dan , swampscott ma   01/01/08
chins

The child does not have that much power. The child usually wants to stay in the family home. At the same time the judge has the power to give legal custody to The Department of Social Services in Massachusetts; and,sometimes, orders placement of the child out of the home. In my opinion the power is about equal. Still, some kids run from their out of home placements and take temporary control.