A Question

[Guest]

A little background info:

To start off with, I live in a very small town. probably 3500. So, there's no one to talk to about stuff thats going on in my life. I have tried talking to my parents, but they don't believe in going to therapists or counselors. That leaves it up to my friends (with just as many problems as I do) to help me.

I'm 17 and I've had a job before at Mc Donald's, so I know the procedures for getting one. Like needing a state i.d. and stuff like that. So getting a job, when I ran wouldn't be a problem. But I have a question...
I turn 18 in about 8 months. If I were to leave at 17 (I know its a status offense) but, If I turned 18 while I was "gone from home" and decided to go home, could I still get in trouble for leaving...?

My best friend wants to run too. And he's a guy SO I wouldn't be a girl alone on the streets. Thats the one thing I was worried about..traveling alone. Because girls are easier targets for crime.

Just wondering.

[ccsmod5]

Re: A Question

Hello,

Thanks for posting your story. I hope the following information can help somehow.

You pose a very valid question concerning your status after you turn 18.

Firstly, what's going on that you need to run away again? It's good that you have someone to look out for you because you are extremely correct-the streets can unfortunately be rougher for women and teens. Do you feel like there are other options than running away?

Depending on what state you are in, and how much a police department wants to go through with a runaway case for a 17 year old, the laws can vary. There is no law that is set in stone for what your status is while you are on the run and you turn 18 (which in most states, is the legal age of adulthood). There are stories where the youth remains on the police database until 20 but other states lift the runaway report after the youth turn 18 regardless of their status.

The best way to find out is to determine the legal age of adulthood in your state by calling the non emergency phone number of your local police. Simply do an internet search for "(city), (state) police department". After that, you can ask what the legal age of adulthood is in your area and you can ask a metaphorical question:

What happens to a runaway report after the person that is on the run turns 18?

They should be able to help out. I'd ask to speak with a Juvenile Police Officer.

If you have more questions, let us know and if you're able and willing, give us a call at 1800-RUNAWAY so we can better serve you on your case. We're available 24hrs a day.

Best of luck,

[Guest]

Re: A Question

Recently, Ive been taking pills that I get here and there for "stress" and stuff.
And I basically hooked. Theres no way I can tell my parents...so it's hard living here..

So, I'm just really confused. Sometimes I want to leave, when Im on something cause it makes me happy. But when I'm off of them I wanna go cause Im miserable.

I dont know what to do.

[ccsmod1]

Re: A Question

Thanks for sharing a little more of what’s going on. It sounds like you aren’t really sure what you want to do and that it depends on whether you’re taking the pills or not. Are these pills that you were prescribed? It’s probably difficult to feel so much stress and not be able to tell your parents. What’s the main reason you don’t feel you can tell them? Is there anyone that you’re able to turn to when you’re feeling stressed and confused?

If you want to talk about all of this in more detail, our hotline is always available. We’re completely confidential, so you don’t have to worry that we’ll tell anyone what you talk to us about. It might help to just go over all of the different options, including the pros and cons. We can also help you process how you’re feeling. The number’s 1-800-RUNAWAY, and we’re available 24/7.