How can I get a job as a runaway?

[celeste]

I'm going to be 16 in less than two months, and I've been contemplating running away for about a year now. I've been horribly depressed for years, and I've reached a point where I'm suicidal everyday. I've attempted reaching out for help for a while now and my therapists disregard it entirely. They've abused me emotionally and mentally, and on rare occasion physically for a long time, they are the biggest cause of distress in my life. They've isolated me my whole life, won't let me get a job, and I'm not in school. The only thing that's kept me going is my friends, who all live in the same town four hours away from here in a different state.
Today they unplugged and hid our router, which is my only form of communication with my friends and my boyfriend, and they had no good reason for doing it. This threw me over the edge, I desperately need my friends to get by. And I think I've made up my mind.
I can't live or stay with people who don't take me seriously, disregard my physical and mental health, isolate me and **** me over every way they can.
I have a plan, bring a couple hundred bucks with me, take trains/busses to my friend's as they're all willing to help me any way they can and they have no connection to my families so they'd just say I was emancipated and their parents wouldn't question.
My biggest concern is, how would I get a job? I won't have any ID, how can I get a job without any SS#, or birth certificate, or proof of ID? That's among my biggest concerns. I need to be able to pay for myself no matter where I go.

I've spent a LOT of time thinking this through, and I think I'm finally ready to go through with it, I can't live with these people anymore. I want to move on in my life.

a few questions I have:

-does public transportation allow pets?
-roughly how much money would I want to bring? (it would take a week at the very longest to reach my destination)
-how do I find runaway shelters and how long can you stay in them?
-what are some good things to pack?
-can I be tracked by my devices if they don't know my emails/social networking profiles?
answers appreciated, thank you

I want to do this as soon as possible. I know where to get money and where to go, I just need a job and guaranteed transportation.

[ccsmod6]

RE: How can I get a job as a runaway?

Hello there,

Thank you for contacting us here at the National Runaway Safeline (NRS). It sounds like you have reached your breaking point at home as you mentioned feeling mistreated and neglected by your family. We are sorry that you are going through this. Nobody deserves to be abused or hurt in any way. You deserve to feel loved, supported, and appreciated. As a minor, there are laws that protect you from being abused or neglected. Child Help USA 1-800-422-4453 is a resource where you can talk to someone about the abuse you have endured as well as explore ways of filing a report against anyone who has harmed you. If you ever needed help reaching out, we can help with that.

You mentioned feeling suicidal everyday, and we want you to know that there is help available if you need to talk about things. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 (www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org) is a 24/7, free and confidential service where you can either call or live chat with someone about how you are feeling and what you have been through.

Regarding your questions about leaving, we cannot give specific answers as every situation varies. We would be more than happy to explore these questions with you and help identify options that keep you safe. If you called in at 1-800-786-2929 or chatted with us through our website www.1800runaway.org we can address those concerns and questions you have.

Your safety and well-being is a priority. Please reach out by phone or chat soon.

We wish you well and hope you stay safe.

Take care,

NRS

[Guest]

I am a runaway and do not plan on going back to my fathers I am 16 and know that once I am 17 I can’t legally be forced to go back but I want to get a job if I apply and get it can I be found easily or my parents be notified and also is it safe to go to a school in a different county I was told if it is another county I’m not traced easily

[ccsmod10]

Hello,

Thanks for reaching out to us! It sounds like you’re interested in finding a place to work, but you have concerns that your status as a runaway might let your father know where you are. You’re asking some really important questions about what potential consequences for you if you look for work as a runaway.

Regarding your question about whether you can be found if you apply for a job, unfortunately, that depends on how your state handles runaway reports. Because we’re not legal experts, we can’t confirm that your applying for a job might trigger an alert that would let local police know where you are. One of the many things that can vary from state to state is whether local police will return you to your legal guardians or parents if you’re close to legal age. A good way to find out how local police handle runaway reports is to call them at their non-emergency number and ask. You don’t have to share any personal information to ask questions, and although there’s a risk that they may not answer you question, they would be the ones to know about the procedure. Regarding attending school, you do have the right to enroll in school, thanks to something called the McKinney-Vento act. Every school has a McKinney Vento liaison in their district, and they can help you enroll in school. They would also be able to give you more information regarding whether or not your enrolling in school would trigger any alerts.

If you’d like more information on anything that we shared with you, or if you just need someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are available 24/7 at 1.800.RUNAWAY (786.2929), every day on chat from 4:30pm – 11:30pm CST. We won’t tell you what to do, but we will do our best to help you stay as safe as possible with whatever you decide to do. We’re here to listen, here to help. Stay safe!

-NRS

[Guest]

I am 17 and a runaway from a foster home I have been gone since November of 2017 and it is now September 2018 I need a job I wanna be able to support myself a lil more but how will I find a job without being found I have my social security and birth certificate I have no family out here I only have support from my friends Im from **** Virginia n it's hard as a female not having everything you need so can someone help me please?

[ccsmod7]

Hi there, thanks for reaching out today. Sounds like you are in a really difficult position of looking for a job while you are on the run and without your vital documents. Another thing to consider when looking for jobs, is if you are listed as a runaway and your employer runs a background check on you they can see that you are listed as a runaway.

You might try to look for jobs at mom and pop stores that would require less documentation and would not need a background check. If you go that route, it is important to always be thinking about your safety and make sure you trust the employer. Here is a link showing each state's requirements for getting your ID, social security card, and birth certificate: https://www.nn4youth.org/wp-content/...Copy-FINAL.pdf.

Since you have been gone from your foster home for almost a year, it could be possible that you would have a different placement if you went back into the state's care. That is something that is completely up to you, especially if you have had negative experiences in foster care before. The state could assist you in finding different placement and help with extended benefits with college and independent living programs after you turn 18.

Please do not hesitate to call or chat us if you would like to talk through your situation and help with brainstorming your options. We are confidential, non-directive, and here to help.

Be safe,

NRS

[Guest]

I am 16 and running away. My family mentally and emotionally abuses me every day and often physically. I do not want to go to the police because it would also mean my little brother would get taken away and he is their pride and joy and I would not want to do that to him. What would be the likely hood of them forcing me to go back home or taking me and my brother to a foster home if I was to get caught running away.

[ccsmod7]

Hi there, thanks for reaching out today. Sounds like you are dealing with a lot of abuse at home and your are worried about having your brother removed if you do leave or report the abuse. That must be incredibly hard to deal with.

You don't deserve to be hurt in any way. If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately. You may also be able to report any mistreatment to CPS. Child Help USA 1-800-422-4453 www.childhelp.org is an organization that helps protect minors from being harmed. You mentioned being worried about reporting due to your brother being removed, if you do decide to report you can let the worker know that he is treated differently than you and is not harmed at home. So if CPS does investigate, they would focus on your situation and not his.

18 years old is generally the age that an individual may leave home without permission from their parent or legal guardian. We are not legal experts here but we can speak in general terms. If you are under 18 and leave home without permission, your 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 so we cannot predict exactly what would happen in your case. Generally speaking, if you encounter a police officer while reported as a runaway, you will likely be returned home. However, in that case there may be services (family counseling, etc.) available to you as a youth in crisis/runaway but again, police procedures related to offering those services can be different based on your location or the details of your situation. Another thing to consider is that while running away is not a crime, a legal adult who allows you to stay with them may be putting themselves at risk for being charged with harboring a runaway. One way to find out the laws in your area is to call your local police and ask what their policies are regarding runaway youth.

Please do not hesitate to call or chat if you have questions, need shelter resources, or need to talk. We can explore your situation, go over all your options, and come up with a plan and resources to deal with your situation over the phone or on live chat.

We are looking forward to hearing from you soon, and wish you the best of luck.

-NRS

[Guest]

I’m 17 and I’m running away from home this summer. Why? Cause I have ADHD, and my parents make me take my Meds all the time and I’m sick of it. And not only that, cause I skip school a lot, too! And if my dad finds out that I have to take Junior year again, he’ll take my door down and burn it. So, I’m leaving this summer to avoid that, and the thing is, I’m glad I got myself a debit card. But my worst fear is: Would I actually get caught for running away if I got myself a Job before 18? Somebody please help me! I don’t wanna deal with those assholes anymore!

[ccsmod2]

Hey there! Thank you for reaching out to us. We want you to know that you have our support and we are rooting for your success in your search for independence, and that you are brave for doing so. Many individuals your age will feel your desire for independence also!
In regards to running away, there are some important things to know. While we are not legal experts, if you are under 18, running away is considered a status offense, not a crime. Your parents do have the right to file a runaway report on you, and if the police decide to act on the report, they may be entitled to return you home. However, it depends on the police department in your area; they may not decide to enact that process if they see that you are almost 18. You getting a job right now however will most likely not affect this, the main risk will be if your parents file a report.
Another thing to think about may be what your living situation will look like. If you decide to run away will you have a place to stay? Are you interested in looking for a shelter? If you have any specific questions or need to delve a little deeper into your situation with us please feel free to call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY or chat with us on our website. We understand how frustrating it must be to deal with your parents, and your feelings are important to us. Perhaps another option for you may be to talk to them about your feelings about school and how taking medication is a burden to you, and see if they are willing to mediate on the situation. You deserve to be heard by your parents! If you are interested in our help with that, we also offer a conference call service to youth, in which we will help you with that conversation with your parents.
One resource that may be helpful to see what your rights would look like as a homeless youth is something called the “Homeless Youth Handbook”, found on https://www.homelessyouth.org/. However this resource is only available in a few states.
We’re really glad that you reached out to us. It takes a lot to ask for help and you are trying to figure out your options which is really good to see

[Guest]

So I am 16 I live in Arizona I've been contemplating on running away since I was 13 I've successfully ran away a few times but I have been caught and brought back into group homes I am about to turn 17 and I want to run from my group home but I want to make sure I can continue with my job and continue getting in pursuing my GED I do not want to get caught and once I turn 18 I would turn myself back in so that they can't return me to a group home I have a place to go but I would have to pay rent and rent would be around $500 I want to know if I would be able to keep my job without getting caught for found is there anything you guys can help me with

[ccsmod7]

Hi there, thanks for reaching out today. Sounds like you are wanting to run again, but worried about your job and pursuing your GED; which is pretty smart of you.

Generally speaking, since it sounds like you are in the state's care, if you leave your group home they are mandated by law to report you as a runaway. If you they know where you work, they can let police know that you might be there. So if police go to your job and look for you, that is one way you can be found. Since you are close to 17, police might not actively look for you like they would for younger youth, however, legally you still could be returned back home if you are found. If police or your caregiver do not talk to your job, it would generally be hard for them to know that you are a runaway unless they run a background check on you.

You mentioned what we can help you with, we are a confidential hotline that provides support and resources. If you call or chat us we can talk through your situation with you and help you identify your options. We also have shelter resources so please call or chat us if you ever need a safe place to go. We are always here for you: 1-800-RUNAWAY, www.1800runaway.org.

Best,

NRS

[Guest]

I’m 14 (yes, I know I’m very young) and I’m from Kentucky. I have an okay life here. I’m not abused or anything. However, sometimes home can be a absolute nightmare. I have taken up binge eating and I am currently obese because of the stress.My cousin has recently moved his family and his grandmother guns back into my house. The mental abuse and threatening of physical abuse from him has led me to consider running away as apposed to suicide. I was wondering, how I could get a job that wouldn’t be easy to trace? Also, how do I stay safe in my (probably) newly homeless state. I just want to live my life and hopefully become something good someday.

[ccsmod9]

Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to us here at the National Runaway Safeline today. We are sorry to hear that you are dealing with such a difficult situation. You deserve to feel safe and cared for in your own home. It sounds like this may have started, or at least gotten worse, when you cousin moved in. If you have another family member or trusted adult, you could talk with them about how his being in your home makes you feel. You say that your cousin abuses you mentally and threatens you physically. It also sounds like his family has brought guns into your home. If you ever feel in danger you can call 911 or you could reach out to Child Help (National Child Abuse Hotline). Their number is 1-800-422-4453.
You say that you’ve been binge eating to deal with this stress. The National Eating Disorders Association has a helpline; their number is 1-800-931-2237. They also have a live chat feature and a crisis text option available on their website, https://www.nationaleatingdisorders....ntact-helpline.
You asked about getting a job as a runaway. You are probably aware of the fact the age of majority in Kentucky is 18. That’s when you would be able to legally move out of your parent or guardian’s home without their permission. If you want to call us, we can talk through some options and strategies that might be helpful to you. We do have a large data base of resources including shelters and counseling services. Our number is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929), and we’re available 24 hours a day/7 days a week. We are here to listen and here to help. We hope to hear from you soon. Stay safe.
Take care,

NRS

[Guest]

I’m a 16 year old girl from Ontario, Canada. I sometimes contemplate running away from home. As a runaway, would I be able to find any employment without being exposed and returned home? I also don’t have a bank account, will workplaces give the option of getting paid in cash? Where can I stay where I’d be safe and wouldn’t risk being exposed or returned home? My questions are basically about shelter and work. Thanks.

[ccsmod15]

Hello! Thank you so much for reaching out!

To begin with, you mentioned that you’re contemplating on running away, and find employment without being exposed and returned back home. We want you to know that we care about your safety, and that you’re not alone. We aren’t legal experts, but if you decide to leave your home without your parent’s consent they may file a runaway report, and whoever they find you worth, may face some legal consequences. Another factor to keep in mind is that you need a work permit with your parent’s approval to find a job at the age of 16.

If you are ever in danger, you may contact the national safe place the word safe and your location to 44357. A text with a safe location would be sent out to you, and upon arrival, a crisis worker would be able to further assist you. In the same way, if you find yourself on the street, you can research shelters in your area at the homelessshelterdirectory.org

We hope that you can seek help from these options discussed, and want you to know that we care about your safety. You’re really brave for going through this difficult time in your life. If for whatever reason you require additional assistance, or want us to make a call on your behalf, feel free to call us at 1800) 786-2929. Best of luck!

[Guest]

i am 12 and i am running away back to massachusetts my home state. i need to know how i could get a job as a minor and a runaway because i plan on living there. im running away due to sexual abuse and i'm not gonna stay where i am right now so plesse help me.

[ccsmod9]

Hi there,
Thank you for writing to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS). We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time. We are sorry that you are going through something so hard to go through. As far as getting a job as a minor it is incredibly difficult since you are so young. Most jobs require you to have parental permission in order to work. If you have gone through really traumatic things like sexual abuse it might be a good idea to call CPS in your state. If you feel you cannot we can always call with you on chat or over the phone. You would find immediate help if you called them as they want to be looking out for your safety. If you would like to talk more in detail and share more about how we can help specifically, please call or chat soon.
Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).
If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately.
We hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe, NRS

[Guest]

Hey so im a run away and got a backround check on me for a job i just want to know what would come back on the backround check

[ccsmod15]

Hello! Thank you so much for reaching out! It sounds like you’re going through a tough time right now, and we are her to help.

We’re not legal experts, but in most states anyone under 18 is considered a minor. You mentioned that you’ve runaway, and wanted to know if it would show up in your records. It wouldn’t come up on your criminal background check, but since you are still a minor, you need a work permit to be employed. A work permit requires your parent’s signature and approval, so an option would be to get a hold of your legal guardian, and advise them of the situation that you are in. We care about your safety, and we want you to know that you’re not alone. If you ever feel like your safety is at risk, you can text the word safe and your location to 44357. The National Safe Place will text you a location to go to for help, and if needed, a crisis worker will be out there to assist you. Locations vary by city and state, if you want to know more about safe locations in your area, you can try looking it up online at the nationalsafeplace.org.

We hope that the resources provided to you have been of some help! If you need additional assistance, or want us to reach to another resource on your behalf, please feel free to reach out to us anytime at 1800) 786-2929. Best of luck!

[Guest]

so I am 17 and I have left my home because I am unhappy. I only have ny student card and my driver's license but thats all and i dont know how to get a job. can anyone

[ccsmod2]

Hello There,
Thank you for reaching out to The National Runaway safeline, we are here to help and here to listen. It seems like you are going through a tough situation.
We are not legal experts but we do have some information. With most jobs they would require your birth certificate or your social security card. You may be able to obtain your birth certificate by contacting the vital records office in your city. Some jobs may only require your ID you can always ask jobs what forms of documents they require.
We hope this information will be helpful to you in your situation. If you have any other questions or would like to explore options please give us a call. We are here 24/7 to listen and to provide support. Best of luck!
NRS

[Guest]

My friend and I are planning to run away but I would like to know how to get a job as runaways. I'm fourteen and they're 15, I don't completely know what his living situation is, all I know is that they're family mistreats them, my situation is just getting worse by the day. My mother manipulates me into doing what she wants, she and her boyfriend treat me like a tool, on rare occasions does my mother hit me, but the verbal abuse hasn't gotten any better.

[ccsmod2]

Thank you for reaching out to us. It takes a like of courage to deal with everything you have going on at home. You don’t ever deserve to be hit even on rare occasions. It sounds like you are dealing with a lot of verbal abuse and that will really take a toll on your emotional well-being. We totally understand your wanting to runaway and it is good you are thinking about logistics for surviving on your own like a job. We can help you explore options for alternate living situations and develop a plan that works for you and your specific situation. We are totally confidential and have access to resources in every state. You can reach us anytime 24/7 to talk more about your situation and the resources and options that are have available. We are available on the phone at 1-800-RUNAWAY and on chat through our website at 1800RUNAWAY.ORG.

[Guest]

I'm 14 and I'm awfully unhappy at home. My mom makes herself seem like she's the best mother when she's not! She makes me look bad to my family to make herself look good. When I was little like around 2 or 3 my mother signed a paper that let my grandmother take me out this country and take care of me, I was in her care two years or more. All me and mom is do is argue and it has got to a point where we physically started fighting. My mother has threatened me plenty times by telling me she will go to the police and file a report on me and tell them everything I have did which would be ( get caught smoking weed, and she found out I was sexually active) I have did all of that because of the stress I felt at home and I started smoking because at the time my grandma had moved to a different state and I felt so hurt and alone. My mom takes out her anger from her personal issues on me and I'm tired of it because when I fight for myself I always end up the bad guy. I have two younger siblings one is 9 and the other is only 6 months. I want to leave but I'm scared that she'll try to give me a criminal record for fighting her and for smoking and I do not want something to happen to my younger siblings because she treats them 10x better then she'll ever treat me. My grandmother recently moved back here because she saw how terrible things got when she left. Is there a way she can get full custody of me. I cant take this anymore PLEASE HELP!

[ccsmod15]

Hi there,
Thank you for writing to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS). We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. It seems there is a lot that you are faced with right now and you’re feeling like leaving is one of your only options. It seems you want to know some information on runaway laws.
While we are not experts on the law, 18 is generally the age that an individual may leave home without parent permission. If you are under 18 and leave home, your parent/guardian may file you as a runaway and you may be returned home. Also, those you stay with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. For more specifics on the law, the local non-emergency police or legal aid may better answer legal questions.
We are here as support to help through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by forum to assist you. If you would like to talk more in detail please call or chat soon.
Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).
If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately.
Be safe,
NRS