| Here is
some
information on your rights as a minor and a legal resident of the State
of California with regards to your living conditions. |
| |
| You have
the right to live in a safe and secure environment. No one has the
right to harm you, or force you to do anything that would be considered
harmful to yourself or to others. If you currently live in an abusive
or unsafe environment, or if you have any questions regarding your
living situation, contact Child Protective Services immediately. |
| |
| Contact
information for Contra Costa County: |
| 925-427-8811 |
| |
| If you
are not located within Contra Costa County, please contact your local
county offices,
and they will provide you with the correct information. Local government
information is in the front of your phonebook, or you
may visit their website at Child
Protective Services |
| |
| If you
are unable to get help, please contact Legal Services for Children
at 415-863-3762, or have someone contact them
for you. They
are
a free
legal
service for children, and can get you the help you need. |
| |
| While you
do have a legal right to runaway from your legal guardian, they also
have the right to have you returned. You may however, not be returned
due to an abusive or unsafe environment. For more information regarding
your rights in runaway situations, please read "Legal
Rights and Options for Runaway Teens". There are safer and
more permanent options to consider if you are unable or unwilling for
whatever reason to continue to live with your legal guardian. |
| |
| You do
have the right to file for or to obtain Emancipation, you and your
guardian may consider a Caregiver Agreement, or you may consider joining
Job Corps. |
| |
| Emancipation |
| |
An
emancipated minor is a person under the age of 18 who has achieved
legal adult status by demonstrating freedom from parental control.
To be
emancipated,
the minor must do one of the following: |
| |
| Marry |
| Join the
armed services |
| Get a court
emancipation order |
| |
| For an
in-depth explanation of the conditions for emancipation, and the steps
you will need to take click here. |
| |
| Caregiver
Agreement |
| |
| A Caregiver
Agreement allows a minor the right to live with another adult
with the consent of your legal guardian, and allows that adult to enroll
you
in school,
and authorize any medical and dental care. This agreement may also
be use if the minor's legal guardian is unable to be located. The agreement
is valid for one year after the date it is signed, and does not affect
the rights and responsibilities of the legal guardian. |
| |
| Job Corps |
| |
| Job Corps
is a free education and job training program that is administered by
the Department of Labor for 16 to 24 year olds. Click
here for more
information. |
| |
| |
| |
