questions & answers

Question: Im 16 and pregnant.I want to be emancipated,but I feel I may need public assistance such as food stamps and cash assistance because I'm currently unemployed.I also need help finding a place because I'm getting kicked out.Can a pregnant teen become emancipated and get on food stamps and cash assistance/?And is there anyone who can legally help an emancipated pregnant teen find a place of their own?

Answer:

The Arizona laws about emancipation can be found in Title 12 (beginning with A.R.S. § 12-2451) of the Arizona Revised Statutes. Section (A) of A.R.S. § 12-2451 states:

A minor who wishes to be emancipated may file a petition for an emancipation order with the clerk of the court in the county in which the minor resides if all of the following apply:

1. The minor is at least sixteen years of age.
2. The minor is a resident of this state.
3. The minor is financially self-sufficient.
4. The minor acknowledges in writing that the minor has read and understands information that is provided by the court and that explains the rights and obligations of an emancipated minor and the potential risks and consequences of emancipation.
5. The minor is not a ward of the court and is not in the care, custody and control of a state agency.

LawForKids.org and AZLawHelp.org provide information regarding emancipation, as does many of the local juvenile court websites. For assistance, call the Children's Law Center 602-258-3434 ext. 266.

For assistance with food stamps, short-term crisis services, temporary cash assistance (TANF), employment services, and community services for homelessness prevention, visit the Department of Economic Secutity's website and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's website.