Springfield, MA asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Child Support and Juvenile Law for Massachusetts

Q: Is there anything I can do if DCF is threatening to force me to live with my other biological parent?

I'm 17 years old. I don't wish to have any contact with my biological father for personal reasons I believe are valid. In early 2017, my parents went to court about visitation and I won so, I haven't been forced to visit, talk, etc...with him. Recently, he called DCF on my mother about my brother being home schooled and about my absences from school. My mother won the case about my brother, but with me, it has become complicated. I live with depression and this year has been a challenge. At first, I wasn't showing up to school because the anti-depressants I was taking were making me feel worse. I stopped taking them per my therapist's recommendation, but things weren't getting better. I've been coming to school 2nd period vs 1st because getting up in the morning has been difficult. They are accusing my mother of neglect. I've been trying my best to get to school on time and it's been getting better. What should I do if they still decide to try and take me away? What if I run away?

1 Lawyer Answer
Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
Answered
  • Divorce Lawyer
  • Woburn, MA
  • Licensed in Massachusetts

A: it looks like you need to promptly be seen by your pediatrician and/or psychiatrist concerning the medications not bringing you relief and the absence of medication is apparently worsening how you are feeling. Your failure to attend school on time is an indice of neglect which needs to be addressed as soon as possible or a custodial change is possible.

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