My 16yr old step-son ran away from home approx 2wks ago, he went to a neighbors house and called his biological mother, whom he has had no contact with for more than 4yrs. We have 9 other children in our home and have been having problems with the 16yr old for 2yrs now. We moved out of state last year to help my in-laws deal with my mother in law having a stroke and while we were there my step-son began stealing and abusing her prescription medication,and any over the counter meds he could find, this caused our family to leave and move back home. My step son has always had a problem with hitting and abusing our other children. My husband and I do not feel that it is in the best interest of our other children, or him for him to return to the home, and have again asked his biological mother to help, she refuses to help. We are now facing child abandonment charges by DFS for not taking him back in our home. My main question is 1) Why is the biological mother not being forced to step up and do something for Her child, and why would she not be facing child abandonment charges also?

What is the current custody order? If you currently have sole custody, you cannot force his mother to take custody of him. I would contact DFS and see what arrangements can be made to get him into a residential treatment program or to have him removed from your home. I am sorry for what you are experiencing, but your husband is still responsible for him, and cannot refuse to take him if a custody order stays that he is responsible for him.

Thank you,there is not a custody order, my husband receives child support from the biological mother,I don't want my husband to abandon his son, but what do you do when a child does not want to leave with you and is acting out in order to get attention from a mother that won't take him, and the state will not force her to get involved, can visitation be enforced. We do not feel it is safe for him to return here is the only reason we have said he can't come back, he has made a threat to choke his sister with a belt and has punched her in the face on several occasions.

Hire an attorney, there are ways to turn the child over to the state. But your husband has to have custody if the other parent is paying support. So that is why she is not getting into any trouble.