I would go and talk to the parents before  taking her into your home .this way  you  give them  the repect to parents and maybe be able to help them as well.

I know  if the child under 16 they can go to centre link and get living away allowance  . A person will ring you  and ask questions  of both parents . I know this as its happened to friends of mind  . Ithink best thing is to work with the family and see if you can all work together on helping  your nieces

I don't know what your relationship with the parents is like, but if you are able, I would sit down and get their perspective and try to suspend judgement.  I have worked with many parents over the years who weren't doing well in raising their children, but it wasn't because they didn't love them...they just didn't have the right tools in their parenting toolkit.  Here's what I would do if I were in your shoes:

1.  Talk to the parents and find out their perspective.  If they share the concerns, I would let them know that I am their to support them and their children.  Ask if there is anything that you can do to help, e.g., transport the kids to therapy, give them a temporary break by having the girls over on a regular basis, etc.  If they are open to it, you could discuss the girls temporarily staying with you while the family deals with the issues at hand, keeping in mind that the ball is in their court on this issue.

2.  If they are in denial about the issues, I would contact Child Protective Services and file a complaint.  The girls clearly are a danger to themselves and if the parents are not seeking mental health services, it could be considered neglect.

3.  Where I am from, if a minor (under 16) runs away from home, the parents need to file a runaway report with the local police department.  They won't actively seek out the child, but if he/she goes and stays with someone and the parents contact them they will go pick them up.  The person with whom they stay could then be faced with charges for harboring a runaway.

You are certainly in a precarious position, e.g., you want to support your nieces but how do you do it without damaging the relationship with their parents?  Trust me, you don't want to get in the middle (been there, done that!).   Best of  luck to you!  I hope you and your family are able to sort this all out for the benefit of the girls. 

Hi There i can advise not as a proffessional but nowadays if a child is self harming herself and the other is stressed it would be better for everyone i guess if they did live with you. You seem very loving and thoughtfull towards your nieces. I had been told that a child(minor) if they were to leave home (runaway) as long a sthey have even $1 in their possession there is nothing no one can do. Most law officers and schools now even tell children this. I was shocked and horrified when i first found thid out when i weas having trouble with one of my own.. The other option you have is to talk to the parents and expolain what is happening let them know that you are willing to take them in and care for them.. Try to contact dhs and speak to someone there they will give you the right guidance. I know most people do not feel like getting dhs involved but sometimes it is better than the child  harming herself over family matters. She may just be seeking some attention that may not as you say be forthc oming from the parent.. Hope you find the right desicion in your own heart to help your nieces be safe.. Hope this helps.. If they do live with you then you will receive payment from centrelink for them but i think the mother has to somway give permission for this unless a government body like dhs place them in your care... Happy to give this advise.

Hi a few years ago my sons girlfried had a problem at home with her mother. The difference is she was 16 years old, she moved in with us as a make beleive foster family. Her mother didn't like it but after a while they both started get on together a bit better. Find out if you can do that if you can that might be the way to go Good Luck

I have to agree with Merle on this one, although could you not take them and try to get proffessional help while they are living at home? you know kind of help them on the side and see if that doesn't help.

Good luck

Best Wishes Blond.

This is a very touchy problem.....I find it hard to give a good opinion as I don't know if the parents are so apathetic about their daughters.......HHHMMM The best I can do in good conscience is advise you to think very carefully before you break that family unit up........If you think that the niece is safer with you,I would go to your local authorities and find out where you do stand legally.Every state/country is different.Hope this is helpful regards Merle