First of all I want to say I respect you for getting involved. I wonder if the father has tried to get some outside intervention, seeking counseling for himself and his son, either individually or alone. Keeping the communication open with this father is essential and setting the boundaries regarding rules is essential (ie. no friends over without supervision, following curfew, etc.) You can check on-line with the police what the curfew is in your state for a 16yr old. This friend of your son's would be considered a "run-away" in many states and the father was correct for reporting him missing. Sounds like a lot of animosity has built up in their relationship which didn't happen over night. You also mentioned the parents are divorced and the boy needs to understand it's effects on him and he needs to deal with his pain, anger and fears. There are so many things we don't know regarding whether this boy's father and mother are attending to his emotional needs. In no way are you turning your back on your son's friend by evidence of how much you have already gotten involved with. I understand the boy's father as well probably feeling helpless and out of control so he needs a good therapist to help him with parenting issues. It would be wise to dialogue with the father regarding how both of you can work together for the benefit of all. You are generous to offer your plan, taking the boy in with expectations that he needs to fullfill certain criteria to make good should he move in with you especially saving the money he pays for rent and giving it back to help him get on his feet. Yes, emancipation is a choice but usually the last choice. Both the father and son are hurting and a mediator could help them communicate more effectively.  I would ask the boy directly if he has been abused in any way as my concern is safety. How long has this friend of your son's been running away? Does he use any drugs or alcohol? Does the father? Is the boy attending school or is he truant on many days? Are his grades failing? Seems both may be showing signs of depression which needs to be treated also. This is a tough age for most kids, anxious about their futures, whether they are going to college, whether they can even afford to go to college. I like that you were honest with the dad and explained why you had his son say he was with someone else. I'm sure you did this as a protection not knowing the father and how he might respond in a negative way to the kid again. Sometimes we parents (I have an 18yr old and 13yr old) are too quick to rescue because we simply care but the wiser parent steps into the trenches, picks up the phone and asks to meet with the other parent to find some resolution.  You have your own impressions already having met and talked to this father and if you are a good judge of character, you will intuitively know what steps need to be taken.   I hear you sound very fair in your letter and emotionally available to your son and his friend. This kid sounds lonely, sad, angry and afraid. Kids go thru their own grieving process after a divorce for years. As well, this father is at his rope's end...his discipline isn't working...but building a good relationship with his kid emotionally is the answer...plenty of resources at book stores, on-line websites to learn how to discipline children with respect and not just "because I said-so". Kids only rebel further and they need to learn to negotiate rules and boundaries with their parents (if the parent isn't authoritarian but egalitarian). I don't often answer to these questions on yedda but when I read yours, it falls under my experience in working with teens in crisis for six and a half years, assessing and treating families with problems you have written about. Sometimes we have to find a place where the kids can "cool down" just as the parents need the same. My wish would be that this father would see the gold-nugget you are offering him, taking in his son with rules and expectations and attending to his most basic needs at this age. Sleeping on a porch is so sad. Can you imagine the scars this kid will have to heal. I think too often we assume the parents aren't doing their job...but not necessarily. This is a tumultuous time...the storms and stresses during this developmental period require us parents to be flexible, confident and patient. But parents have their rights also and I feel sad for the father who sits up at night, afraid to get a call from the police that their child was found dead in some ally. It is essential that this boy learn to make one call home and let the parent know he is safe but cannot return home that night and is staying with a friend. This boy's acting out by not calling may be indicating how angry and hurt he is but it is self-defeating and self-destructive. This is truly a case that needs outside intervention, out-patient counseling as soon as possible. Kudos to you for showing up in life as a positive role-model for your own son. Remember that your son is afraid for his friend, that he wants his dad to make everything right (which we can't always do) and may not be mature enough to understand all sides of this issue. It's okay....just continue to love him unconditionally and let him know you are always available to listen (which all parents need to do more of, then talk). I wanted to mention also that when a parent throws a kid out of the house, this may be considered "abandonment" in many states. The parent is responsible for their child until 18. You can check with your local police department. Seems pretty extreme to lock a kid out for being 15 minutes late. Alot of power and control issues going on between the father and son.  Best wishes to you, your son, your son's friend and his father.