He's 17 and an adult?

Question

My son just turned 17 about 3 weeks ago. but all this started over a year ago. He got into some drugs such as pot and taking overdoses of OTC drugs to get a high. He was admitted into rehab over the summer. He's now stealing high end shoes from the store, and he ran away today. The cops said they can NOT do nothing because he is 17 and considered an adult. He has NOT been home for 15 hours now. He is on probation. How is that a 17 year old an adult...when the parents are responsible til he is 18? talk about a screwed up world expectally that the cops KNOWS his history, and possibly OD. I guess I have to wait for a phone call from the hospital.

Update:

to I AM ZOE: I did my job as a mother. My oldest son always been on the honor roll, and now a soldier serving your country. My 2 youngest sons are on the honor roll currently in school. My middle son that I am having problems with WAS on the honor roll and NOW skipping school.

? · Accepted Answer

The world is very unjust. I wish I had more guidence when I was younger. He is not an adult. Far from it, it sounds like. My brother was exactly like this, boot camp sort him out. 
I'm sure your a great mum and your doing all you can possibly do, but some teenages take the wrong path. And hopefully one day he'll grow up and appreciate his mum. 
Good luck, I hope his alright.

♥ ♥ ♥UKMUM ♥ ♥ ♥ · Answer

Ahhh im so sorry hun you must be out of your mind with worry!

I really don't know what to suggest other than talking to a police officer maybe someone in the family support section and stress your concerns for him.

It must be hard seeing your son go off the rails BUT lets hope in the future he will settle down a bit more most do but until then good luck x

Disciple of Asimov · Answer

I was a bit of a problem child myself, but I never did anything that drastic. I grew up some and now I respect my dad immensely, even though I never did before. If I were you, I would accept the fact that he's smoking pot, but do not accept that he is taking other drugs. Do everything you can do deter him from OTC drugs. Talk to his friends, hope for the best.

He'll see one day that you are his ally, and I'm sure he'll respect you and your wishes for him. For me, it was part of growing up.

Anonymous · Answer

I know exactly what you mean, I would definitely not consider a 17 year old to be an adult. Apparantly the brain doesnt mature untill mid 20's so how the hell is a 17 year old mature enough to go it alone.

What can you do I guess. Spose they have to make their own mistakes in life =/
none of this your fault.

elaeblue · Answer

Call his probation agent. 

Sitting his butt in juvenile for a while may straighten him out.

And yes as far as the police are concerned 17 is adult. They will not even look for them unless there is reason to beleive they are in harms way.

xxkittyxx · Answer

I'm so sorry that all this is happening. Kids hurt those they need the most.  but as for 17 being legally an adult- that makes no sense. Can you take it higher?

Anonymous · Answer

:-( just love him he obvs needs something that he thinks smoking pot will fulfill

zoe · Answer

because he should be mature enough now to know what's right and what's wrong. every 17 year old is treated as an adult, and your son should not be the exception. If he does not know what's right and what's wrong, then maybe you did not do your job as a mother.

? · Answer

Go find the **** head.

Trending News

He's 17 and an adult?

9 Answers