Leaving home

[Guest]

I’m 16. I can’t stand my mom and my grandparents. I want to leave this house. My friend in another state has already said I could go stay with them whenever I need to. The thing is tho I’m afraid to ask my mom because she would more than likely say no. I don’t want to go anywhere else besides their house. I would just pack my things and leave but I don’t want to get my friend and their parents in trouble if I’m considered a runaway. The catch is tho my mom has told me before while we were arguing that if I wanted to leave this house I could. I’m afraid that she would report me as a runaway if I did. I need help. I feel like my friends house is my safe haven and I don’t know how to get there without getting in trouble.

[ccsmod2]

Thank you for contacting us here at National Runaway Safeline. We understand that it takes courage to seek help. We are sorry to hear that you are having trouble at home. It sounds like you want to leave home and stay with a friend. If you decide to leave home without permission, your mom has the right to file a runaway report. With a runaway report, if the police find you they may return you home. Running away isn't against the law (you can't get arrested) but if you were to stay with your friend, their parents could get charged with harboring a runaway. You could try asking your mom if she would allow you to stay with a friend. You mentioned that you were afraid to ask but you could ask an adult that you trust to help you talk to her. Another option that you have is looking into emancipation laws for your state. If there is any abuse at home, you could contact CPS. We hope that this information helps, please feel free to contact us directly via our 24 hour crisis hotline (1-800-786-2929), email, or live chat if you have any other questions.