Parental responsibilities: navigating the law on minors and adults

Q: What rights do the parent have: can they open a case if their minor child leaves home willingly with an older person?

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A: A parent can open a criminal charge against an adult who has taken a minor child without the consent; or a legal guardian even if the minor gives consent and willingly leaves with the adult. The courts relying on the law will focus on the adults’ actions, intention and the fact that parental consent was lacking.

This, however, has limited exceptions such as the child being taken away by the adult in terms of it being under a court order, which is regarded as authority, the adult who had taken the child has some sort of legal right over the child, or of the adult is of the strong belief that the child is in immediate danger and taking the child away will protect the child from such danger.

Q: If the parents were aware of a “relationship” between their minor child and an adult, what should they do, and what is their legal recourse?