Q: Daughter's friend kicked out of her mother's home she is 17. Asking to move in with us. What are steps to make legal?
A: You are in a precarious situation. Harboring a runaway is a crime and if the mother wants to vengeful, she could make that argument. If you believe, as you question suggest, failure to provide for a minor is neglect and abuse. Everyone in Tennessee is a mandatory reporter for neglect and abuse. The Tennessee Child Abuse Hotline is 877-237-0004. Make a report to cover yourself and let them know the child is with you. Next, I would suggest that you retain an experienced family law attorney to assist you in filing a dependent and neglect action in Juvenile Court and ask for a protective custody order. That is the only way I know to quickly get a Court Order protecting the child and yourself. Good Luck
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