17 year old runaway turning 18

[Guest]

Hey I am 17 and I want to leave home and go back to my Anty out of Victoria to Tasmania can police do anything to bring me back to Victoria

[ccsmod7]

Hello there, thanks for reaching out today. Unfortunately we are not legal experts, especially with international law, so we do not know what could happen if you run away abroad, and what police could in those countries could do. We can only really speak generally about what could happen if you are a runaway in the United States. You might visit Child Help International’s website, to find a crisis line that could better answer your questions: http://www.childhelplineinternationa...where-we-work/.

Best of luck to you and stay safe,

NRS

[Guest]

What will happen:
I am 17 years old and I turn 18 in November my parents are dead and I had to go live with my cousin she sent me to job corps and I ran away from job corps when I was almost complete I don't want to go back to her abusive environment so I went and stayed with my other cousin. Does he have to turn me in

[ccsmod15]

Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you’re going through a difficult time right now and we would be glad to help. While we are not legal experts, we can definitely provide some information and resources to help with the situation.

We can tell you that, since you are still a minor, if your legal guardian files a runaway report you would be brought back by police when found. If you were staying with your cousin, then he/she could be charged with harboring a runaway, it really depends on the local police.

We're glad you reached out to us. We'll try to help. You might also want to call us to talk about the issues at 1-800-RUNAWAY. We are here 24/7 and are confidential. Good luck!

Best regards,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi,
Im 15 and i live in canada. Ever since i was 5 i have been physically and verbally abused by my mom. I have a police file on me but i have never been taken away. My mom denies she abused me so the police cannot tske me away. For a log time now, i have had depression and i self harm. I now feel like the only way out of this is to kill myself. Recently, though, ive been thinking of running away to my boyfriends place. I plan to run and never come back. The problem is im 15. I still have high school. Is there a possibility i dont have to go or do i have to? Is it even possible for me to go to school? If i cant go to school, when i turn 18 will i get into trouble? And will my boyfriend get into trouble? And can i get a small, cheap apartment by myself or is it illegal for a minor? And is it possible for me to get a simple job so i can have money flowing in?
Please answer asap since im planning on leaving soon...
Thank you

[ccsmod2]

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to us at the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you are in a difficult situation, and we understand it takes courage to reach out for help. The National Runaway Safeline is located in the United States of America (USA). Our knowledge of helpful community based resources and our understanding of youth in crisis related laws is limited to the USA. If you are located in a country outside of the USA, you can use this link to find a youth helpline in or around your country: http://www.childhelplineinternationa...where-we-work/
We hope that by reaching out to a local resource, you are able to get the support you need from an organization that understands the laws and circumstances that affect youth in your country.

Take care

[Guest]

Hi,
I'm 15 years old, i live in Pennsylvania and my home life is absolutely terrible. I feel like a prisoner in my own house. I've been grounded for 4 months now and my parents dont seem to want to unground me. I've tried everything to get them to stop. I've threatened to just walk right out the door but they say theyre going to call the cops if I even step off the lawn and report me as a missing person. My dad is a complete drunk. It scares me sometimes at night when I hear him stumbling outside my door because hes so drunk. I used to lock my door so he couldnt come in but he took the lock off of my door and drilled my windows shut so I can't open them at all. I feel completely unsafe in my own room. My parents took my phone and read through all of my messages. They're forcing me to get a birth control implant which I really dont want. Theyre also signing me up for a therapist... All of this is way too much for me to handle. They reached out to my bestfriend's parents and told them I "ran away" with 3 guys... which is not at all true i have no idea where they got that from. I'm not aloud to hang out with my bestfriend because of them and it seems like they really just dont care about me anymore. My dad and grandma even told me that my mom really wouldnt care if I ran away. I also am really concerned because I did have unprotected sex with my boyfriend like twice this month, he pulled out both times but I missed my period... I completely missed it and I cant even imagine telling my parents that im also pregnant. My boyfriend is 18 years old, we've been dating for 2 months and hes gotten himself in trouble with the law. He has to go to court for several things and his lawyer told him it's very very likely hes going to get a couple years in prison. My boyfriend is not dangerous at all, he was just a victim involved in a crime so he is technically getting charged for it. We've been talking about running away and I think in my state you only have to be 17. I turn 16 in a month so I should be okay if I leave soon and hide out for a year. He has a car but Im not sure if it would be smart to take his car and drive it. I was planning to go west like into texas/Arizona i have a good feeling about that place. I would dye my hair brown and I have bright blonde hair so I would look like a completely different person. I'm worried about him though. Can he technically be charged with kidnapping? Will he get in any trouble for running away with me?

[ccsmod2]

Hello,

You seem really stressed by the things your parents are putting you through, and it is understandable to feel that way. If you are concerned that you are pregnant, you may want to see a doctor for confirmation. If you suspect that you may be pregnant or are currently unsure, confirming pregnancy is a good first step. This can look like purchasing a pregnancy test after you have missed a menstrual period or you can get this confirmation by possibly going to a local clinic for a blood test.

If you choose to leave and run away with your boyfriend there is a chance that he can be charged with harboring a runaway, which is a crime in most states. At 15, if you are caught, you could possibly be sent back to your parents as well. We are not a legal resource though, so in order to find out what the law is in a particular state or area, you can contact the local non emergency police for that information.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

17 year old turning 18 in one month.
Hi, I live in Ohio. I'm turning 18 on July 21 but I was wondering if I left within the next 2 weeks if the police could be called. I have a stable job/income, since I've been working for nearly a month (parents didn't allow me to get a job before last month), and I've also graduated high school. I undergo a lot of mental and emotional abuse at home and I really need to leave. What I need to know is if anyone who harbored me could potentially get arrested and if I could be forced to go back home, as well as if running away could have any affect on my future. I've heard in my state that being a runaway goes on your record in my state, and I can't have that. However, I can't stand to stay here much longer. The month wait is so far away and I go through so much stuff so it's hard for me to "just wait".
Thank you.

[ccsmod0]

Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to write to us here at the National Runaway Safeline. We found this previous posting from a user in a similar situation. We think that this information might be of some use to you. If you have any follow up questions please give us a call anytime 1-800-786-2929
Best,
NRS

Hi there,

It sounds like you have been going through a lot with your mom, and you don’t deserve to be abused in any way, physically or emotionally. We are here to support you, and we are glad you reached out. One thing to keep in mind is you have the right to file a child abuse report for the physical and emotional abuse, but also for your mom kicking you out for neglect. A great resource to contact about child abuse reporting is Child Help USA at 1-800-422-4453. They are an information and support hotline that can answer any questions you may have about child abuse or child abuse reporting. You mentioned emancipation, and while each case varies, you are right in that it can often take up to a year for the process to be finalized. If your mom is your legal guardian, she can unfortunately have you live with other family members. But again, you have the right to file an abuse report if you feel this choice is unsafe for you. Would your mom be open to you living with her best friend or your aunt? It is completely understandable that you’d want to live in a place where you are happy and not being abused. We have legal aid resources we’d be happy to provide for you that you can speak with about legally changing guardianship to someone else, or emancipation if you are able to call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY. We are available 24/7 and you can remain confidential. We are here to support you, and we’d be glad to talk more in depth with you about your situation and provide you with those additional resources.

Best,
~NRS

[Guest]

17 turning 18 in 6 months.

if I were to run away right now an returned to free living would I still get introuble with the law...? There's really good reasons for me wanting to. But that's not important though..please write back as soon as yu can..

[ccsmod10]

Hi there,

Thanks you for reaching out to NRS. It sounds like you wanted some information on running away. Here’s some information on running away 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, in that case there may be services (family counseling, etc.) available to you as a youth in crisis/runaway but again, police procedures related to offering those services can be different based on your location or the details of 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. Some police won’t take runaway reports on 17 year olds, who are close to turning 18, but we’re not experts on every state. 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. We can make that call with or for you, but you have to call into us first.

Often, having a safe space to share how you’re feeling may bring a variety of solutions previously not thought of. You are not alone in this. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time. If you are going to run away, maybe we can talk through a safety plan or try to find shelters in your area. If you have a teacher or school counselor that you’re close with, talking to them could provide you with more support.

[Guest]

Hi I'm 17 years old an I have ranaway from home at the age of 16 . i was in forster care for 1 year an I got to leave to a friends house to live untill I was 18 or whenever I wanted to leave . but the house I was in I didn't feel comfortable , there was situations I didn't want to be involved with . I was scared , but I need some help I live in Florida and I know runing away is not a crime . in turning 18 in january , I'm fine and safe we're I'm at . but I'm worried what will happen to me when i go to the cops when i turn 18 . what would happen to me ? I've never been in any kind of trouble only thing I've ran away a few times before . Because of circumstances . that I didn't feel safe . please write back ! I really need some words back to help me not worry . thank you !

[ccsmod6]

Thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you’ve been going through a really tough time, but we are here to help you and support you in any way we can.
We’re not legal experts here at NRS. But as you mentioned, it’s not illegal to run away. Therefore, if you go to the police when you turn 18, they would most likely not do anything. You could consider calling your local nonemergency police number to ask questions about their policies. We also have legal aid resources if you’re interested in asking a lawyer questions about laws in your state.
We have other resources that could help you find a safe place if you’re in need or help you with anything else you may need. If you would like more information about any resources or if you’d like to talk more about what’s been going on, you can call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929) or chat with us online.
We also want you to know that if you are ever in immediate danger or feel unsafe, you can call the police for help.
Again, thank you for contacting us. It sounds like you’ve been going through a hard time, but you’ve shown strength by reaching out for help. If you ever need anything in the future, please feel free to call us or chat with us online. We’re always here to listen and here to help.

[Guest]

If i am 17 about to be 18 on november 1st and i still go to school, have my license, a safe place to stay with someone 18 or older and im getting a job can i leave the residency of my parents without permission and not get in trouble in the state of michigan?? Or what are the best steps to take when my father is emotionally,physically, and mentally avusive towards me.

[ccsmod4]

Reply: If i am 17 about to be 18 on november 1st


Hello,
Thanks for contacting the National Runaway Safeline.
In most states 18 years old is the age that an individual may leave home without permission from their parent or legal guardian. A person under the age of 18 leaving home without permission, a 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.

Generally speaking, a minor that encounters a police officer while reported as a runaway, may likely be detained until they can be returned home.
Another thing to consider is that while running away is not a crime, a legal adult who allows a runaway to stay with them may be putting themselves at risk for being charged with harboring a runaway.

A good way to find out the laws in your area is to call the non-emergency number of your local police and ask what their policies are regarding runaway youth. Does that make sense?
You don't deserve to be hurt in any way. If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately.

You may also be able to report any mistreatment to CPS. Child Help USA 1-800-422-4453 www.childhelp.org is an organization that helps protect minors from being harmed.
It may also be a good place to explore options for staying with another family member or someone you trust as far as transferring custody.

NRS is here to listen and here to help.
If you would like to talk more in detail and share more about how we can help specifically, please call or chat soon.
To contact NRS call 1-800-Runaway (786-2929) or live chat with us at www.1800Runaway.org

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

im 17 years old and i was told i have to go to court because i ran away more than 20 times and i have no idea what the outcome will be like a fine or sent away or what idk

[ccsmod15]

Hello,

Thanks so much for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you're in a really stressful situation, and it's great that you're reaching out to figure out what will happen moving forward.

We are not legal experts, so we cannot offer legal advice. However, we do have legal resources we can offer that may be better able to help you figure out what will you happen in your situation moving forward. Generally speaking, running away is a status offense and not a criminal offense, but since your situation is unique and you're almost 18, different circumstances may apply. Feel free to give us a call at our 24/7 confidential hotline at 1-800-RUNAWAY, or use our live chat service open every day from 4:30p to 11:30p CST, and we can help provide you with legal resources near your area.

It sounds like you're going through a lot, and we hope everything works out. As I mentioned, if you need resources that can help you figure out what the legal consequences may be in your area, or just have further questions or want to talk, you are welcome to give us a call at 1-800-RUNAWAY or use our live chat service. Take care.

[Guest]

What if I'm on probation , I'm 17 but I'll be 18 in July and I ran away last week

[ccsmod1]

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out. We are here to help and support you in any way that we can. You didn't say much about your situation, so we are not really sure what your question is. We aren't legal experts but we can try to give you some general info. Sounds like you ran away while on probation. Running away is likely to be a violation of your probation, which means that you may face consequences for that, depending on the terms of your probation. That puts you in a pretty tough legal situation. You may consider reaching out to a probation officer if you want to turn yourself in and avoid getting into worse trouble, or you could contact a lawyer or legal aid resource if you want to hear more about your legal options. If you need to talk or you need help finding resources, please don't hesitate to give us a call or chat with us online. We are looking forward to hearing from you soon, and wish you the best of luck.

[Guest]

Hi,
I'm 17, I'll be 18 at the beginning of August, I am also in foster care. I have been in foster care since I was 15. I want nothing more than to just drop off the grid for a while, not deal with the state not deal with foster, biological and step family. I'm currently in Pennsylvania lookingto move to Oklahoma. I have a good trusted friend I know I could stay with. Could they bring me back to PA? And could my friend get in trouble for letting me stay there?

[ccsmod2]

Hey,

Because you are a minor and are a ward of the state currently, that can cause legal problems for your friend who you want to stay with. It is called harboring a runaway. If you are in foster care and you leave, they can file a runaway report for you and have police bring you back.

NRS

[Guest]

I'm 18 I live with my aunt she gets welfare money for me and my kids I also live with somebody who hurts me I'm 17 I will 18 in 4 months can I leave already I totally hate my life here?

[ccsmod2]

Hello,

If you are 17 years old you would be considered a minor in most states. You may need to be 18 years old in order to be able to leave home legally. If you would like to find out specific laws in your state, you can contact the local non emergency police and ask what their policies for runaways are.

NRS

[Guest]

17 & on the run for truancy wv

My boyfriend is on the run from a placement an has been since Nov.27 and we was wondering if his charge for being a runaway will be dropped on his 18th birthday. They have basically gave up looking for him and his brother who is also on the run from placement due to truancy. His brother has been on the run for over a year now. Anything would help me and him have a son together im 18 an i just need to know for the sake of our child.

[ccsmod1]

Hi,

Thanks for reaching out to us for help. We aren't legal experts, but we can do our best to answer your questions in general. We are here to listen and support you in any way that we can. It sounds like your boyfriend is in a really tough situation. You mentioned that he ran away from a placement and truancy charges. Usually running away isn't a criminal charge, however if he was on any kind of probation or he was court ordered to be at this placement, he could be in bigger trouble for leaving. We don't know for sure since you didn't write much, and we aren't legal experts. If he is picked up before he turns 18, he will likely be returned to placement, and may face additional charges if he violated probation. If you have questions, you can always give us a call or give your boyfriend our number. It sounds like you care for him a lot and it sounds tough to raise your child not knowing what will happen. Please don't hesitate to give us a call or chat with us online. We are looking forward to hearing from you soon, and wish you the best of luck.