At 17 years old, do I have any say in what my parents do with my life?
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At 17 years old, do I have any say in what my parents do with my life?
I was sent to a troubled teen therapy program at the age of 17 while living in the state of MA, would I be able to sue the company that transported me there or the wilderness program? I asked many times to call a lawyer while being transported and once there and never had any rights. I was awoken at 4 am by 2 men who practically kidnapped me to take me to an undisclosed location. These men handled me extremely rough and handcuffed me to a wheelchair to make me seem crazy to those at the airport. Obviously they had my parents consent to take me away but this has caused me to have really bad PTSD.
Asked on December 6, 2016 under Personal Injury, New York
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
If you believe your parents are actually engaged in conduct which constitutes abuse, you can report them to the child protection agency, who may, if they consider your complaint valid, investigate and take action.
But unless what they are doing constitutes abuse, they yes--your parents can send you to a troubled teen program without your consent: you are a minor and still legally under their control. When you turn 18, then they cannot do that: you will be legally an adult. But 17, while close to 18, is still a minor legally.
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