Although the child is 17, a parent in Texas is legally liable for their children until the age of majority, which is 18 years old. He could only enroll in school without parental approval if he became emancipated. Emancipation can be claimed by a child who has lived away from home for an extended period of time and has not been required to provide any financial support to his or her parents. Texas law provides that a minor may make decisions regarding their medical treatment by giving written consent. The decision maker needs to be at least 14 years old and able to understand the nature and consequences of the treatment. Parents must give consent for their children to receive vaccinations. Children as young as 10 can give informed consent with advice from an adult. The minor can also make decisions about their personal care including hospitalization, surgical procedures, and prescriptions drugs. Parents do not need to give consent for these services. In addition to making these decisions, minors can engage in legal activities that would otherwise require consent from a guardian or parent. For example, a minor can enter into contracts, have debts paid, and own property. A minor cannot vote in federal elections but can vote in state elections if they will be aged 18 or older by the time of the election.