My daughter has became fond of a 21 year old that was introduced by a friend at school. I do not think they are sexualy active yet but if they were what would my course of actions be? I have told them I do not condone this and really wish he would go and date someone his own age instead of hanging around the girls softball team. Thanks.

A person age 17 may legally consent to sexual activity. At the age of 17, a person can no longer be a victim of statutory rape. In Texas, the statutory rape law is titled 21.11 Indecency with a minor.

If a 17 year old moves out of the parent’s home without permission, (i.e. runs away) this is considered a civil infraction and not a criminal offense. Police will not intervene to retrieve the minor and return them to the custody of the parent unless or until a requisition motion is filed in court by the parent to have the minor returned home to their custody. When a requisition motion becomes a court order, the authorities must carry out the order to pick up the minor and return the minor to the custody of the parents. The parent is legally and financially responsible for the minor until the age of 18.

The other option would be to terminate parental rights, which releases the parent from legal liability.

A minor can petition the court to emancipate under Chapter 13 of the Family Code. This is called “Removal of Disability of a Minor”. The minor must prove to the court that they are self sustained and not reliant on the parents for any assistance financial or otherwise.