In need of some help and answers.

[Unregistered]

Hello, my name is C****.
I am 17 going on to 18 january 9.
I need to get out of this house and my parents are saying if i leave i become a runaway and cops will be involved. The only reason i need out of this house is because i cant take the verbal abuse anymore. Its unstable, i come home one day my mom loves me, the next day she wants me dead. My dad is never home and if he is he just doesnt care. Im glad about that part. I cant leave the house to go too see my freinds or do anything because i was involved with some legal issues and the cops were called and i am awayting theyre return. If they come back and figure out why i was withholding information, i go to jail. I need to know if i can leave this home and not be arrested for running away. Thanks.

[ccsmod11]

Re: In need of some help and answers.

Hello there,

It sounds like what you're dealing with is really hard and no one should be treated like that. It's great that you're reaching out to us and talking about what's going on. It also sounds like you're aware that the environment is unstable for you and that's great to recognize as well. Sometimes it may help to also talk to someone else about what's going in such as a teacher, trusted friend or a counselor.

In answer to your question about being able to leave the house and not be arrested for running away: Firstly, you are still a minor so if you decide to leave your home you can't be arrested for that. Running away is a status offense meaning that it doesn't go on your record and the most the police will do is bring you home. Secondly, we can't tell you a definite answer about what the police in your area will do. It differs from place to place but usually the closer you are to 18, the less effort the police will make to seek you out and find you.

We can't give you advice on what to do but sometimes filing a report can help your case. You mentioned verbal abuse and while there may not be physical proof of that, it may be good to have it on record that these things are happening. If you feel like you'd like to make a report you can always talk to a teacher or mental health professional, or call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY. We are toll-free and available 24/7 as well as confidential. You can call us or chat us on www.1800RUNAWAY.org from the hours of 4:30-11:30 CST.

Best of Luck,
NRS

[Unregistered]

Its me again

I dropped out freshman year after getting involved with some mental issues and some drug issues. i was never charged or caught with anything just trying to lean off a certain abused precription is a hard thing to do and it helped during the breakups. Along with all the bullying and the death threats and fighting i gave up and dropped out. Living here is unstable and i need a way out. I would reach out and find another place too go but im currently on lock down because i am being charged with abetting a runaway and lying to the police because i wouldnt give up my freind who drove me out there. They said they are going to come back if they find out why i was lying and arrest me. I honestly dont care anymore. I had the time of my life and got to wrap around my old bestfreind for 3 hours till the cops came. Everyones saying face the charge but id rather get out of this hellhole and risk the charges for running away from the police. I dont know what to do anymore. I cant reach out to anyone other than here pretty much. I dont want to risk police getting information im going to run. Any ideas would be appreicated alot. -christian

[ccsmod0]

re: its me again

Hi there Christian,

Thanks for reaching out here and sharing how you’ve been feeling and about what’s going on. It’s clear that you’re going through a lot right now. There are a lot of factors that seem to making you feel pretty overwhelmed. There are police involved and friends who you are trying to protect and school issues. That can be tough. You came to the right place and we want to make sure that we can support you in any way that we can.

Your safety is our number one priority. If you are deciding to run, it can be helpful to put together a solid plan. So thinking through where you are going to stay, how you are going to eat, how you are going to defend yourself, how would you respond to being arrested and how you are going to survive. Answering these questions can be a good way to put together that plan.
There might be resources in your area or places that you might be able to stay. You can call us 24 hours a day at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or chat with us through our website (www.1800runaway.org) from 4.30pm to 11.30pm Central time.

We’re here to talk through more options and get a sense as to how we can support you. Please don’t hesitate to call or chat. You’re doing the right thing by reaching out for support and guidance. You’ve been through a lot Christian, and you deserve support. We look forward to your call or chat.

Good luck to you,

NRS