17 year old runaway turning 18

[Guest]

i am 17 and i turn 18 in 4 months what happens if i runaway ?

[ccsmod2]

Hello There,

Thank you for reaching out to The National Runaway Safeline, we are here to help and here to listen. Running away is a big decision and we are glad that you decided to reach out to us.
We are not legal experts but we do have some information on the laws. If you were to runaway at 17, because you would still be considered a minor it is a possibility that you could be brought back home. In some cases, the police may not take a runaway report when you are so close to being 18, but it is best to ask your local police department.
If you would like to talk further about your situation we are available to you 24/7. You can reach us by phone or email or by chat. We wish you the best of luck!
NRS

[Guest]

I turn 18 on Monday would I get in trouble for leaving sunday

[ccsmod3]

Hey there. Thanks for reaching out to us here at NRS. We know that it can take a lot of courage to reach out for support, and we're glad you took that step. Unfortunately what you're asking is pretty circumstantial, so we really can't say whether or not you can leave Sunday without any issue. It might be a good idea to leave a note for your guardians, just letting them know that you're okay and will be somewhere safe. That way, they're less likely to file a runaway or missing persons report. If you're really hoping to have a clear answer with this, you can also try reaching out to the non-emergency phone number for the police to see if someone is able/willing to answer this question for you.

If you'd like to chat in more detail about what's going on, please feel free to reach out to us directly by calling 1-800-RUNAWAY or by chatting with us live at www.1800runaway.org. We're available 24/7 and are always happy to listen, and to help.

Take care.

NRS

[Guest]

just turning 7teen and running away.


so ill be 7teen in two months. i am being neglected in the house that i currently live in, meaning that i have arguments with my parent which sometimes get physical, the wifi gets turned off and im not able to do any of my school work, she doesnt put food in the fridge when she gets mad, i cant leave the house, cant work nothing. she tried to send me away a couple of times also. basically im just here until im 18. a whole nother year which i can no longer take. ive contacted people to let them know whats going on far as school and child service. and investigation is going on but i feel like nothing is being done. if i were to run away in the state if south carolina, and come back when i turn 18 would i be charged with anything? would i get in trouble? would i be able to move in with my life without being questioned? what would happen? ive ran away before because of the same thing later in the year last year. would i get charged or have to go to court for it?

[ccsmod3]

Hey there. Thanks for contacting us here at NRS. We know that it can take a lot of courage to reach out for support, and we're glad you took that step.

We're sorry to hear that things at home are so tough for you right now, though commend you for speaking up about the situation that you're in. While the CPS investigation process can be timely and therefore somewhat frustrating, it's great that they're investigating and trying to figure out the best ways that they can support you. If you have any questions along the way, it might help for you to reach out to your caseworker to see if they can get some of those answered for you. Having an understanding of their process and why they do what they do might ease some of the thoughts that you're having around nothing being done. You can also reach out to the Childhelp National Abuse Hotline with any additional questions around the investigation process or child abuse in general. Their contact is
1-800-422-4453 (call/text), and you can also chat with them live at www.childhelp.org.

As far as running away--in S. Carolina, it is considered a status offense. This means that you *could* be picked up by the police and taken into custody, and it's possible that you'd be ordered to participate in the Youth Mentor Program or committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice for up to 90 days. It's also possible that you'd be ordered to undergo treatment, subjected to a period of probation, or be placed in the custody of a public or private childcare agency. The more status offenses you have, the more likely you are to have to future involvement with the juvenile justice system. Here's a link to learn more about the codes that outline the above: https://law.justia.com/codes/south-c...on-63-19-1410/ In terms of what might happen if you come back once you're 18, that's a question better suited for a legal professional.

If you'd like to chat in more detail, please feel free to reach out to us directly by calling 1-800-RUNAWAY or by chatting with us live at www.1800runaway.org. We're available 24/7 and are always happy to listen, and to help.

Take care.

NRS

[Guest]

I'm 16 born February of 2005

what would happen if I were to go on the run and didn't return untill I was 18?
what would the police do if they where to catch me at 18 would they press charges or take me to jail?

It's urgent I find help and answers for my questions
I don't know anyone else I could ask

[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]

i am 17 going to be 18 in 10 months i live in Ohio My parents who adopted me and my sister mentally abuse me and physically abuse her. I want to runaway but im scared what will happen to me if iget caught. If i don't get caught and come back at 18 will i be in any trouble.

[ccsmod16]

Thank you for reaching out to us! It is very hard to ask for help, especially from someone you do not know, but we are glad you decided to contact us. It sounds like there is a lot going on at home and we cannot imagine how difficult the circumstances must be for you and your sister. You have shown tremendous maturity and courage to try to improve your situation. We are happy to talk about your options, but when it comes to the individual factors of your situation, forums leave something to be desired.

You mentioned running away from your parents, but that you are scared about what may happen. That is an absolutely valid fear. We are not legal experts, and would have to defer to a legal office in your area or your local police department for particular laws and regulations, but here is a basic rundown. If you leave home, your parents can file a runaway report. Running away is considered a status offense, which means if you are found you will be returned to your guardians. Unless you have run before (and your parents got the courts involved), it will not go on your permanent record and you will not spend time in juvenile detention. The exact response by the police depends on local regulations and protocols.

As for what may happen if you were to go home, you would know best how your parents may respond. Fear of retaliation is a valid concern, and stops many from actually running. In the end, your mental and physical health should be a top priority. If you ever feel unsafe, do not hesitate to call the police. You could also consider filing an abuse report. There is a lot to consider and we are happy to discuss your options in more detail either through a live chat at 1800runaway.org, or via our 24/7 hotline at 1-(800)-RUNAWAY (786-2929).

Take care and stay safe!

National Runaway Safeline

[Guest]

I turn 18 in December I ran away in June I recently got pregnant and I'm scared when I turn 18 and give birth in April they will take the baby from me what will happen when I turn 18 if I'm not caught by then? Can they take my baby away? Will I go to jail?

[ccsmod13]

Hi there,

Thank you for contacting us here at NRS. We understand it takes a lot of courage to reach out and we are glad that you took this step. It sounds like there is a lot that you are faced with right now. You recently ran away from home and you are worried about possible legal consequences considering that you are also pregnant from what it sounds like. While we are not legal experts, we can speak generally on this.

18 is usually the age you are able to leave home without permission. If you leave home as a minor, your parents or legal guardians have the option to report you as a runaway to the police. Running away is not illegal, but it is a status offense. This means that if you are found by the police then they might return you home. You would not face any legal consequences for running away. When you turn 18, the runaway report would expire and you would not be forced to return home or face legal issues.

We cannot predict exactly how child protective services might respond to any given situation, but generally speaking an investigation would only happen if they suspect any child abuse or neglect. Seeking out prenatal care would be one step you can take to ensure you and the baby are healthy as well as find more support throughout your pregnancy. Planned Parenthood can often provide confidential and low cost or free services, https://www.plannedparenthood.org/ .

We are available 24/7 by phone at 1-800-RUNAWAY and via live chat at 1800runaway.org. Please do not hesitate to reach out anytime if you want to talk more about your situation.

We wish you the best,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi my name is ****and im known in **** for running away but I tried to go home and my adopted mom said it to late to get my life together and when my 18 birthday comes she is gonna give me my paper work and I can go on with my life I've thought about call the police but haven't yet done it what should I do ?

[ccsmod2]

Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline, we are here to help and here to listen. It sounds like you are going through a difficult time and we want you to know that you are not alone.
If you are under 18 and kicked out in most states that would be considered neglect which you can report. You could call Child Help at 1800-422-4453 to make a report. You could also make a report with the police, and see what options they have.
If you are needing a safe place to stay you could always call us and we can do our best to look for shelter or TLP resources.
We wish you the best of luck! We are available to you 24/7 by phone or by chat.
NRS

[Guest]

Theoretically, if one runs away at 17 and turns 18 in 8 days, (crosses state lines) what can occur legally.

[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]

If I’m 17 and I turn 18 in October and I live in Tennessee if i runaway could anything legally happen to me when I turn 18? And could I still go to school without worrying about a DCS worker coming and trying to get me

[ccsmod9]

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 leave home before you turn 18, 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.

If you truly feel that running away is your only option and you are concerned with potential legal consequences, you may want to learn about emancipation. If you can prove to your local court that you are able to maintain a stable income (job), pay for your own shelter, food, etc then you may have an opportunity to legally and safely leave your home without consequences.

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