I need to leave

[Unregistered]

I'm a 15 year old foster kid and I hate the people I'm living with, I know I shouldn't though; they put a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and food in my stomach. I should be great full but it's easy to see they don't like me. I have only ever wanted a family that loves me but every time it turns out bad. Here I have to do everything around the house, while their two children are sitting around doing nothing. Whenever I try to talk to them, our conversations are always short and rough. If I ever forget to do something my foster mom tells me I'm lazy, immature, and irresponcible. I don't belong here, but going to another home is not a good idea...many are abusive and neglectful. The only option I have is running away, I have $2100 saved up, and pepper-spray for safety. I just don't know where to go. If I were to get found do you thing DCFS would move me from this home anyways?

[ccsmod5]

re: I need to leave

Hey there,

Thank you for being able to reach out to us here at the National Runaway Safeline, its sounds like you have been going through quite a bit at this point in your life and we want you to know that we are here to listen and to help you in the best way that we can. From what you shared, it sounds like you are pretty set on leaving home and have been saving up for that moment.

While we admire your maturity level and the bravery to reach out to different resources and look for help, there are some things you might want to think about before you leave. We have listed some questions below that you can consider thinking about before you leave:

• Do I have a place to stay?
• What about school? Would I continue to get an education?
• Am I going to be gone awhile or coming back in a few days?
• What would I do for money? Shelter? Food? Transportation?
• Who can I depend on if I leave home?
• Do I have a safe, solid plan?
• What is my plan b in case my first plan doesn’t work?
• What have I done to make things better at home?
• What can I do to make things better at home?
• Who have I reached out to make things better at home?

We do want to let you know that we are not legal experts here, meaning that we would only be able to speak generally about your situation. In most states, you are still considered a minor, which means that if you were to leave, a runaway report could be filed. If you were found, you would typically be brought back to child services or to your foster home. As we mentioned, we are not legal experts here, which means that we would not be able to accurately tell you what would happen in your situation. The best way to find out is by reaching out to your local police department and asking some general questions. If that options makes you nervous, you can always give us a call and we would be able to contact your local police department for you and ask some general questions.

We hope that we were able to give you some general information and that you will give us a call to explore some more of your options. Remember that we are here 24/7 and would be more than happy to talk to you. We also have a live chat service which is available from 4:30 PM to 11:30 PM CST. We wish you the best of luck and hope to hear from you soon.

Stay strong,

NRS