Mythbusters: Youth Rights

WRONG! In Minnesota, the age of majority (when you are an adult) is 18. If you are younger than 18, you can’t move away from home unless:  

WRONG! If you are living away from your parents, with their permission or not, and you take care of your own finances, you can get medical, dental, and mental health services. This is true no matter how long you have been living away from home. Even if it’s been only a few days or weeks. The doctor can treat you even if you don’t have your parents’ signature on the forms.  

Note: Doctors don’t have to give you services unless it is an emergency.  

See our fact sheet Can I go to the doctor on my own? 

WRONG! If you live away from your parents, you may be considered homeless. You must be allowed to enroll in:  

Each district has a homeless student liaison whose job it is to help you enroll in school. You may think you are not homeless because you have a place to stay. But if you are not living with a parent or legal guardian and you are having trouble enrolling in school, you should contact the liaison for help. 

WRONG! Information posted on Facebook can easily get into the hands of the police or school administration. Students have been suspended from school and prohibited from playing high school sports because someone got hold of pictures of them drinking alcohol or doing drugs. Pictures of drinking, mentions of weapons, talk of hurting someone, or messages that bully or harass other students could land you in the principal’s office!   

Postings on Facebook can also cause problems with jobs or friendships. The internet has a long memory so be careful what you decide to share.  

WRONG! It is true that Minnesota doesn’t have a statute (written law) that defines emancipation and gives a process for becoming emancipated. But Minnesota courts recognize that emancipation exists. A child may be considered emancipated IF the parent agrees that the child may live independently. The child must have a plan that includes a place to live and a way to pay the bills. Some kids ask about emancipation when what they really want is to escape abuse from their parents. If you think you can live on your own and your parents are okay with that decision, or if you don’t feel safe with your parents and need help understanding your other options, call the Youth Law Project for advice on what you can do legally.  

See our fact sheet Emancipation.