[Sissy22]

Does anyone one know if a teenager can choose not to be reunited w/parents w/out giving any real reasons at all ?

[ranoutofnames]

If a teen didn't want to RU then they would find a way to disrupt RU.

Teens have the right to voice and choose not to be adopted but beyond that I don't know that they get much of any real voice about the placements including living with relatives.

[athikers]

If you are talking of your current fd, yes, she can ask to be emancipated or remain in foster care. At least, in my state the age is 14. I'd imagine its similiar in your state.

[stevenstwin]

I don't know what the 'law' is here - but they've told us they can't "force" A. to do anything at all...not go live with relatives, not go back in foster care, not prevent him from returning to the dangerous bio. On the one hand I understand that they are saying a 16 year old might just run...but on the other hand I think that is giving them way too much power over a decision they may not be mature enough to make. No idea WHY your FD doesn't want to go back?

[Sissy22]

she says she doesn't get along with her stepmom but she visits them every other weekend so not sure what to think .

[Mystik]

When I was in Foster Care as a teen I did not want to go back to live with my gramma (who was my legal guardian) Not because of any abuse, but I was simply miserable with being under her overly controlling proverbial thumb. I had more freedom in foster care and that's where I wanted to stay. They let me stay by choice for 2 years and every 6 months just asked what I wanted to do and I always chose to stay.

When I was about to turn 16 however, and wanted to get my learners permit to drive, the only person with authority to sign for it was my gramma (legal guardian) and with this power she blackmailed me to move back in with her by stating that would be the only way she'd sign. At 16 learning to drive was my TOP priority in life so that was the only reason I opted to leave foster care, not because I "wanted" to return to my gramma.

So yeah, teens do have a choice in where they want to live, but they can easily be swayed by situations such as mine.

[Sissy22]

So basically if her dad and stepmom can come up with a way to sway her opinion she'll go home if not she'll stay here til she graduates ok thanks for sharing !

[AmyAnne]

How are Mama C and Baby Boy doing, Sissy?

[Sissy22]

hanging in there baby boy gave us a little scare the other day high fever had to go to hospital doing ok now

[One_Happy_Momma]

I guess depending on the State, I had a FS up until he was 19, still going to school, then another FD who coul've remain in foster care if she wanted until she was 21 provided that she continued to go and do well in school. College tuition and books paid for! - for some teens is best that they remain in foster care rather than being adopted.

[Sissy22]

C and c went for visit over easter break and somehow they got permission to keep them another night even though supposed to go back to school tomorrow we have a meeting tomorrow night can they just decide to reunify w/o going to court ?

[Sissy22]

they went home it was bittersweet but I think and hope they'll be ok .

[athikers]

Wow... you must have some really mixed feelings as I gather that is not at all what you expected to happen. You are doing a great ministry taking in teen girls and their babies. Keep it up.

[Sissy22]

I really didn't think she'd agree to go back I guess that's foster care ?