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-   -   I want to be adopted but I am a minor. (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=666479)

  • Jun 2, 2012, 03:46 PM
    frenchmusic
    I want to be adopted but I am a minor.
    I live in a family where affection is unheard of. As of recent, my father has become calmer. But my mother is distant. My father used to be very angry, very aggressive. Manic. Impulsive. Loud. I've been hit in the past without reasoning. Without justification other than that of his own anger. I also had an experience of sexual abuse from a sibling when I was very young. I've grown up in a reality where I feel, genuinely, that I do not exist. My physical presence has always shocked me, every day. The existence of myself makes no sense to me. I was severely depressed for three years. No real help was offered. I cut myself for five. They have no idea. I starve myself, often. I know absolutely nothing about my mother and I'm sure she doesn't know anything about herself either. I do know she has been through a lot. She has been mugged, held to her head by a gun, she's been hi-jacked. She has had two miscarriages. She has been in a car accident. She has been the wife of a man who has been cheating on her for my whole life. She is not depressed. She is not empty. She is not emotional. She is materialistic and superficial. She doesn't know anything about me. At the risk of sounding like a whining teenager, I need to state that I am not understood in this family. I am the weird one. The silent one. I have, over the past year and a half, gotten to know my friend's mother. She is just like me. In terms of the realms in which we're from. We think the same. She makes me smile. She makes me cry whenever I have to leave her house. We openly express our love for one another. Mother and daughter love. She feels like my mother. I have never felt a love like this before, in my life. A child-like love, where ones mother's arms are so inviting. I wrote her a mother's day card and she cried. She is incredible. Constantly present in my mind. And when I'm with her I feel in place. She says she wishes she had had a daughter, she only has sons, whom are my friends from school. I'm 17 this year. When she says this, I say 'You can adopt me' and I laugh. And she says 'I will' - she loves me, guys. She is an incredible mother. Anyway, sorry about that- How could I go about being adopted? This woman is serious. And honestly, I feel there is nothing more I need in life than the love of a family. She is my family. Her presence is right. When I was depressed, she offered to pay for me to speak to a psychologist. She has taken me to a day-spa before. She loves me. I've never felt it before.
  • Jun 2, 2012, 05:34 PM
    trulytrying
    Maybe you could just go and live with her?. You can legally live where you want to live at age 16... so she wouldn't be in danger of "harboring a runaway". I know this doesn't answer your question about adoption... I just couldn't leave your post without saying something. Acknowledging you~and wishing you the best.
    Here is a link to the US dept. of Health and Human Services FAQ re: Adoption... looks helpful.
    Frequently Asked Questions: Adoption
  • Jun 2, 2012, 05:37 PM
    frenchmusic
    Thank you very much. I appreciate that. I'm from south africa, by the way. About to research the laws on legal age to move out. Thank you for answering.
  • Jun 2, 2012, 05:49 PM
    Fr_Chuck
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by trulytrying View Post
    Maybe you could just go and live with her?...You can legally live where you want to live at age 16...so she wouldn't be in danger of "harboring a runaway". I know this doesn't answer your question about adoption...I just couldn't leave your post without saying something. Acknowledging you~and wishing you the best.
    Here is a link to the US dept. of Health and Human Services FAQ re: Adoption...looks helpful.
    Frequently Asked Questions: Adoption

    Please do not listen to this person for people in the US, this is not only dangerous but very improper advice for a minor child. In the US, not, a child under 18 can not move and live where they want, and if someone was harboring them, of course they can be changed. We use that here in Georgia all the time for girls who try to run off with a boyfriend
  • Jun 2, 2012, 05:57 PM
    frenchmusic
    I'm from South Africa. Not America, I'm sorry I forgot to state that. I am more mature than your typical 'minor' - honestly, I have been waiting to move out. It has always been my calming solution. "One day you you'll be away from this." But now that I am sure there is a home for me, I want to move out sooner. Today. Right now. And perhaps allow the last years of my 'teenage-hood' to be peaceful and joyous. I am not running away with a boyfriend, I am running away with the woman who should be my mother. Who I call my mother. There is a rather distinct difference. Thank you for your input though.
  • Jun 3, 2012, 04:16 AM
    trulytrying
    Forgive me. I spoke as a foster parent that has fostered over 30 "high risk" teenagers here in the US State of North Carolina. Age 16 is when one can petition for emancipation. In the OP's case, I believe her request would be granted~and that it would be good for her.
  • Jun 3, 2012, 05:25 AM
    JudyKayTee
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by trulytrying View Post
    Forgive me. I spoke as a foster parent that has fostered over 30 "high risk" teenagers here in the US State of North Carolina. Age 16 is when one can petition for emancipation. In the OP's case, I believe her request would be granted~and that it would be good for her.


    Can you post a source for your belief?

    When you answer, please be State/Country specific. Advising someone to leave, telling them that the person who takes them in would not be charged with "harboring" is irresponsible without knowing the State/Country.

    I am concerned that you admit you're a manipulative person - https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/mental...-427913-2.html. I trust you aren't attempting to "run" the Board - ? I am likewise concerned that you have fostered over 30 "difficult" children when you yourself have problems - https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/addict...er-593724.html

    I'm a skeptic. I hope you prove me wrong.
  • Jun 3, 2012, 07:39 AM
    ScottGem
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by trulytrying View Post
    Forgive me. I spoke as a foster parent that has fostered over 30 "high risk" teenagers here in the US State of North Carolina. Age 16 is when one can petition for emancipation. In the OP's case, I believe her request would be granted~and that it would be good for her.

    Being able to "petition for emancipation" and being granted emancipation are two different things. Emancipation is rarely granted where it is allowed.

    Like most states, NC requires that a minor being able to prove they can live on their own before emancipation:
    ยง 7B-3504. Considerations for emancipation. In determining the best interests of the petitioner and the need for emancipation, the court shall review the following considerations: (1) The parental need for the earnings of the petitioner; (2) The petitioner's ability to function as an adult; (3) The petitioner's need to contract as an adult or to marry; (4) The employment status of the petitioner and the stability of the petitioner's living arrangements; (5) The extent of family discord which may threaten reconciliation of the petitioner with the petitioner's family; (6) The petitioner's rejection of parental supervision or support; and (7) The quality of parental supervision or support. (1979, c. 815, s. 1; 1998-202, s. 6.) http://www.youthrights.net/index.php?title=North_Carolina_Emancipation_Law

    I don't see anything in the OP's post that would qualify for emancipation under NC Law. We take pride in the accuracy of the answers we give here. Please be more careful in the future.
  • Jun 3, 2012, 07:42 AM
    ScottGem
    For her to adopt you would require a court order, without parental consent, it would be unlikely to to be granted.

    You might find this info helpful:
    Legal City :: You and Your Rights :: Minor
  • Jun 3, 2012, 08:46 AM
    frenchmusic
    These answers are making me terribly sad. But I'm 'old' enough to understand and respect the law. I will just spend as much time with her that is possible. I've always needed the love of a family, and I have that now. That in itself should be enough for now. It's just.. Sad.. that I have not had a childhood. I've never been hugged. I've never had a conversation with my any member of my family. Including my two siblings. I've been alone for 17 years and I've literally grown to accept it as life. I thought it was normal. It's not. It shouldn't be, at least.
    I need to be in a loving environment.. It makes me sad to be sitting here in my room. We're having financial troubles, so I cannot turn on any lights. It's dark and all I can do is listen to french music, a certain song I always sing with my the woman who should be my mother. ('Je ne t'aime plus'- it means 'I love you more'). I'll be fine. I just need my dose of motherliness and family at least once a week. I'll move out next year when I am eighteen and I can then be in a comfortable environment of my own choice.
  • Jun 3, 2012, 09:02 AM
    JudyKayTee
    I would take your friend's mother up on the offer of paying for a therapist. A lot of people who post on AMHD have had rough times, very rough backgrounds. I see some depression, I see self pity. I'm not saying it's not warranted. I am saying its obvious.

    You should talk to someone - a professional.

    I know you don't want to sound like a spoiled teenager BUT your family is having "financial problems" so extreme that you are sitting around in the dark, unable to turn on the lights - and you don't have a part-time job? Maybe you need a mother; maybe your family needs some help.
  • Jun 3, 2012, 09:25 AM
    frenchmusic
    I'm sorry. But I have summarized everything. Financial problems? My father lost his job a week ago. My mother is unemployed. We're in debt, to put it lightly. But that means nothing to me. I don't care about money. I care about love. When I say I've been hit without justification, I mean I've attended school, even this year, more than once, with bruises on my face. Bruises on my eyes and cheeks. Swollen cheeks. No apologies. Listen, I'm not saying my pain is greater than anyone's. Yes I suppose I need a therapist. But I also suppose I need a ing family.
  • Jun 3, 2012, 09:31 AM
    ScottGem
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by frenchmusic View Post
    I'm sorry. But I have summarized everything. Financial problems? My father lost his job a week ago. My mother is unemployed. We're in debt, to put it lightly. But that means nothing to me. I don't care about money. I care about love. When I say I've been hit without justification, I mean I've attended school, even this year, more than once, with bruises on my face. Bruises on my eyes and cheeks. Swollen cheeks. No apologies. Listen, I'm not saying my pain is greater than anyone's. Yes I suppose I need a therapist. But I also suppose I need a ing family.

    If you have been physically abused talk to someone at school. There are laws against that. If an investigation finds that you are being abused you could be put in foster care and your friend could foster you.

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by frenchmusic View Post
    . I just need my dose of motherliness and family at least once a week. I'll move out next year when I am eighteen and I can then be in a comfortable environment of my own choice.

    Frankly, at your age, I doubt if that dose of mothering will do much. By 17 your psyche is pretty well formed. Also, you may not be able to move out at 18. From what I read (see the link I gave you) age of majority in South Africa is 21.
  • Jun 3, 2012, 09:39 AM
    JudyKayTee
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by frenchmusic View Post
    I'm sorry. But I have summarized everything. Financial problems? My father lost his job a week ago. My mother is unemployed. We're in debt, to put it lightly. But that means nothing to me. I don't care about money. I care about love. When I say I've been hit without justification, I mean I've attended school, even this year, more than once, with bruises on my face. Bruises on my eyes and cheeks. Swollen cheeks. No apologies. Listen, I'm not saying my pain is greater than anyone's. Yes I suppose I need a therapist. But I also suppose I need a ing family.


    But the reason you aren't pitching in financially is..

    You have a family. You may not like them. They may not like you. You are not without a family. I find it odd that everyone has turned against you.

    Bruises on your face, bruised eyes, swollen and bruised cheeks? Speak to someone in authority at your school OR call the Police. Physical abuse is uncalled for.
  • Jun 3, 2012, 09:45 AM
    Wondergirl
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by frenchmusic View Post
    We're having financial troubles, so I cannot turn on any lights. It's dark and all I can do is listen to french music

    Doesn't the CD player or whatever you are using take electricity? And you have a computer and the Internet connection?

    Why don't you have at least a part-time job?
  • Jun 3, 2012, 09:50 AM
    frenchmusic
    My school has spoken to me. On many an occasion. About the bruises and my behaviour. You know, they were convinced I was going to commit suicide. So was I. I was 15 at the time.

    Yes it won't make much of a difference, but it will be good for me.

    I have spoken to child-line but anonymously. I am afraid it doesn't work (south africa is so unreliable with this stuff.) My father will.. Go mad if he finds out. You see, one day I hope to connect with my family. But there's too much right now. With this age. And the context being so recent. For now, I need to get out.

    Why haven't I contributed financially yet? I only found out he lost his job yesterday. Not even directly, god forbid.

    I will contribute if need be.
  • Jun 3, 2012, 09:54 AM
    frenchmusic
    Music on my phone, internet on my phone. Guys, forget the money. Jesus. I don't care about the money. Only reason I mentioned that is because the darkness heightens the loneliness. It's like a physical metaphor of living in this house.
  • Jun 3, 2012, 10:36 AM
    JudyKayTee
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by frenchmusic View Post
    Music on my phone, internet on my phone. Guys, forget the money. Jesus. I don't care about the money. Only reason I mentioned that is because the darkness heightens the loneliness. It's like a physical metaphor of living in this house.


    Please watch your mouth. We didn't mention money - you did. If it's not important why was it mentioned?

    So your father lost his job yesterday and today you're all sitting in the dark. Sorry, I see a lot of drama and exaggeration and very little else.

    If you had thoughts of suicide 2 years ago you need a therapist, not some friend's mother who, by the way, could ask your parents if you could live with her without adoption.

    Everything that goes wrong in your life is NOT the fault of your parents. At your age I'm sure you've caused a problem or two for them.
  • Jun 3, 2012, 10:48 AM
    frenchmusic
    I find almost everyone is being very subjective? Defending my family, and I don't see how. He lost his job a week ago. I found out yesterday. We've turned electricity off to save money. How is that exaggerated?

    Why did I mention money? Only to give the point that I am sitting in the darkness, when I have recently been sitting in lightness.

    She hasn't asked my parents because frankly that's rather inappropriate.

    I need love. Not a therapist. I'm not depressed anymore. I've aged so much over the past three years. I am an old soul. Still ageing. I know myself well; spritually and physically. I need to be in a peaceful environment.

    I'm afraid none of you are quite getting that, and it is my main point. Everyone is focusing on such trivial things right now. Psychologists about my past, contributing to financial troubles in my home, etc.

    I need the love of a family. I need the love of a family. I need the love of a family. Psychologists won't help that (and I don't need to see one either as I have dealt and am dealing with my depression- I've been in a very peaceful place lately as I've spent more time with my friend's mother. We have not met one another by coincidence, there is a reason for this and we both know it.

    These responses give me zero hope, and that makes me feel smaller and smaller and smaller. I am a minor, but I am not young.
  • Jun 3, 2012, 10:50 AM
    Wondergirl
    Your posts are very lyrical, very poetic.
  • Jun 3, 2012, 10:52 AM
    JudyKayTee
    All very dramatic and poetic. No question you have a way with words.
  • Jun 3, 2012, 10:58 AM
    frenchmusic
    But I am not trying to be poetic. Writing is a large part of my life. It has been my safe place for as long as I can remember. Anyway, thank you, everyone. I didn't get answers I was hoping for, but such is life, is it not? This will be over next year.
  • Jun 3, 2012, 11:03 AM
    Wondergirl
    What answers did you hope to hear?
  • Jun 3, 2012, 11:05 AM
    ScottGem
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by frenchmusic View Post
    I didn't get answers I was hoping for,.

    This site is different from most other Q&A sites. We try to provide solutions here, not just answers.

    When it comes to answers we try to give the correct answers, not just what a poster wants to hear. But we also try to add advice that may help with the poster's situation. We have seen too many teenagers who think their home life is bad and want a different situation, but we also know we are only hearing one side of things.

    You mention you have talked to the school about the physical abuse. What was the result?
  • Jun 3, 2012, 11:08 AM
    frenchmusic
    Answers of hope, rather than well.. The opposite. It started well - and that's the only post I find relevant. Moving out.

    The rest of the answers questioned my whole life. And almost implied that I am lying.

    I hoped for a solution to help me, rather than an analysis of what I have done, and am doing, wrong.
  • Jun 3, 2012, 11:15 AM
    frenchmusic
    The school sent me to the school's psychologist every day for two years. I never spoke about my family there, just about what I was feeling at the time. I would speak ambiguously about the pain I have been through with regard to my upbringing and family.

    Their side of the story would mean nothing. I understand everything around me. And I am not in the wrong, they are. I accept punishment, I accept consequences. But there is such a difference between discipline and pain.

    Talking about it again, and thinking about it again, makes me feel awful. I'm so happy right now, and I am so sad.

    I want to be adopted, but it is not possible. I want to leave, so I will.
  • Jun 3, 2012, 11:16 AM
    JudyKayTee
    Well, then you got your answer. Wait until you are legal age, then leave.

    Has your friend's mother asked your parents if you can live with her, without the benefit of adoption?

    You say you've been a cutter for years. Have your parents also been in therapy to attempt to understand?
  • Jun 3, 2012, 11:20 AM
    Wondergirl
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by frenchmusic View Post
    The school sent me to the school's psychologist every day for two years. I never spoke about my family there, just about what I was feeling at the time. I would speak ambiguously about the pain I have been through with regard to my upbringing and family.

    And how was that supposed to help, if you refused to cooperate?
  • Jun 3, 2012, 11:22 AM
    JudyKayTee
    This also concerns me - why spend your time and the Psychologist's time (and energy and education) when you aren't going to be truthful? If the Psychologist wasn't told the truth (and the whole truth) why should I believe that I am now hearing the whole story?

    I don't think adoption will solve this. I think it will be attempting to fill a well with a teaspoon. I hope I'm wrong.
  • Jun 3, 2012, 11:23 AM
    frenchmusic
    My mom has seen a psychologist before, she was suicidal for a while. It was about six years ago. She got recommended a psychiatrist and was subsequently put on medication. The medication destroyed her, she held a gun to her head in front of me and my brother.

    Because of that incident my family strongly disagree with therapy and most definitely medication. "Suck it up" would be an appropriate thing to say to someone in pain.

    I would not be allowed to see a psychologist, I would get into trouble if I did.

    I've spoken to her (friend's mom) about it a few times. She wants to meet my mother and perhaps build a relationship with her before she eases in the concept of me staying with her. It's difficult to go about. You know? It's not a very conventional situation I'm in.
  • Jun 3, 2012, 11:28 AM
    Wondergirl
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by frenchmusic View Post
    I would not be allowed to see a psychologist, I would get into trouble if I did.

    But you DID see one for two years, you said, but constantly put roadblocks in the way of any therapy.
  • Jun 3, 2012, 11:29 AM
    frenchmusic
    I was truthful to the psychologist. I spoke about what I felt. It's hard to go into detail about being hit, or even verbally put down. It's hard! It's not easy! At all! I hardly speak at all, never mind about my life.

    That is why I am here, it is anonymous. Nobody here knows me.

    Why spend my time there? Because it did help talking about my feelings. The psychologist helped me deal with my emotions and my cutting. We focused mainly on my self-harm. And it helped. So it was beneficial.

    Why is there so much miscommunication.

    My life has so much context. I cannot type out every detail. I simply can't? When asked a question I'll explain. I can't write everything out at once. Every aspect. That's madness.
  • Jun 3, 2012, 11:31 AM
    frenchmusic
    I saw one at the school. My parents didn't know. If they did they would make me stop going. I'm quite certain. My brother needs to see a psychologist. He needs to go to rehab, too. But my parents refuse. That is why I haven't even attempted in asking.
  • Jun 3, 2012, 11:36 AM
    JudyKayTee
    How do you get close enough to an adult female to discuss adoption without her meeting your parents? Don't they wonder where you are?
  • Jun 3, 2012, 11:41 AM
    frenchmusic
    She is my friend's mom. So when I go to my friend's house I spend time with her. My friend's mom also fetches me from school sometimes and drives me home. We have an unbelievable connection. I'm not sure how or where it began. But wow.. She is in my heart. She most definitely is the biggest part of my life right now. The biggest part anything has ever been in my life.

    We have not met by coincidence. We were supposed to meet.
  • Jun 3, 2012, 11:43 AM
    Wondergirl
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by frenchmusic View Post
    Why is there so much miscommunication.

    Why? Because you say a lot without saying anything.

    So start up again with the school psychologist. There is a confidentiality agreement and bond you two will have, so your parents won't know unless you tell them.
  • Jun 3, 2012, 11:47 AM
    frenchmusic
    See that needs context, too. The psychology ended badly. I found out, via a teacher whom I am close with, that the psychologist told the staff-room I am suicidal and she described everything I told her. This infuriated me. A lot. I told her I found out and I didn't do this in a very mature way. I ended up getting in a lot of trouble. So, it would be awkward to start seeing her again.

    I don't need to see a psychologist. I need love.
  • Jun 3, 2012, 11:49 AM
    Wondergirl
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by frenchmusic View Post
    I need love.

    You have love.
  • Jun 3, 2012, 11:52 AM
    frenchmusic
    I do, but I need it every day. Not just weekends. The notion in itself makes me unbelievably happy. But it's so uncomfortable to be surrounded by.. No love.

    I need it physically too. I need love every day. Not just weekends.

    Like I said. I am so sad, and I am so happy.
  • Jun 3, 2012, 11:53 AM
    JudyKayTee
    Meeting your emotional needs is like filling a well with a teaspoon. Until you conquer your demons (and what you post is like shifting sands) you are never going to find what you "need."

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