I'm 12 and I want to run Away.

[ccsmod2]

Hi Jahlarie, thanks for reaching out to us at NRS. It sounds like it’s been really challenging living at home with your sister, and that it has gotten to the point where you have been worried about getting hurt or hurting her. Know that if you are ever feeling like you are in immediate danger of harm or hurting someone, you can always call 911. It sounds like you have made up your mind to leave home, though, so please know that we are always available to explore options for shelters or other resources that might be helpful to you while you are away. We are completely confidential and available 24/7: (800) 786-2929. While running away is not illegal (it’s technically considered a “status offense”), it may be important to know that if you do plan to stay with an adult, they could get in legal trouble for what’s called “harboring a runaway”. Alternatively, if there is an adult who you think your parent/legal guardian would allow you to stay with, there would not be any legal trouble. Everyone’s situation is different, so we always welcome to call us to talk it out further and see what’s best for you: (800) 786-2929.
-NRS

Hi my name is Jahlarie I’m 11 and I want to run away cause I hate my home my sister hate me and wonts to kill me I feel like it’s best for me to run away where she can’t hurt me cause I can’t hit her or I will be just like her, so weeks later I have made my mind to run away it’s for the best I know that I will be happy but I will miss my love ones lots of things could happen to me that’s one thing that I know but if I don’t talk to many ppl than I won’t have to worry , if you ever think you should run away that you will need money, clothes , food , if you take medication then you will need the money for it and you can bring your last little bit of it so you can live till you have to buy more , make sure you have plenty of water , blankets, and if you want a pillow but I choose to use my bag that I’m carrying my stuff in ( thank for read, by ).

[ccsmod1]

Hey there,

Thanks so much for contacting us, it takes a lot of courage to reach out and share your story. It must be really hard to live in a home with so much tension, it's not fair for your moth to demand so much of you. You deserve to live in a home when you feel safe and respected. It seems like your mother isn't listening when you tell her about your thoughts and feelings about the current situation. It could be a good idea to work with a local family counselor or have a conversation mediated by a trusted friend or family member to help clear the air. If you'd like, you can also call us directly and we can conduct a conference call with your mother so you have a safe environment where you can express yourself.

You brought up your desire to live with your dad. Sometimes moving from one parent to another can be sticky as there may be custody agreements at play. It would be a good idea to talk to your dad about what's happening at home and that you want to stay with him. This process may involve the court system and it may be helpful to contact a local legal aid group for more information or assisting with this process.

If you’d like to go over what’s going on in depth, or if you’d like to explore other options that you may have available to you, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY. You can also chat us by clicking on the “CHAT” button on top of our homepage. We’re open 24/7 and here to listen and support you in any way we can.

Stay safe,
NRS

I'm 12...and my mother is constantly screaming and yelling. Its so peaceful till she gets home, full of negative energy. Shes saying ******** like is disrespect her, ignore her HIT HER! I HAVENT LAYED A HAND ON THAT ********ING WOMAN. I swear to God, she VERBALLY abuses me, guilt tricks me, I'm done with this ********ing bull********. Sorry about my language but sometimes I really want hold a gun to her head, shes been doing this since the divorce and making me do "manly" jobs. Yet complains that I dont dress feminine. Gee wonder why. And when she wants something, she acts all sweet. I'm sick of her. I want to move in with my dad. But I cant just leave my pets. Please help me. I'm at the point where I want to ********ing hold her at gun point.

[ccsmod1]

Hey there,

Thanks so much for contacting us, it takes a lot of courage to reach out and share your story. It must be really hard to live in a home with so much tension. You shouldn't have to be subjected to smoke and beer cans. Running away is a big decision and it can be very stressful to figure out what you want to do.

It’s important to consider all the possibilities that can occur if you leave home. You will need to plan out how you will cover basic necessities like travel, food, clothing, etc. If you have a place to go in mind, it’s good to see what the expectations of the living arrangement will be like; rules, the amount of time you’re allowed to stay, if you’re expected to contribute financially, etc. Generally speaking, most employers will not hire minors and if they do they will require work permits - this can very from state to state and business to business. This can all influence your decision to leave.

If you do opt to leave home or find yourself to be homeless you still have the right to your education under what’s called the McKinney-Vento act. This act guarantees you the right to stay in your original school and be provided transportation to and from school (to the extent possible), enrollment in a school in your area, receive free school meals and to receive services like educational supports and basic needs. To find out more about how to take advantage of the McKinney-Vento act we suggest calling your school directly.

If you’d like to go over what’s going on in depth, or if you’d like to explore other options that you may have available to you, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY. You can also chat us by clicking on the “CHAT” button on top of our homepage. We’re open 24/7 and here to listen and support you in any way we can.

Stay safe,
NRS