I'm stuck

[Guest]

I'm 17, and live in michigan, I'm a junior in high school with college credits and a solid gpa, I have a minimum wage job and an awful home life, my mom doesnt trust me because I made some bad decisions back when I was 14, she refuses to support me in any decisions and relationships. My parents are divorced, my real dad is a dead beat who does drugs and im not very close with my step dad..my older brother is constantly in and out of jail for drugs and sexual harassment. I'm afraid of filing for emancipation since my job is minimum wage and if i lose my mom will make my life a living hell until I leave legally. She refuses to admit i'm growing up and won't sit down to talk to me about growing up whenever i see her. I want to run away but I don't want my mother to hate herself because she already feels like she messed up my older brother. Im stuck between a rock and a hard place and afraid to do anything. If I just up and leave can my mom do anything? What are my options?

[ccsmod15]

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to us here at the National Runaway Safeline. It can be difficult to ask for help and we are glad you reached out to us. It sounds like you are going through a lot and are thinking about leaving home. We are not legal experts and consequences for running away can vary city to city.

In the state of Michigan, you are still a minor at age 17 which means that if you leave home and the police are involved you could be forced to go back home or the people you are staying with could be charged with what is called harboring a runaway. For additional legal questions, you can always call a non-emergency police number. In addition, we are available 24/7 through our hotline (1-800-786-2929) where we can provide additional referrals or support. It sounds like you have had to make a lot of sacrifices and are frustrated with staying home. In addition to providing referrals, we also have a conference call option where we can moderate a conversation with you and your mom.

Do not hesitate to reach out.

Good luck,
NRS