Dawn Ostrem
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 21/01) - Frustrated parents poured into a boardroom Monday night to talk about how little control they have over difficult teenagers.

Speakers from the RCMP, schools, family law firms, shelters and the Yellowknife Health and Social Services Board addressed the forum held at the Yellowknife Health and Social Services office.

When parents were asked to share thoughts or ask questions, one issue dominated the discussion: a teen's right to choose where they live and if they will attend school.

According to the Child and Family Services Act, teens over 16 have the right to quit school and live on their own if they chose.

Social services will pay for foster care for 16 to 19-year- olds, but unless the department becomes legal guardian of a teen, parents remain responsible for them until the age of 18.

"That leaves parents in a real bind because they can't do anything," said Arlene Hache. "My kids were on the street at 16 because they knew they could be."

Many of the parents talked about forming support groups. Several detailed their personal stories and shared ideas, such as finding out the names and phone numbers of all their kids' friends in case they go missing. That was something RCMP Const. Mary Lane supported. "I don't know the last names of all my daughter's friends," said one father. "Call display has really worked for me."

At the end of the two-hour discussion, many of the more than 30 parents remained to continue talking with each other and professionals.

"We have started a process and hopefully it is something we can continue," said school counsellor Liz Parsons.