I am 15 and i want to go live with my friends family

[Guest]

Hi I'm fifteen and have social anxiety and depression,
The family member I live with (My mom) is bipolar (She won't go get help but she experiences extreme mood swings) For example In the beginning of the day she might tell me she loves me and misses me and when I get back home from school I get told that I am worthless. I have extreme trust issues because I cant even tell anymore if someone is going to yell at me. It hurts to breathe. The only light in my life is my sister who will be leaving for college and can't afford to take me with her. My dad left us because he couldn't take my mom anymore and he won't let me live with him saying it would break my mother's heart and that its my job to take care of her. I just can't take it anymore, my psychiatrist is trying to help me find other places to stay like a boarding school, but the cost is too expensive and my mother would never let me leave. It all just seems so much easier to commit suicide. My sister loves me though so I hang on for her, but she wont be in the house much longer.. What do I do?

[ccsmod2]

Thank you for reaching out to us here at National Runaway Safeline. We are very sorry to hear about what you have been going through with your family. It sounds like you are very hardworking and mature . You are a minor, it is not your responsibility to take care of your mother. It is unfortunate that your dad will not let you stay with him.
You mentioned that it would be easier to commit suicide, your life matters ! Suicide is a permanent solution to temporary problems. Talking to someone about how you feel could help, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) is a great resource to discuss any suicidal thoughts. You could try asking your parents if they would let you stay with another family member or close friend. You could contact Child Protective Services and let them know that your mother is unfit to raise you. You may also want to consider looking into local transitional living programs. If you have any additional questions or just need to talk, please contact us directly via our 24 hour crisis hotline (1-800-786-2929), email, or live chat. Good Luck !

[Guest]

I am only 14 and my real dad died when I was 6. My mom and him got divorced and his side of the family were terrible to my mom. She completely stopped contact between me and them without even asking or caring how I’d feel about it. I cry all the time, never have my phone to talk to anyone else about anything thing going on at home, and am always getting yelled at over every little thing. It’s getting to the point where i want to run away and go live anywhere other than here. I don’t feel wanted or loved at all. I’m counting down the days until I turn 18 and can move out. I get treated the worst out of all my siblings. My mom tries to make me feel bad for how I feel. She’s constantly reminding me about how much of a disappointment I am. My best friend always jokes about how I can live with her but it’s a lot more serious than anyone actually thinks. If she was serious I would take the chance as soon as possible. I don’t want to liv here anymore but I don’t really have an option. I’d rather kill myself than stay in a house where I feel like this. I have nobody and I don’t know what to do.

[ccsmod6]

Hi,

Thank you so much for taking the time to reach out to us tonight. It sounds like you're in a pretty difficult situation right now. No one likes to be isolated from family members or made to feel bad. It's very unfortunate something like that is happening to you.

One thing you can do is try to contact your dad's family if that is something you're interested in. If you do not have any of their numbers you can always try looking them up on social media. Maybe talking to them can help you feel better or can give you some more support in your life. If you are really determined not to live with your mom you can even talk to one of them about getting custody of you.

It seems lie you're going through a lot of things emotionally. You could always talk to a friend, family member, adult, or even trusted teacher about how you are feeling. Sometimes it helps just to have someone to talk to about things and get all of that stress off your shoulders. If you have access, you could also consider seeing a therapist. They can help you deal with things that you are facing at the moment.

You mentioned rather killing yourself than living in your house. That is a really serious thing to say, and we want you to know that you are important and your life matters. If you're ever feeling that way again please know you can reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

You can also always call into our hotline at 1-800-RUNAWAY. We are 24/7 so someone will always be here to answer and help as much as we can. We wish you the best of luck with everything!

[Guest]

Hello, I am a 16 year old girl. Me and my family are not getting along at all, I was adopted at the age of 6 months old. I have gotten along with my family pretty well for the last couple of years, but lately I have done some really stupid stuff and neither my dad or mom (both adoptive parents) seem to try to help me, my mother has been verbally abusing me. I am trying my hardest to not let it hurt but I've gone to self harm again, she has been making me feel like I'm not worth it very much, I was being sarcastic once and said she should just make me a foster child. I didn't think she would say what she did, she said "find me the papers and I'll sign them myself". My father (adoptive parent) hasn't really been getting into me and my mothers (adoptive parent) arguments. My mother did abuse me, she has never abused me before and it was really scary. She said I didn't have any marks or bruises but I did, she left for a weekend and let me stay with her friend while she went away. I felt so much better but then she came back and accused her friend for going against her word saying I couldn't have my phone but she never told any of us I couldn't have my phone while she was gone. I need help, I don't what what to do. Please help me, I want to go live with a family member. I can't stay with my adoptive parents, the biggest fear I have is that I have to leave my dog behind. My dog is training to be my service dog, and I know my family members or my mothers friend would let me have her with me. I need some help

[ccsmod5]

Hey,
Thanks for writing in. It sounds like you’re going through an incredibly difficult time. Please know that you are not alone and that you don’t deserve to be abused emotionally or physically, no matter what you did. You deserve to feel respected and supported by your family and it’s not okay that they’re treating you this way.
We’re not legal experts, but this situation may qualify as abuse. One option you have is to file an abuse report. You can do that a couple different ways: 1) you can call your local police and notify them; 2) you can let a teacher, guidance counselor, or someone else at school know what’s going on and they will make an abuse report; or 3) you can make that abuse report yourself by calling the National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453. It can be helpful for your case if there are pictures of the marks from when your mom hurt you, and if someone else knows about what happened (like your mom’s friend) that might also be helpful.
You mention that you’ve turned to self-harming again. Please know that you deserve to be supported through this. A resource that you may find helpful is To Write Love on Her Arms, twloha.com. Another resources you may find helpful is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255. Here at NRS, we’re also here to listen if you ever want to talk about what you’ve been going through. Another option you might consider is talking to a guidance counselor, friend, or a therapist. It can be helpful to get those feelings out, as it sounds like you’re feeling a lot of hurt right now.
You mention wanting to leave home. Generally speaking, you need to be 18 to leave home without consent. If you do leave without permission, your family would have the right to file a runaway report. If the police are able to locate you, they may return you home. However, if you let them know that there’s abuse going on at home, they’re supposed to investigate that before returning you home. It sounds like your family might be open to letting you stay somewhere else, though, which may be a good option for you. You mention that you have other family members that are willing to take you in or that your mom’s friend would be willing. It might be helpful if they reached out to your family to invite you to stay for a while or more permanently.
If you wanna talk more specifically about your situation or need help figuring out your options, please feel free to reach out to us 24/7 at 1-800-786-2929. Best of luck and we hope to hear from you.

[Guest]

Lately my parents are always getting after me for ever little thing I do . I can't go outside my house without them getiing after me . Honestly I don't see this as living. I don't want to live with my parents anymore . I want another family. A mom and a dad that will show me support and give me love. Please help me find another family , I can't hold the pain no longer

[ccsmod9]

Hello there,
Thanks for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline.
We’re so sorry to hear about how you’re being treated at home. It sounds really difficult to live with. It’s understandable that you’d be frustrated if you’re limited on what kinds of things you’re able to do. It sounds really frustrating.
Since you posted on this thread, it sounds like you’re interested in leaving home to live with a friend. Typically you’d need your legal guardian’s permission for this or they could call the police to get you returned home. Sometimes your friend’s parents could get in trouble for letting you stay.
It sounds like there’s a lot going on here. If you want, you could reach out to us directly if you’d like to talk about this in more detail. We’re confidential and available 24/7 here at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929).

Stay Strong,
NRS

[Guest]

I'm 15 years old. I used to live with my grandmother and grandfather. I lived with them since i was just a little baby until i was 11, by the time i was 11 my grandfather forced me to live with my birth mother, i've been with her for 4 years now and i want to go back with my grandmother cause i consider her my mom and i miss her.. I learned that my birth mother does not have custody of me but the state knows that i live with her. my grandmother is the one that has custody but its only in this state and she's in phenix . could i just move or what do i have to do

[ccsmod15]

Hi there, thanks for posting to our forum today. It sounds like you are unhappy with your birth mom and want to move back with your grandparents.
We are not legal experts, but if your grandparents have custody, maybe you could talk to them about staying there again instead of with your mom. We also offer conference calling with legal guardians so if your grandmother is your guardian and you wanted help in having that conversation, feel free to give us a call and we can help with that. We are here 24/7 at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929).
You sound like you are really thinking through your options. If you want to talk through more options or need any resources, feel free to call us anytime or live chat us on our website 4:30-11:30pm Central Time. Best of luck with your living situation!

[Guest]

Hi I’m 14 years ok I live with my mother my father left me. My mom constantly makes me feel bad about my self and I feel like I have no where to go and I don’t belong anywhere at this point I have considered moving in with my friend but I know my mom would not let me. I’ve considered going to a family memebers home but I like my school and friends and I would still have to see my mo and I don’t know what to do at this point can you tell me if there’s anyways I can take charge over this situation

[ccsmod2]

Thank you for reaching out to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS). We are very sorry to hear that your mother makes you feel about yourself. It sounds like you no longer want to live at home. Talking to someone that you trust could help like a teacher or school counselor. You could try asking your mother for her permission to allow you to move. Another option that you have is if you feel unsafe at home, you could contact Child Protective Services. They would do an investigation and if they determine that your aren't living in a healthy environment, they would remove you from your home. Since you are a minor, if you decide to leave home without your mother's permission she has the right to file a runaway report. With a runaway report, if the police find you they would return you home. You mentioned that you have been thinking about staying with a friend, their parents could get in trouble for harboring a runaway if you decided to stay there. You could try asking an adult that you trust to talk to your mother for you about the possibility of you living with a friend or another family member. We hope that this information helps, if you have any additional questions please feel free to contact us directly via our 24 hour crisis hotline (1-800-786-2929), email, or live chat.

[Guest]

Hello I am 13 years old and can not handle living at home anymore because my parents think I am a mistake and a disappointment. Now I am not the best student but there is this charter school that I would really like to go to to get the academic help I need and also to play football there. They say it would be great for me and they want me to go there but then they turn around and say that unless I get my grades up then I can't go. It's just too mentally challenging for me and I can't deal with it anymore. They are constantly yelling at me and blaming me for everything. I want to go live with my friends dad who is financially stable and has a good house in a good neighborhood or I would like to go live with my grandparents and uncle who are in the same situation as my friends dad but I know my parents would never sign their rights to me away and it would ruin my chances of going to the charter school

[ccsmod2]

Thank you for reaching out to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS). We are very sorry to hear about the way your parents have been treating you. You shouldn't have to feel like a mistake or disappointment. It sounds you are overwhelmed with your grades and issues at home with your parents. You could try talking to your teachers to see if they offer tutoring so that you can bring your grades up. It seems as though you would like to move in with your friend's dad or another family member. You could try asking your parents if they would allow you to stay with another family member or close friend. You mentioned that you don't think your parents would sign over their rights, you could try asking your uncle or grandparents to talk to them on your behalf. You could also contact Child Help (1-800-422-4453) for information on how to transfer custody. Please feel free to contact us directly via our 24 hour crisis hotline (1-800-786-2929), email, or live chat.

We hope this response was helpful!  We’d love to hear from you about your experience using our crisis email/forum.  Your feedback plays an important role in helping us improve our services to youth and families. Please click the link to fill out our survey:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/we_care_what_you_think

[Guest]

I am 15 years old and want to move out of my house and into my cousins house she is more than happy to have me come live with her and I have a feeling my mom wont let me. My mom, step dad, and siblings all accuse me of smoking pot because almost all of the teenagers they know do it. My family is also so negative and they raise my anxiety, my depression has come back way worse and they also make fun of my suicidal past because i used to cut myself and they tell me I'm doing everything for attention and Im not because my therapist has told my mom that I do have depression anger issues and bipolar disorder does run in my family on my dad side so there is a possibility i have it. I raan away this weekend I Honestly dont know what to do.

[ccsmod11]

Thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you’ve been going through such a tough time, but we are here to support you and help you in any way we can. That sounds so hurtful to have your family say those things. But it sounds like your cousin and your therapist are positive sources of support for you.

You’ve mentioned that you’ve had suicidal thoughts and have self-harmed in the past. We want you to know that you are worth it and that there is hope for you. If you ever feel that you are in danger of hurting or killing yourself, you could call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255; suicidepreventionlifeline.org) or call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929) or chat with us online.

You also mentioned that you ran away this weekend. If you need a safe place to stay, food, or any other basic needs, you can call us or chat with us online and we can help you find a safe place. Also, if you ever feel that you are in danger, you could call 911 for immediate help.

You also mentioned some mental health concerns. You said you have a therapist, but if you ever want to learn more about mental health resources in your area, you could check out the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website: samhsa.gov; findtreatment.samhsa.gov; 1-800-662-HELP (4357); 1-800-487-4889 (TTY).

If you haven’t already, you could consider reaching out to a trusted adult, relative, worker/teacher/counselor at your school for help and support. You could also consider talking to your family about how you’ve been feeling or have someone else help you talk to them. Just so you’re aware, we have a conference calling service through NRS where we can do a three way call with you and your parent to help you talk with them and mediate a conversation.

There are also many resources that could help with anything else you may need. If you want to talk more about what’s been going on, or if you would like more information about resources, you can call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929) or chat with us online.
Again, thank you or contacting us. It sounds like you’ve been going through a really hard time, but you’ve shown a lot of strength by working through these challenges and reaching out for help. If you ever need anything in the future, please feel free to call us or chat with us online. We’re always here to listen and here to help.

We hope this response was helpful!** We’d love to hear from you about your experience using our crisis email/forum.** Your feedback plays an important role in helping us improve our services to youth and families. Please click the link to fill out our survey: **https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/we_care_what_you_think

[Guest]

Hi there I am 18 turning 19 on the 6th December I am having a tough time with my family I was asking would you help me find a new family

[ccsmod10]

Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out to us for help!

It sounds like home is not a place where you’re comfortable for you to be in, you deserve to live in a home where you feel safe and comfortable.

Once you turn 18, you will be considered a legal adult, and will have the right to choose where you live. If you need help brainstorming your plans, we're here to help do that! There may be social service agencies in your area that can help meet some of these needs, such as Transitional Living Programs, a kind of shelter where young adults can live and get services to help them transition to independent living (employment, school, etc.). They help youth work on their goals, while they're living there. If you’re interested in that option, don’t hesitate to give us a call so we can see if there’s any in your area.

We are open 24/7.

Be well, NRS

[Guest]

heyy, i am 13 years old and i hate my life. my dad is a alcoholic and cant control himself, he physically puts his hands on my brother and i. I hit my head during the incident, i dont tell anyone about this because i am scared that he and my stepmom will say something that isnt true like always.... My stepmom see's that this is going on but only says it will be fine but it isn't. I talk with my brother about seeking help but we dont have any clue what could happen. My stepmom told me to leave when her and i got into a argument about my dad because she agreed that my dad is fine when he isnt so i left like she told me, my dad called the police saying i ran away but i was told to.... I am sick of this and i told my closest friend and she told me that if i needed a place to stay i was always welcome her dad even said he would take me in but he wants to now but I am scared and i feel like my parents wouldn't give the permission to. I dont feel loved even on events that seem happy to others but inside i dont feel safe due to what i go through. I want to live with my friend but I think i would be able to. My dad constantly calls me horrible names that affect me, he tells me that I am a disgrace and i am gonna turn out something that i wouldnt want to be. I do not want to go to a local shelter.... but i also wanna be with someone who i can trust and in a household that i am familiar with. What can i do?

[ccsmod10]

Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out to us for help. We know how hard it can be to ask for help, but we're glad you came to us. We can only imagine how hard it must be to be feeling like this, and we want to offer you some options.

You mentioned that your dad if physically putting his hands on you. Under no circumstances, is it ok for anyone to hit a child. You just don't deserve that. You deserve so much more. You have every right to report this abuse. You can do it through your local police or through Child Help at 1-800-422-4453. We can help you with reporting it too if you call us at 1-800-786-2929. We are here 24/7 .

In terms of running away, while it's not illegal it is a status offense, and your parents could have you returned home. If you do go somewhere temporarily, you could always call the local police to let them know you are there, and that might keep you there on a short term basis, and espcially if you're being abused. In terms of living somewhere else, there is the option of that, but would require the consent of your parents. Keep in mind we are not legal experts though, so if you need any legal resouces, call into our crisis center at the number we provided and we may be able to help. It's really great by the way, that you have such a supportive friend that you can talk to.

If there is another parent, maybe that's an option too for you. Otherwise, if there are any kinds of outside activities, that can help take your mind off things too.
We do have a conference call service too, where if you call us, we could talk with you and your parents. You mentioned some alcoholism with your dad too, so if you call us we might be able you with some resources there too. Lastly, talking to other adults that know your parents and to have them talk to them could be an option too.

Hopefully some of these options are helpful, and remember we're here 24/7 if you want to talk more with us. We're here to listen. Here to help. Best of luck!

[Guest]

(Sorry I dont know how to use this website) My friend is a boarder and they want to leave and move with there relatives. They have said they’re getting bullied and feel unsafe in boarding. Their parents live in a different country and get them to board at school. Is there a way that she can run away and stay somewhere that’s safe

[ccsmod10]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to us at the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you are in a difficult situation, and we understand it takes courage to reach out for help. The National Runaway Safeline is located in the United States of America (USA). Our knowledge of helpful community based resources and our understanding of youth in crisis related laws is limited to the USA. If you are located in a country outside of the USA, you can use this link to find a youth helpline in or around your country: http://www.childhelplineinternationa...where-we-work/

We hope that by reaching out to a local resource, you are able to get the support you need from an organization that understands the laws and circumstances that affect youth in your country.

Good luck,

NRS

[Guest]

Hello, I’m 14, I live in Virginia, and I want to move to my grandparents house.

I’ve lived with my grandmother for almost all my life but I’ve hated it for years now. She’s always calling me stupid and if I do a little thing wrong then she acts like I’m the stupidest person out there. She calls me names like “dumbass” and “asshole” if I do something wrong and I’ve talked to her about it but she just says it’s because I make her mad and she can’t help it.

I do well in school, most a’s and some b’s in other classes but nothing too bad. I’ve talked to my other grandparents and they wouldn’t be against it but they’re not sure if it’s possible because they’re older and since it’s two grandmothers and one grandfather who’s sick almost all the time it’d be hard for them to get custody.

I’ve tried really hard to be happy here but it’s just so hard. I’ve been severely depressed because of it, I’ve been suicidal as well but I never did anything. I can’t see myself staying in this house for another 4 years, I really can’t. I think my mom understands but she already has 3 other kids living with her and if I move with her I’d have to come back to this house everyday because my grandmother babysits the kids who live with her.

What do you think I should do?

[ccsmod5]

Hey there!
Thank you so much for contacting us during such a difficult time in your life. It can be so tough when nothing seems to fit and your main caretaker does not support you. It is very courageous of you to reach out instead of sitting with what is happening to you. Especially if it is making you experience such terrible feelings. You do not deserve to feel that way by anyone let alone the person who is supposed to support you.

Something that concerns us is your mention of suicide. It is very understandable that you are contemplating this given the situation that you are in. You are not alone in feeling like this in such a tough environment. We want you to know that you will not always feel this way and the world is a better place with you in it. You matter very much to your family and friends. If you are told that you are less than by your grandmother, please know that you are a beautiful, wonderful person of value and no matter what anyone tells you, you are loved and very soon, we promise you, you will be out of this awful situation. In the meantime, we would like to provide you with some resources for you to use if you continue to feel this way. They may be able to help you if you find yourself in an acute crisis or they could help you to find some coping mechanisms when things become bad at home. If you call in to us, we might be able to find therapeutic resources in your area. The resources are:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255

https://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Suicide Forum (if you feel more comfortable online)

https://www.suicideforum.com/

Another concern of ours is the neglect and emotional abuse you are experiencing at home. Please realize that you do not deserve the constant criticism, spiteful comments, and indifference. Just because your grandmother said those things about you does not mean they are true. Abusive people like your grandmother say hurtful things, but they are lies and you are a valuable person. No one has the right to determine your worth. You deserve healthy relationships and healthy people to surround yourself with. An option that is available to pursue is to call Child Protective Services. The insults and emotional battery do qualify as abuse. If you do want to pursue CPS as an option, it may be good to record your grandmother saying cruel things to you and then send it to a friend or other family member so that they may keep the evidence safe in case your grandmother gets ahold of your phone or e-mail. If you call us, we can conference call CPS with you to get the ball rolling. Perhaps try and see if your parents will allow you to stay with a friend or other family member. This is another resource if you would like further information on what avenues you could pursue:

Child Help (National Child Abuse Hotline)
1-800-422-4453

https://www.childhelp.org

If you do wish to live with someone else, you will need the permission of your legal guardian. You did not mention if that was your grandmother or another family member like your mom. If your legal guardian is your grandmother, you will need her permission or evidence for CPS to place you in another living situation like your other grandparents’ homes. You stated that the reason you are not living with her is because of your other siblings and the reason you are not living with your grandparents is due to their age and health. If your mother is your legal guardian, she is the person that can allow you to live somewhere else. You could stay with a friend and their family.

A good resource might be your school. It sounds like you feel comfortable there. Maybe pursuing your school’s counseling services may help you? If you have any teachers you like and trust, you may also be able to divulge what is happening at home to them. Warning: schools and teachers are mandated reporters which means that if you tell them about the abuse they will have to contact CPS. Speaking to them about the abuse and the mental illness that you are currently experiencing may help you to receive accommodations like leniency for assignment due dates, extra absences, etc. These adjustments may support you if school were to ever become difficult, but it sounds like you are on track. These are just precautions that will give you some breathing room hopefully. Never underestimate how a stressful environment and mental illness affects your performance at school.

You can always recognize survivors of abuse by their courage. When silence is so very inviting, the step forward and share their experience. You might feel like you may not want to live, but by reaching out to us you have proven that you value your life and want to fight for it. Do not believe your grandmother in any regard. Please reach out to us if you need any additional help. You can reach us at 1-800-RUNAWAY. We would love, love, love to hear from you in person. We will not leave you. You are important.

Sincerely,

NRS

[Guest]

I have a friends that is fifteen. Her parents told her if she is not happy there she can leave. She feels mentally abused, she has been going to counseling but she told me she can't take it there anymore. We been trying to figure out a way for but we can't find a way other than her to come live with me. If she was to leave and come live with me what would be the consequences knowing that her environment at home is not really that safe?

[ccsmod10]

Hi there!

Thanks for reaching out to us at NRS about your friend. We’re sorry to hear that your friend in having such a hard time at home. She’s lucky to have a friend like you to help her through this tough time.

You mentioned that her parents told her that she could leave if she’s not happy. If that is the case, she can see if her parents will put in writing that it is ok for her to stay with you and your parents. It would also help for your friend to keep the letter once they write it. This way if her parents decide to call the police and file a runaway report, she has proof that her parents allowed her to stay with you. By doing this, your friend could legally stay with you and your parents without transferring custody or hiring a lawyer. Her parents would still be her legal guardians.

If she leaves without their permission (written or verbal), this would be considered running away. Her parents could file a runaway report with the police. If that report is filed, anyone your friend stays with who knows her situation could be charged with harboring a runaway. We can’t say for certain since we aren’t legal experts, but that is generally is what happens.

If your friend wants to discuss her options or get local resources that might help, she can give us a call at 1-800-RUNAWAY or reach us on our chat line. Thank you for being a good friend and trying to make a tough situation better. Good luck and stay strong!

NRS

[Guest]

So I'm 14 and in in a similar situation... But I know for a fact that my parents will say no. What do I do? How do I get out of this situation. I've already looked in to imancipation, and that is not an option. I need to graduate and go to collage. Multiple friends and their parents have noticed the unfair treatment between my brother and I. Lots of friends and their parents said I could live with them, but I don't know how to do that. Please help..

[ccsmod10]

Hi, and thanks for contacting NRS. I’m sorry to hear that your situation at home is not good, and that you’re having issues with your parents. If you feel the need to talk to someone about your situation, please feel free to contact us at our toll free confidential hotline at 1-800-621-0394.

Unfortunately, at 14 you are still classified as a minor in all states , so if you leave, your parents can report you as a missing youth or runaway. This means that if the police or proper authorities find out where you are, they are obligated to take you back home. Running away is a status offense; but whoever you’ll be staying with could get in trouble. harboring a minor without parental consent is considered a crime.

It sounds like it’s hard to communicate with your parents and it might be causing your unfair treatment... Have you thought about having a good conversation with her about the situation, maybe with the help of someone else? For example, having another adult (someone that you trust and that she respects) with you guys while you talk, to help keep things neutral and objective. We’ll be happy to help if you like the idea; just call us at 1-800-runaway, and we can conference her in. We’d also be glad to provide other resources if you think they might be useful, like counseling referrals. We wish you the best of luck!

Be strong, NRS

[Guest]

Hi, I'm 13 years old, and my parents are always yelling at me, and I'm basically treated like crap. The dog is treated better than me. Can I live with my friend to stay in a calmer environment, where they will at least appreciate my existence?

[ccsmod0]

Hi There,
Thank you for getting in touch with us. It sounds like living at home has become extremely difficult for you and you would like to live with a friend. We are not legal experts but generally speaking a person is not considered an adult until they are 18. This means that their guardians are legally responsible for them. So the parent is required by law to provide for the youth (food, shelter, school, etc.) If they fail to do so then they can face legal consequences. This also means that the youth cannot live anywhere else without parents’ consent. There are exceptions to this rule but those include getting the court involved such as emancipation or Child Protective Services removing the parent’s rights.
If you want more details about available resources, or if you’d like to talk more about what you’ve been going through, please call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929) or chat with us online.
Remember, you are not alone. Best of luck!