17 year old runaway turning 18

[ccsmod1]

RE: Re: 17 year old runaway turning 18

Hello,

Thanks for reaching out. It sounds like you have run away from home and are staying with your boyfriend right now. 18 years old is generally the age that an individual may leave home without permission from their parent or legal guardian. We are not legal experts here but we can speak in general terms. If you are under 18 and leave home without permission, your parent/guardian may file a runaway report with the police. What actions the police take once you are filed as a runaway can vary a lot from state to state and even city to city so we cannot predict exactly what would happen in your case. Generally speaking, if you encounter a police officer while reported as a runaway, you will likely be returned home. However, since your 18th birthday is coming up, there is a chance police might not take any action. This depends on the laws in your state and there is no way to guarantee that would be the case for your situation. Another thing to consider is that while running away is not a crime, a legal adult who allows you to stay with them may be putting themselves at risk for being charged with harboring a runaway, so your boyfriend could get into trouble. One way to find out the laws in your area is to call your local police and ask what their policies are regarding runaway youth. You can also call us any time if you need to talk. We are looking forward to hearing from you soon, and wish you the best of luck.

[Unregistered]

I really need to run

I'm 17, 18 in exactly 6 months. I'm a lesbian and my girlfriend just turned 18 and we are both just tired of the life we live. I'm currently in a group that I absolutely hate and only see her on weekends. The group home is hurting me more than anything. My girl and I just want to get in a car and drive. Is that possible?

[ccsmod6]

Re: I really need to run

Hello and thank you for writing to us. It sounds like you're unhappy with where you're living and hurt that you're not able to see your girlfriend as often as you'd like. If the group home you are living in is causing you any harm, social services might be able to help find you another placement. Your safety and well-being is important.

As far as leaving with your girlfriend, we can only provide general information since we are not legal experts. Generally, until you turn 18 is when you're allowed to leave where you're living- that's because you're still considered a minor and someone has guardianship over you until you reach the age of majority. If you're looking to leave legally, perhaps a case worker through social services might be able to explain your options such as emancipation or temporary guardianship.

If you would like to talk more or needed any resources, please reach out to us by phone or chat.

We wish you luck and hope to hear from you soon.

Best,

NRS

[Unregistered]

17 and pregnant

I'm 17 and turning 18 in 4 months I'm also a little over a month pregnant my dad tells me I need to make my own choices and that he's not gonna stop me even told me that if I wanted to leave then go but he doesn't mean that he wants me to stay even after I turn 18 and he wants my boyfriend out of the picture but I can't handle my dad's over controlling nature things are either his way or no way and he doesn't care how old you are me and my boyfriend are under a lot of stress and to top it off my step mom who I would prefer not to have around me or my baby is moving back in in just a few days my boyfriend is 18 and lives about 40 minutes away and he wants me to move In I'd still finish school and get my own job but beings I only have 4 months left I was wondering that if I left is there anything my dad could really do

[ccsmod10]

RE: 17 and pregnant

Hello There!

Thanks for reaching out to us at the National Runaway Safeline. It is a great first step to finding the help and information that you may need.
There are many youth that utilize our forum postings with similar situations. Here is a response from NRS that is great answer to your questions.

We are not legal experts here, but typically being under the age of what your state considers to an adult (usually 18 ), you would need permission from your parents to leave. It is not illegal to runaway or leave home without permission, but it would mean that your parents could file a runaway report. The police would then be required to return you home. However, being so close to some districts handle these reports differently by possibly no actively searching for youth. You could find this out by calling your local police district’s non-emergency number. You would not have to give them specific information. If you feel uncomfortable doing so, you can call us at 1800-RUNAWAY and we could call on your behalf.

NRS

If you wanted to talk more about what you are going through, please call us or live chat with us. We are here 24/7 to listen and help as best as possible.

Stay Strong,
NRS

[Dekarlo99]

17 run away before 18

hi I am 17 years old and I have been living with my dad's mom for almost 9 years I have been living with her since I was 6 1/2 for the reason is because my mom was on drugs and we didn't have anywhere to stay we was moving please stew place and my mom had weed in her system we in her system, I am so tired of my grandma I cannot have one nice day without her bother me over something little heart and my dad always bother me over the smallest stuff I always get in trouble for simple stuff that's not supposed to be serious , but the only thing about it is my mom only has wheat in her system nothing else I am planning on packing my clothes and leaving out the house and going to bed so my mom my grandma always bothers me and everyone even says that she's mean she treat me like a 12-year-old and I turn 18 on June 5th and I don't want to wait a few more months just to leave I want to leave now because I am fed up with her and I am sick of her I would be much happier to be with my mom and brothers and sisters what should I do ?

[ccsmod6]

Re: 17 year old runaway turning 18

Hi there,

Thank you for sharing some of your situation with us here at NRS. It sounds like you're feeling overwhelmed with everything at home. You seem to feel that your grandmas is always on your case about something. You feel like you can not wait until you turn 18. If you did leave before you turned 18, your grandmother may choose to file you as a runaway since you'd still be considered a minor. We aren't legal experts, but generally if a report is filed police may choose to look for you and if found they would take you back home. Some states handle runaway situations differently and consequences may vary. Often the best way to learn more about the law is to contact your local non-emergency police to inquire more about what could happen if you left home without permission and what would happen to anyone who allows you to stay with them.

Leaving home is a big step and often comes with big responsibility and challenges. Whether you stay or leave is up to you, but perhaps you may benefit from talking things out before making the decision to leave. We are here to listen and help in any way we can.

We hope to hear from you soon and hope you stay safe.

Take care,

NRS

[Staishailoveu3]

my girlfriend was taken by cps shes 16

What do I do I love her so much but I have no clue what is going on I haven't seen or heard from her in 7 days I'm going crazy looking for her trying to find where they put her or at least if I could tell her I love her n I'll wait for her please does anyone know have any advice

[ccsmod10]

RE: my girlfriend was taken by cps shes 16

Hello There!

Thanks for reaching out to us at the National Runaway Safeline. It is a great first step to finding the information that you may need.
It sounds like you and your girlfriend are going through so much right now since cps has been involved. You both are so strong!
We are not exaclt yexpects on how every state's cps implements their investigations or placements, but typically they are keep your girlfriend's safety in mind. It could be possible to get in contact with her through social media, emails, or other forms of communication as a n option., We are not too sure if cps is able to release information for safety reasons, but you could try to call Child Help to get in touch with the abuse reporting agency at 1800-587-4357. Hopefully, once she is settled in somewhere she can get in contact with you. She is so lucky to have you caring and worrying about her.

If you would like to talk more, we are here to listen and help as best as possible.
Best Wishes,
NRS

[Acj1999]

Can i Runaway I'm 17 almost 18

Im 17 years old ill be 18 feb 19th I am currently on probation for not going to school. What if I ran away till I was 18 and still went to school

[ccsmod9]

RE: Can i Runaway I'm 17 almost 18

Hello,

Thanks for reaching out to NRS tonight.

We are not legal experts here, but every state is different as to how they would handle a 17 year old runaway. Typically the law in most states is you’re not considered an adult until you’re 18. If you ran away before you’re legally considered an adult, then your guardians could still try to file you as a runaway to get you returned home. Being that you’re currently on probation, that might complicate things a little more and could add to the duration of your probation. Also, if you’re attending school, it might be an easy way for the police to locate you.

If you wanted to know how your local police would handle a 17 year old runaway, you could try calling your local police non-emergency number and ask them what could happen. If you’re not comfortable making this call, you could call us here at NRS and we’d be happy to make that call with you on the line.

It sounds like there’s a lot going on in your life. If you’d like, we’re here to talk and help you figure out options that would work best for you. Our call center is 24/7 and we can be reached at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929). If calling isn’t an option, you could try our Live Chat right here on this website.

Be safe,
NRS

[Unregistered]

17 in 2 months I need to leave

I'm 17 year old female and I live
in Oregon and I have been dealing
with mental abuse from my dad ever
since my mom moved away and I stayed
with dad. Me and my mother do not
get along and neither do me and my
dad. I have been offered a place
to stay that I will be safe and
have food and a home and I have a
job and I'm going to buy another car.
I want to know if I leave what will
Happen? Will the police come find me
And actively search for me? Or since
I am 17 will the state of Oregon
Even try to find me? I plan to leave
A note for my dad and let him know
Every now and then that I am okay
And alive, but I won't live with him
Anymore and I just need to leave. I
Just need to know if I leave what is
The worst that could happen?

[Unregistered]

Re: 17 year old runaway turning 18

Hello, I am 17 years old. I turn 18 on febuary 16th. My boyfriend and I have been together for a year and 6 months, recently my mom got a restraining order against my boyfriend because I ran away. The reason behind me running away is because, my mom found out that I am still with my boyfriend. She strongly dislikes him and always has. She took my phone, and car away. She didnt buy the car for me, but it is under her name because i am only 17. She also forced me to quit my job because she refused to let me use my car to go to work, and told me she wouldn't bring me and does not care if i lose it. After going to court for the restraining order, the judge agreed to ending it on my birthday because he knows the only reason there is a restraining order is because my mother wants it. Not my boyfriend and I & he is no harm to me. This made her angry. Shes trying to get a job in california before my birthday so i cannot be with him after i turn 18. (we live in louisiana now) lafourche parish. I was wondering if she were to get the job if i could stay here with someone else. I wouldnt be with my boyfriend until the rstraining order is no longer active. I've heard if you run away twice at 17, cops cannot do anything here. I cannot call and ask because i have no phone, i was wondering if you could help me.

[ccsmod3]

Re: 17 year old runaway turning 18

Hello and thanks for reaching out on our forum. It sounds like you’re dealing with a lot between the restraining order your mom put against your boyfriend and her taking your phone and car away in addition to making you quit your job. It sounds like you plan to be with your boyfriend once the restraining order is lifted, although there seems to concern if your mother relocates to California. We can only imagine how difficult all of this is, especially being apart from your boyfriend.

Please keep in mind we are not legal experts and can only speak in a general sense. Our understanding is most states recognize young people as legal adults at age 18. Granted some police/sheriff may do less and not actively search for older minors (including 17 year-olds), it can often be circumstantial. One option to gain more accurate information would be to contact your local law enforcement. The non-emergency number for the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is (985)-446-2255. We realize you do not current have a phone, so perhaps you could have a trusted friend or family call instead. Or, if you find a way to reach us directly either by Live Chat (when it’s open) or by phone (if you find one to use), we can offer to call out on your behalf and try and ask your local law enforcement basic questions about minors leaving home/running away.

Hopefully this helps and best of luck!

[ccsmod1]

RE: 17 in 2 months I need to leave

Thank you so much for your post. We are sorry to hear that you are living with verbal abuse from your father. You don’t deserve that, and it is understandable that you would want to leave home. Sounds like you turn 18 in two months, but would like to leave before your birthday, which is understandable because it sounds like you are in a very difficult situation and you have somewhere to stay where you would feel more comfortable. 18 years old is generally the age that an individual may leave home without permission from their parent or legal guardian. We are not legal experts here but we can speak in general terms. If you leave home without permission before your 18th birthday, your dad may file a runaway report with the police. What actions the police take once you are filed as a runaway can vary a lot from state to state and even city to city so we cannot predict exactly what would happen in your case. Generally speaking, if you encounter a police officer while reported as a runaway, you will likely be returned home. Another thing to consider is that while running away is not a crime, a legal adult who allows you to stay with them may be putting themselves at risk for being charged with harboring a runaway, so whoever offered you a place to stay could wind up with criminal charges if your father calls the police. A good way to find out the laws in your area is to call your local police there in Oregon and ask what their policies are regarding runaway youth. They might be able to answer your questions with more certainty than we can as we are not legal experts. You can contact us if you need to talk. We are here to listen and support you in any way that we can, and we can help talk through your options and come up with a plan to stay safe. We are looking forward to hearing from you soon, and wish you the best of luck.