where she is self-mutilating herself

This is enough to show that she is not mature enough to deal with the responsibilities of emancipation. A judge would see this in a second and deny the motion. She needs mental health help, not emancipation.