17 year old runaway turning 18

[Guest]

Hi, I'm 17 years old and in 9 months i will be 18 years old and i was wanting to move out of home. My parents and I just don't get along im always/most of the time, gone and my parents take offence of that. We just dont get along to well but anyway can i be charged as a runaway or will i get in any trouble?

[ccsmod7]

Hi there,
Thank you so much for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you are going through a difficult time at home. Know that you deserve to feel happy where you live.

You mentioned wanting to run away. Running away is a status offense, not a crime, meaning illegal because of your age. If you run away, your parents have the option to file a runaway report. The police would be able to look for you once the runaway report is filed. If you are found, the police would likely send you back home and, if you were staying with friends, charge them with harboring a runaway. While running away is not a crime, harboring a runaway is. Know that we are not legal experts and laws vary across states and situations so one way to gauge your rights is to reach out to the police with hypothetical and anonymous questions.

Another option you have is to file for emancipation. If you have a stable job and means to support yourself, you could be eligible to file. Though the process can be long and expensive, youth who win the case are granted full rights of an adult.

We are always here to talk at 1-800-RUNAWAY. On a phone call, we would be able to explore more regionally-specific and situation-specific options in depth. Our lines are open 24/7 and we are toll free and confidential.

Stay strong,

NRS

[Guest]

If a 17 year old were to runaway and not be found until the age of 18 what can the law do about it, in South Carolina?

[ccsmod13]

Hello,

This is a really great question and we are glad you reached out to NRS. We are not legal experts, but generally speaking once an individual turns 18 they are considered a legal adult. This means that at 18 you would no longer be considered a runaway and have the legal freedom to choose where you want to live. However, if you come into contact with law enforcement before your 18th birthday, they might return you home.

We are available 24/7 to listen and help. If you would like to talk more about your situation you can call (1-800-786-2929) or chat with us anytime We truly want to be a support for you, so do not hesitate to reach out again if you have any other questions or concerns.

Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

Help
ill be 18 in about 39 days and I can’t take my mother’s verbal and emotional abuse any longer,she depresses me and makes me feel worthless.i have a neighbor I can go to but I’m worried what might happen to them if I go there,I live in WA

[ccsmod3]

Hi there,
Thank you for writing to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS). We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. It seems there is a lot that you are faced with right now and you’re feeling like leaving is one of your only options. It seems you want to know some information on runaway laws.
While we are not experts on the law, 18 is generally the age that an individual may leave home without parent permission. If you are under 18 and leave home, your parent/guardian may file you as a runaway and you may be returned home. Also, those you stay with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. For more specifics on the law, the local non-emergency police or legal aid may better answer legal questions.
We are here as support to help through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by email to assist you. If you would like to talk more in detail please call or chat soon.
Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).
If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately.
Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi I’m 17 and 8 months and I’m on parole and ran away, and it’s considered a VIOLATION OF PAROLE. What will happen if I TURN MY SELF AFTER MY 18th birthday and few months can I get charged? Hi I’m 17 and 8 months and I’m ON PAROLE NOT PROBATION and live in Texas. Say I was on the run and didn’t turn myself in after, my 18th birthday or when hit 19 can I be charged? And will I have to do time?

[ccsmod4]

Hello,
Thank you for writing to us here at the National Runaway Safeline.

We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. We are not legal experts and therefore are unable to offer any information on your probation violation.
You might consider contacting the probation officer or department assigned to your case for more information about the probation laws in your state.
Hours are most likely normal business hours 9am-to 5pm.
You can usually find the non-emergency number online.

NRS is here to listen and here to help.
We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by email or bulletin for assistance. If you would like to talk more in detail and share more about how we can help specifically, please call or chat soon.

Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

I am 17 and will be turning 18 in 2 months if i was to run away right now because things have gotten out of control she has threatened to slap me and have been nothing but disrespectful if i was to just leave right now, when i turn 18 will there be any consequences or at 18 they drop the case and leave me be? If it was to be filled at a runaway

[ccsmod6]

Hello and thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. We are sorry to hear that your mother is not treating you with the respect and kindness that you deserve as a human being. It makes sense that you want to leave an environment that does not make you feel safe or loved.

While we are not legal experts, we do have a great deal of experience working with runaways. It is not illegal to run away. Your parent/guardian could file a runaway report on you but this would NOT mean that you would get arrested or charged with anything. It typically does mean that the police could return you home if they encountered you and that would be that. Some police can be more understanding about what is going on at your home. In our experience, police will oftentimes return the youth back to their guardian almost no matter what. Police typically do not actively search for a runaway youth. However, they will go where the parent/guardian directs them if they know where you are staying. Additionally, police can sometimes be more lenient about runaway situations the closer you are to 18. You can attempt to calmly, respectfully, and persistently deny them consent to touch you or take you anywhere, and they may give up on trying to return you home. They also may not, in which case you should comply with what they tell you to do for your safety.

If the legal age of majority in your state is 18, then once you turn 18 you will have the right to live where you please. The police should not be able to force you to return home or go anywhere unless you are in a situation where your parents may have extended custody over you.

If you want to talk more about what is going on and what options you may have, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-786-2929 or chat us at 1800runaway.org.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

Heh, I want to run away to die and I am 9... TwT

[ccsmod2]

It sounds like you are thinking about harming yourself or ending your life. It takes a lot of strength to reach out for help, and we are so glad that you did. Your life has worth and our top priority is your safety. If you feel this is an emergency you could consider calling 911 for emergency assistance. We are here to listen and support you in any way that we can, and we can help you find resources that can help you cope with these feelings. You do not have to face this alone, and there is so much help out there for you. If you are thinking about hurting yourself, the National Suicide Hotline could be a good resource for you. You can check them out at www.youmatter.suicidepreventionlifeline.org, or you can call 1-800-273-8255 for help and support any time. You can also call us 24/7 at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) if you need to talk.

[Guest]

I’m turning 18 this month and I was charged as a runaway last month. I have an ankle monitor on my ankle. When I turn 18 next month will I be able to move out still?

[ccsmod13]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to us here at NRS. While we are not legal experts, we can speak generally on this. Your parents or your current legal guardians are legally responsible for you and are able to control where you live until you become a legal adult. In most states, you are considered a legal adult once you turn 18 . This means you would be able to leave home and have the legal freedom to choose where you live.

There are some exceptions to this. The age of majority, or when you are no longer considered a minor, is different in a few states. The age of majority in Alabama and Nebraska is 19 and 21 in Mississippi. If you live in one of these states then you could still be considered a runaway even at 18.

The other exception is if you are currently on probation or parole. If you have an ankle monitor, it could mean you have some involvement with the court system. If this is the case then you may not be able to leave as soon as you turn 18 and there could be legal consequences if you do. It could be helpful to speak with a probation officer or caseworker if there is one assigned to you/your family. If you contact us directly by phone or live chat we can also connect you with legal aid in your area. A lawyer would better be able to answer your questions in this situation.

We are available 24/7 for immediate support and resource referral by phone at 1-800-786-2929 or through live chat services at 1800runaway.org. Please do not hesitate to reach out again if you would like to talk more about your situation.

Good luck,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi I’m 17 planning on running away I’ll be 18 in 6 months but my question is will I get in trouble for it still even after I’m 18

[ccsmod0]

Hey there,

Once you are 18 you are more than likely considered a legal adult which means that you can move out if you want to and you won’t be considered a runaway. As a legal adult, you have a right to make your own decisions about where you live. We can help you make a plan for how to deal with your situation and help you find resources to land on your feet. Having a plan for where you will live and how you will survive once you move out can be very helpful. Moving can be a huge step, and you don’t have to be alone. Some steps you can take towards independence might be to find employment if you don’t have an income, or to save up money for moving expenses. It can also be helpful to research rents in your area, find a roommate, or make a budget. Another thing you might want to consider is what kinds of things you depend on your parents for currently such as tuition expenses for school, or health insurance, and whether they would continue to provide those things after you leave. There may be social service agencies in your area that can help meet some of these needs, such as Transitional Living Programs, a kind of shelter where young adults can live and get services to help them transition to independent living. We are here to listen and help however we can.

Best of luck,
NRS

[Guest]

Please help me out:

Okay so I am 16 years old and I wanna run away at 17 because i dont wanna live where i am, and I would feel safer if I was with my boyfriend and hes 17 right now, and I just want to be free with him, so I wanted to know what would happen if I ran away from home at 17? Would I get in ANY legal trouble at all? Would the police force me to go back home?

[ccsmod0]

Hi there,
Thank you for writing to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS). We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. It seems there is a lot that you are faced with right now and you’re feeling like leaving is one of your only options. It seems you want to know some information on runaway laws.
While we are not experts on the law, 18 is generally the age that an individual may leave home without parent permission. If you are under 18 and leave home, your parent/guardian may file you as a runaway and you may be returned home. Also, those you stay with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. For more specifics on the law, the local non-emergency police or legal aid may better answer legal questions.
The easiest way to leave home is with your parents' permission. We understand that might be challenging, however, maybe there’s another family member, relative, or a family friend who could help to communicate how you’re feeling to your parents. The second way is through Child Protective Services if safety is a concern. Lastly, you can also look into emancipation options. In most states you need to be at least 16 to be considered and demonstrate that you can support yourself financially and independently. Emancipation often can be a lengthy process and may even cost some money for court fees. We would be happy to look into legal resources if that’s something you are considering.
We are here as support to help through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by email to assist you. If you would like to talk more in detail please call or chat soon.
Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button). If you would like to look into further emotional support options, you can text with a crisis worker at the National Alliance on Mental Illness 24/7 by texting "NAMI" to 741741.
If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately.
Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

Hey
What if your a runaway from a group home and dss and turn 17 the police can't really do anything right. Won't you be cleared at 18.

[ccsmod15]

Hello,

Thanks for reaching out to us. It sounds like you have questions about how runaway reports work and when you might no longer be considered a runaway.

We are not legal experts, but from what we understand, if you are considered a minor in your state, there is a possibility that whomever is your legal guardian may be able to file a runaway report with your local police department until you are a legal adult. What your local police decide to do with that report, and whether the fact that you are 17 changes what they do, is up to them. Typically, if your local police department takes the report and they locate you, they return you to your legal guardian or have your legal guardian pick you up. Regarding your second question about whether you are ‘cleared’ when you turn 18, it is true that, if in your state you are considered an adult at 18, your legal guardian cannot file a runaway report. In some states, either you or your legal guardian needs to reach out to local police if you become a legal adult while outside of your legal guardian’s care. To get more specific information on what your police department might do, it is a good idea to reach out to them at their non-emergency number to ask. We can help you find their contact information if you do not have it or don’t know how to find it. Just reach out to us.

We cannot tell you what to do, but we will do our best to help you stay safe with whatever you decide to do. If you would like to talk further, or would like help with resources that might support you, you can reach us 24/7 by phone at 1.800.RUNAWAY (786.2929) or via chat by visiting our website at www.1800runaway.org. We are here to listen, here to help. Stay safe!
-NRS

[Guest]

So I have a really close friend that lives with her aunt and uncle. Her both parents have left her. She is 17 years old in texas and is soon to be 18 in around 7 months she works alot and goes to school and she has her priorities straight. She is having alot of issues at her house and she if trying to move out as soon as possible but cant wait till she is 18. What can happen to my friend if she moves out at 17 only 7 months away from being 18. What can happen if she turns 18? Can she still face consequences? Can she still get in trouble?

[ccsmod0]

Hi there,
Thank you for writing to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS). We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on with your friend. It seems there is a lot that she is faced with right now and she's feeling like leaving is one of your only options. It seems you want to know some information on runaway laws. You can pass along the information below to her.
While we are not experts on the law, 18 is generally the age that an individual may leave home without parent permission. If you are under 18 and leave home, your parent/guardian may file you as a runaway and you may be returned home. Also, those you stay with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. For more specifics on the law, the local non-emergency police or legal aid may better answer legal questions. Once a youth turns 18, they will likely no longer be considered a runaway and can make decisions where they want to live.
The easiest way to leave home is with your parents' permission. We understand that might be challenging, however, maybe there’s another family member, relative, or a family friend who could help to communicate how you’re feeling to your parents. The second way is through Child Protective Services if safety is a concern. Lastly, you can also look into emancipation options. In most states you need to be at least 16 to be considered and demonstrate that you can support yourself financially and independently. Emancipation often can be a lengthy process and may even cost some money for court fees. We would be happy to look into legal resources if that’s something you are considering.
We are here as support to help through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by email to assist you. If you would like to talk more in detail please call or chat soon.
Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button). If you would like to look into further emotional support options, you can text with a crisis worker at the National Alliance on Mental Illness 24/7 by texting "NAMI" to 741741.
If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately.
Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

I was wondering if I were to run away at 16 and not show back up until I was 18 if there would be any legal issues. Like let’s say that I run way and do not get caught by police or peace officers and I do not show back up until I am 18. Will I get in legal trouble? Will the people who housed me get in legal trouble after I am 18? For reference I live in Texas so I will be following those laws. Will I still be concidered a missing person after I turn 18? What will happen to the report if any is ever made after I turn 18? Will my school report me if I continue to attend even after running away?? Would I be safer dropping out and furthering my education after I turn 18?

[ccsmod15]

Hi there,
Thank you for writing to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS). We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. It seems there is a lot that you are faced with right now and you’re feeling like leaving is one of your only options. It seems you want to know some information on runaway laws.
While we are not experts on the law, 18 is generally the age that an individual may leave home without parent permission. If you are under 18 and leave home, your parent/guardian may file you as a runaway and you may be returned home. Also, those you stay with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. For more specifics on the law, the local non-emergency police or legal aid may better answer legal questions.
We are here as support to help through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by forum to assist you. If you would like to talk more in detail please call or chat soon.
Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).
If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately.
Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

run away at 17 returning at 18


I'm currently going through some things with my family i am separated from my mom and my dads in jail i currently live with my grandma which is my dads mom and it just to much i was recently working but my grandma did not allow me so i came up with something else to do like work from home right now i have my own business i customize everything i make good money but somehow the still mess with me its gotten so bad where i lock myself in my room so they wont bother me now there opening my mail going in my room and messing with all my machine's all my work stuff they did not buy them. i go to school and im about to graduate but i cannot take this no more they always find something to talk mess to me about what would happen to me if i runaway and dont return till 18

[ccsmod2]

Hello There,

Thank you for reaching out to The National Runaway Safeline, we are here to help and here to listen. We are sorry to hear that you are going through a tough time, we want you to know we are here for you.
Wow it is impressive that you have your own business at age 17, that shows you are a hard worker and have a lot of dedication. It is not fair that your family is opening your mail and messing with your work machines. One option to consider is to talk with them about how this is making you feel and you would appreciate them not touching your stuff. If this has already been done and they are still doing it, you could try talking with the post office and see if you can get your mail sent to your school or if you can open up a private PO box.
We are not legal experts but we do have some information on what could happen if you were to leave home. Because you are a minor your legal guardian does have a right to file a runaway report. If the police were to find you it is a possibility that you could be brought back home. If you are not found and return once you are 18, since you would be considered an adult nothing would really happen. A runaway report typically goes away once you are found or once you turn 18.
We hope that this information will be helpful to you in your situation. If you have any more questions or would like to explore options please give us a call. We are here 24/7 to listen and to provide support. Best of luck,
NRS

[Guest]

Im 17 turning 18 in February. My parents and I do not get along well and they never treat me with the respect I deserve. They expect me to do everything for them and my sister that I never have time to do my stuff. I got into a pretty bad argument with my mom and she is deciding to take off my door which is a total invasion of privacy. If I run away and live with a friend until I turn 18 what will happen? can my friend get in trouble? Will I get in trouble ?

[ccsmod15]

Hello,

Thanks so much for reaching out to us. We are so sorry to hear that the dynamics between you and your parents has been so difficult. It sounds like the most recent clash between you and your mom has made you consider running away to live with a friend, and you have some questions about the potential consequences.

We are not legal experts, but from what we understand, if you are considered a minor in your state and you leave without the consent of your parent or legal guardian, they can report you as a runaway to your local police department. How a runaway report is handled can vary from state to state, but they typically look anywhere a parent or legal guardian may believe a youth has gone, and if found, they would return the youth to the legal guardian or have the legal guardian pick the youth up. In some cases, anyone you stay with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway or aiding and abetting a minor. The best way to confirm how local police would handle the situation, and potential consequences for the youth and/or anyone the youth stays with, is to reach out to your local police at their non-emergency number or a local legal aid agency. If you need help finding their contact information, would like to call them with some support from NRS, or even if you just want to talk about what is going on, we are here for you.

We cannot tell you what to do, but we will do our best to help you explore options that will help you stay safe as you decide your next steps. We are available 24/7 at 1.800.RUNAWAY (786.2929) via chat by visiting www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button). We are here to listen, here to help. Stay safe!

-NRS

[Guest]

hey im 17 and i will be 18 in 5 months iḿ on probation for running away i was gone for 2 years and they found me so now iḿ back with my abusive parents and i dont want to be at home no more i plan to go out of state. so if i stay gone till im 19 or 20 with me being on probation if i stay gone for 2 or 3 years will i still get punished by the courts.

[ccsmod2]

Hello,

Thank you for contacting the National Runaway Safeline. We’re sorry to hear that you’re in such a difficult situation with your parents. Please know that you do not deserve to be abused in any way. You deserve to feel safe and cared for in your own home. If you are ever interested in reporting the abuse, you can call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929), and we can assist you. We also are available for live chat through our website, www.1800RUNAWAY.org. You could also contact Childhelp, the National Child Abuse Reporting Hotline at 1-800-422-4453. They are trained to help young adults inexactly your situation. And, if you feel you are unsafe or in eminent danger, you can always call 911.

You say that you will turn 18 in 5 months. While you are still considered a minor, you could reach out to your local police department, anonymously, and ask how they might handle a runaway report for someone your age. This varies depending on local practices. We suggest this frequently, and the police are accustomed to answering these types of questions.

If you want to contact us, we can search for resources in your area, including legal services that might have more detailed information for your specific situation. We can also look for shelters or transitional living programs that might give you a safe place to go, if necessary. Your safety is very important to us here at NRS.

You can contact us anytime; our phone and chat lines are available 24 hours a day/7 days a week. We are here to listen and here to help. We hope to hear from you soon.

Take care,

NRS