[RussellandLeyla]

My step-son is 17 years old, he comes and goes as he pleases. He is not enrolled in high school, he had his mother withdraw him so that he could go to adult-education. He drinks, smokes marijuana, cigarettes, etc. We have a 7 year old son who also witnesses the way he acts and disrespects his mother. I am away for work Monday-Friday and don't come home until the weekends, when I am home he never is. Is there anything that can be done about him before he turns 18?

[ScottGem]

Generally no.

[Username Here]

Put them into a youth facility, and say its to protect your younger son from the negative influence that you're step son is giving your 7 year old.

Because he's 17, social services will get involved and will investigate what is happening.

Furthermore, as he's under 18. I believe you can sign him up for a drug re-hab program that he's allow to leave.

Hope this helps,
Louis.

My internet is stuffing up, Sorry!

[Fr_Chuck]

First who has custody of him, his father or mother, if he is living there with you, how could his mother just withdraw him.
An how can he be in adult education classes, they don't let 17 year old drop out of regular school and just take their classes.

Sounds like he needs strict rules in your home, dope gets flushed, police called if it is in YOUR house. YOU and your husband set the example of what happens in YOUR house

[N0help4u]

My daughters went for their GED's at 17. They dropped out when they turned 17.
I guess there is no way with your work that you can be home more often.
He still might not listen. You can tell him he has to get a job and start being responsible.
You can check into getting him emancipated but he would have to have a job.
A Teenager's Guide To Emancipation

[talaniman]

BOOT CAMP!

Seems he is only taking advantage of the fact, that the parents are not working together, and until you do, there can be no united front, and no disipline. So the kids will do whatever they want. As a father you can empty his room, and let him sleep on the floor, or call someone to come get him. Or wait for him, and read him the riot act, and tell him the consequences of breaking the rules, and deliver those consequences to him, and all that help him. Just my opinion. Your not being there, is not an excuse.

[bushg]

Talaimain is so right, The parents must stand united. I also read on another thread that you have problems with your daughters mom. I'm am sure that she would use this situation against you. For the whole familys sake this situation must be addressed and acted upon.