Ask Me Help Desk - Protecting a Friend

I am 18 years old. I have a younger, female friend (I'm a girl too) who is 16. She has run away from her parents due to physical, and mental abuse. She is afraid to go to the local authorities because her little brother is Autistic, and afraid to be away from his parents. She doesn't want to pull him out along with her because of what her parents do to her.

The boy isn't touched by his parents.

Could it be possible that I may step up and possibly take her as a foster child? Maybe, with parental consent, I may take custody?

We live in Pope County, Arkansas. I work as a drafter, and have my own apartment.

Very doubtful, but she will have to go first to children and family services and get into the system first in to an emergany shelter or emergany foster care.

You can apply and ask, but with there being only a 2 year difference and not a family member it is doubtful they would allow this.

But she needs to get into the system for her protection

If she is being abuse she needs to report it. Her parents can report her missing and it can cause more problems and even for you. Besides you, does she have any family she might can stay with? Her living situation isn't good if she is being abuse. Talk her into getting help. Call your local children service department too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fr_Chuck

Very doubtful, but she will have to go first to children and family services and get into the system first in to an emergany shelter or emergany foster care.

You can apply and ask, but with there being only a 2 year difference and not a family member it is doubtful they would allow this.

But she needs to get into the system for her protection

Here is the law on foster parents, straight off the Arkansas website. It's tougher than some of the other States. And, yes, abuse has to be reported.

"Foster Parent Requirements
Must be between the ages of 21-65 years old. Age exceptions may be made for applicants over the age of 65.
Should have sufficient, reliable income and provide documentation of such prior to approval.
Must be a mature and responsible adult.
Must attend an orientation. If married, both spouses must attend.
Complete first aid and CPR training.
Attend 30 hours of foster parenting training. This training is specialized and different from parenting classes for the provider’s own children. These classes are specific to foster parenting and caring for a foster child who has been maltreated. It is also an opportunity to learn more about foster care and whether foster parenting is right for you and your family.
Annually complete 15 hours of in-service training.
May care for no more than five unrelated children, including provider’s own children. No more than three may be foster children.
Will need to provide three personal references.
Anyone who will be transporting the foster children will need to have vehicle safety checks done."

Arkansas is trying to pass a law that only non-smokers can be foster parents.

You are not old enough to take her into foster care. There are age requirements. You must be 21 years of age at least to take her in. (21-65)
Do you get paid enough to handle a 16 year old girl so she is happy?

Personally, I don't think it would be FAIR on this girl to take her in. Education, friends, events, stuff like that are all part of a 16 year old girl's life.

Anyway I am sorry you don't meet the age requirement.

By the way! YOUR FRIEND MUST SEEK LEGAL ADVICE WITH THE ABUSE.