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Speak Up! - View Question #179 |
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Question: I am seven years old and my parents want to get rid of me. Can they do that?
Answer: Parents have a duty to support their children and to care for them. If they are not doing this they can be charged with criminal conduct, and their child can be taken away from them. You do not say what makes you think that they want to get rid of you. It is not an easy or pleasant thing to lose or get rid of a child.
They can put you up for adoption if they can find a family that wants to adopt you.
Child Protective Services can investigate if they get a report that your parents are neglecting or abusing you. They can then take you away and put you in a foster home.
If you are suffering from neglect or abuse you should talk to someone at your school like a teacher or counselor, at your church, or simply call the child abuse hotline at 1-888-SOS-CHILD or 1-888-767-2445.
If you would like a more specific answer, please write again with more information about your situation.
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