Court Controversially Orders 15-Year-Old To Return To Abusive Parents Despite Living Safely With Sister, Teenager Desperately Seeks Alternative Options

"They took my phone so I can’t talk to her"

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• October 21, 2023

Not everyone has the privilege of experiencing a happy and carefree childhood while growing up. For many children, their early years are marked by uncertainty and upheaval.

Some find themselves in the care of foster families or living with relatives, and while this may not be the conventional path, it can often be the best and healthiest option for these children, especially when their biological family situation is marked by dysfunction and instability.

OP is a 15-year-old girl who used to live with her older sister, aged 22, because their parents had abandoned them, and she experienced abuse from her aunt. Five years later, her parents returned, wanting OP to live with them.

However, OP refused because she found her sister to be more caring than both parents combined. Despite her objections, her parents took the matter to court and managed to have her sister's legal guardianship removed, giving them full custody of OP.

Due to the difficult experiences she had endured because of her parents, OP now harbors strong feelings of resentment towards them and doesn't consider them as family.

Following the custody change, her parents confiscated her phone, leaving her unable to communicate with her sister (she is writing this on her iPad). OP feels like her entire life has been turned upside down and is seeking advice on what she should do next.

Parents regained custody in court

OP needs to maintain a detailed record of events and cooperate with her social worker

It's important for OP to try to maintain a civil and polite relationship with her parents

OP could contact Child Protective Services (CPS) and her case worker, as she already has a record of abandonment.

OP could consider having a legal representative for herself.

OP needs to stay busy with clubs and extracurricular activities to minimize her time at home.

OP should make sure to document any mistreatment or abuse and stay in touch with her social worker.

OP could to consider researching local laws to explore potential legal actions against her parents for what they've done.

OP needs to seek support from teachers or a trusted adult

OP must to involve Child Protective Services (CPS), and report her parents for taking her phone and preventing contact with her sister.

It's unjust to be forced to live with people you don't want to.

OP must persevere and maintain optimism

OP needs to stay positive

OP should think about talking to a therapist or counselor. These are people who know how to help when you're feeling mad, sad, or confused.

They have tricks and tips to make these feelings easier to handle. Also, OP needs to talk honestly with her parents about how she feels, it's not easy, especially in this situation.

But believe it or not, it can make things better at home. When everyone talks and understands each other, things often get better, and the home becomes a happier place. So, even though it's hard, having these talks is a good idea.

Damjan