New Law Allows "Lost Boys" to Emancipate

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) A new law goes into effect this week that will help youth like 15-year-old Bruce Barlow move on with their lives. Barlow was kicked out of his polygamist family's St. George home six weeks ago. He's now in Salt Lake staying with a cousin, but as a minor, he's unable to even open a bank account without his parents' permission.

The new law allows 16 and 17 year-olds to be emancipated from their parents with a judge's approval. During a ceremonial bill signing, Governor Jon Huntsman Junior acknowledged the concerns of some who fear the new law could tear families apart. He says youth like Bruce Barlow and other so-called "Lost Boys" of polygamist communities are the main reason for the law.

Democratic State Representative Roz McGee and Attorney General Mark Shurtleff have tried for years to get the law passed, giving Barlow and other homeless youth the ability to set up a bank account, rent an apartment and meet other basic needs for independence.

 

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