At Sundance Canyon Academy, we hear from many parents at their wit’s end with their out-of-control teens. Life at home doesn’t feel safe due to their teen’s behavior, and they don’t know their legal options. We are writing on this topic today to help parents understand their legal options and provide tips for dealing with a troubled teenager.
When teenage behavior gets out of control, life at home can become unbearable. Maybe you get into screaming matches with your child or feel like you have to walk on eggshells to avoid setting them off. Rebellious teen behavior can be challenging to manage, turning your life into a nightmare.
You want your teen to grow up well and know that they are loved. However, you have to set boundaries and keep yourself and your family safe. If your teen’s behavior is becoming dangerous, you need to intervene. Even if their behavior is only hazardous to themselves, there can still be legal repercussions if you don’t get them under control. It’s essential to know your legal options and what’s legally expected as a parent.
Out of control teenager legal options
When your out-of-control teen’s behavior drives you to your breaking point, you might be tempted to kick them out of the house. Before doing that, you need to understand the legal implications of that decision. Even if their behavior is entirely out of control, they are still considered a minor if they are under 18, and state laws hold parents responsible for their welfare.
As their parent, it is your responsibility to provide them with safety, food, and shelter. If you kick your teen out of the house and they are still a minor, you could be charged with abandonment. Even if your teen has chosen to leave the house and stay with a friend for a while, you are still legally required to keep in touch with them, financially provide for them, and make sure that they are following the law.
Unless your child has legally been emancipated, you are still required to fulfill the duties of a parent, even if they are wholly rebellious and won’t listen to you. When a teen is emancipated, a judge legally separates the child from the parent’s responsibility, allowing the child to act as an adult. In this case, the teen is fully responsible for their behavior, and the parents cannot be held legally accountable for their child’s actions. In most states, a child must be at least 16 years old before they can be legally emancipated (check your state’s specific laws).
Other options
Before resorting to emancipation, there are several other options that you might want to consider, including schools for troubled youth that offer structured environments and support. Here are some additional steps you can take to help address your teen’s behavior.
Connect with Your Teen
It can be challenging to communicate with your teenager when they are acting out, but it’s essential to try to connect with them when you can. You might find out more about what’s going on in their life so that you can help them through tough situations.
Watch for Drug or Alcohol Abuse
It’s common for teens to experiment with drugs and alcohol, but experimentation can be problematic. Some teens develop addiction issues, and others can behave in ways that get them into trouble when intoxicated. Also, drug and alcohol use can lead to serious legal problems or get them expelled from school. Keep an eye out for drug or alcohol abuse and step in as needed.
Get Professional Help
Troubled teenagers often have something going on behind the scenes driving their behavior. They may be experiencing issues with friends or classmates that you don’t know about. They could also have mental health struggles that are just starting to present themselves. Talk to your teen’s doctor about their behavior to get their professional opinion and ideas for intervention.
Consider a Therapeutic Boarding School
If your teen’s behavior makes you want to kick them out of the house, consider alternatives, such as a school for troubled teens where they can receive therapy and structured guidance. While in a therapeutic school for troubled youth, they will be in a safe, supportive environment where they can work on their issues, while your family gets a respite from their behavior.
Therapeutic boarding schools are an option that can fulfill your legal obligations to your teen while keeping your family safe and providing your teen with the support they need to address the underlying causes of their behavior. While attending a school for troubled teens, they’ll have access to therapeutic resources and skilled staff trained to help troubled youth make positive changes.
At Sundance Canyon Academy, we are dedicated to supporting families with out-of-control teens by providing safe, therapeutic environments. Our experience with schools for troubled teens has equipped us to offer insights and resources to parents facing challenging situations. If you think our school can help your family, call us at 866-640-1899 to learn more about our program and see how we can help your teen find a healthier path forward.