Could I get in trouble for running away and still going to school?

[Guest]

hi, I'm 16 and I don't want to live in my house anymore for varies reasons. It's becoming to toxic and I can't do it any longer. But if i ran away, and my folks didn't file me as a runaway, and I stayed with a friend and still went to school, what will happen? Could I get arrested? sent back or go to jail? I want to go to school, graduate and have my life ahead but not in the house hold anymore, but if it causes to much, then I'll wait till freedom at 18.

[ccsmod4]

Reply: could I get in trouble for running away and still going to school?

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?

NRS is here to listen and here to help.
If you would like to speak more about your situation please contact us.
To contact NRS call 1-800-Runaway (786-2929) or live chat with us at www.1800Runaway.org

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

So my best friend texted me today and told me couldn't stay at home for various reasons and I called her and I went and picked her up. She is 16. Could she stay with me for a while so her and her parents could cool off? I just don't want her or I to get into trouble. I told my friend that she should tell her mom that she is safe. But was that the right thing to do? I just want to be there for her. But I also don't want to get in trouble for anything. Is there any legal issues with just having her stay with me and my family for a while?

[ccsmod1]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to us today at the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you want to be there for your friend and she is lucky to have someone like you to support and look out for her. We are not legal experts, but because your friend is a minor, if her parents file a runaway report she could be returned home by the police and you or your parents or whomever you live with coulD get in legal trouble for what is called harboring a runway. Don't hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) if you need more information on any of that. One thing your friend could try would be to let her parents know she is safe and ask permission to stay with you. If that doesn't work then she could call us and we might be able to help action plan with her to figure out what she thinks would be best for her to do.

Good luck,

NRS