I'm 12 and I want to run Away.

[Guest]

Hey: I’m 13 and I want out of my house




I live with my mom and dad, little sister and brother We have also just got custody of my cousin. The reason I want to run away from home is because I suffer anxiety and serious depression that no one believes. Every time I try to talk to somebody in my house hold they brush it off and tell me it’s because of something Ridiculous that just happened but that’s not it in 2019 when I tried to commit Suicide my mom told me that if I did and I survived. She would give me what’s called a “lick’n” others words a beating and said she’d never forgive me they never touched me or hurt me ever but it feels scary to question or push my boundaries. A couple of days ago she seen the cuts I have on my legs (3 of them) and told me I better not be trying To start “trouble” and gave me a threaten glare I am terrified what will happen as soon as I press this send button.

Honestly I just want out and want to get help for my anxiety and depression. My mom always yells at me then apologizes to manipulate me. She tells me that her mom treated her bad and that she’s worried she might be a bad mom too. I tell her she’s not but I think I might be changing my mind. She also tells me that they are all that I have and if I ever ran away or did anything they didn’t like they’d shut me out and never talk to me.

I am also LGBTQ and a girl my parents are homophobic and when I turn 16 I am confessing and if they kick me out I have friends that I hope will stick around. My dad is cold and mostly ignores me or gets mad at me when I tell my little sister not to do something they shouldn’t since their his real kids and I am a step daughter. I have also been sexually assaulted and traumatized at a young age in foster care. I told my mom when I was 12 but...again they never believed me. I don’t know if I am just being silly and am terrified for nothing but I need help without them knowing if they did I’d have no contact to the outside world and shut down if any electronics and such. They make it seem as if I am the bad guy or they will try but I will not take any more of this

What do I do?

[ccsmod4]

Hello,
Thank you for writing to us here at the National Runaway Safeline.

We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing what’s going on.
It is times like these that would be nice to have a listening ear. It is also important that you remember to exercise self- care. You showed some by reaching out to NRS. Good for you.
What you have been experiencing sounds very unfair. You do not deserve to be treated this way by your parents.
It’s not your fault that they behave this way.
Your feelings are important and they matter.
You are deserving as anyone that wants to be happy.


We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this tough and difficult time. We can best help by phone or chat so that we might learn a little more about your situation and how we might assist you. 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 would like to speak to a counselor about being sexually assaulted you might consider reaching to the referral we have provided. R.A.I.N.N. 1-800-656-4673 www.rainn.org


Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

i want to run away i am 11 turning 12 in 19 days i call myself 12 since i am going to be 12 in 19 days but yeh i am in foster care but i dont want to run away alone i dont have any electronics this is my foster moms Chromebook but yeh i need someone to go with but i dont now how i can get in contact with someone i live in holyoke Massachusetts but i dont now someone who i can run away with so this is hard and i want to just leave my foster mom yells in my face punishes me for little things i need someone to run away with and live somewhere but it is all hard to plan by myself if someone can give me the gmail for we can chat on google hangouts but i really want to go but i cant go alone i want someone to go with so yeh i really want to go but i need someone to go with can someone reply as soon as possible i need someone to chat with on google hangouts and that person can runaway with me and yeh i will plan with the person that chooses to go with me and we will talk and plan on google hangouts but i need someone to chat with please and someone to go with i am also been depressed for 1 year

[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

[Guest]

I'm 12 and I want to run away...

My dad and I have always had a great relationship. Same for me and my 16 year old Brother. My Mom and my little brother are why I want to run away..permanently. I get blamed and hit for everything my Brother does wrong by my mom. My brother has caused my mother and I's relationship to be ruined every since he was around..3. Being in a Black and Hispanic household, my parents raise me to high standards when it comes to my grades, and if I get anything lower than an A my mom yells at me at a high toned voice for HOURS and hits me. If I do any little thing she yells at me. I love my mom SO much...but she doesn't return the same energy. I hug her and give her kisses all the time, and she yells at me and tells me to get off of her. She yells in stores at me if I do any little thing. She's told all my friends, their parents, and all of my family members the most humiliating things about me and she does anything to embarass me. If I let out one tear she hits me and yells at me that nobody cares and she curses at me. She treats me unfairly compared to my other brothers. And when my dad comes around she tries to act like we're all good, but the minute he leaves she goes crazy on me.

I've recently been having many arguments with her about my school. She yells at me every day all day because of it, I do school work (homeschooled online) all day every day. She watches everything I do, wears, who I talk to, etc. I do everything and anything I can to please her and all she does is yell at me. I've tried to have a good mother-daughter relationship with her but I can never talk to her about anything or she yells at me. God forbid I complain- if I complain ONCE, she yells and rants at me about how bad her life was.... shes called me every curse in the book, and has caused several injuries, bruises, etc to me that I can't tell her I have or she'll give me more. SHe's always saying how I eat too much because I have to keep my weight down for sports, but im an average weight for my age. Around this age I'm gaining more weight due to growing, breasts, etc, and im becoming insecure about everything since shes always lecturing me about it.


I really want to leave, but I still want to fulfill my career of being a doctor, ive had my mindset on this career since i was 2 and i dont want to let running away from home ruin that.

I don't want to get brought back home by police either, because I might be put into therapy or a mental hospital. And my mom would holler at me for leaving in the first place and how i caused her so many issues.

I want to be able to run away and get a job that i can get income from to survive, i want to be able to have other people to do this with (but im homeschooled and just moved so i know nobody in my area), I want to be able to still talk with my dad without him being able to track my location and find me (he knows how to overcome most things). And sadly...I still want to be able to contact my mom to ensure that shes ok and not causing more issues at home and balming herself or anyone else for me leaving..

I want to be able to find some sort of new home with someone that i know, or find somewhere to live so that i can finish middle school and continue my education until ive graduated high school. I don't want to end up dead, or some loser living on the streets that cant do anything with their life. i know im young, and i know im asking for a lot, but i want to fulfill my life AWAY from my mom until i become older and im situated to a point where i can take care of myself and then go back home.

Honestly...I've been trying to plan but i know lifes hard out in the streets and i need someone to do it with or some sort of help....Please dont give a response saying i shouldnt run away because i have my mind set on doing it. So please help me...

and if your a kid who wants to run away too, I can give you my snap or number so we can communicate on how to do this.

Help, please?

[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 sounds like you’re quite overwhelmed by things at home right now and you mentioned being harmed. We’re sorry you’re going through this. 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. They can tell you more about how CPS could respond to your situation. If you ever need assistance calling out to CPS to make an abuse or neglect report please call is at 1-800-RUNAWAY.
Often, having a safe space to share how you’re feeling may bring a variety of solutions previously not thought of. You are not alone in this. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time. 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.
If you would like to talk more in detail please chat soon through our website www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button) if you are unable to call in. We unfortunately cannot give advice as we are non-directive. You know your situation best
We hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi I just turned 12, I thought about running away a few times not serious but now I am actually serious. I fell selfish though with these thoughts. I don’t feel like I belong any ware. My friends act like fake friends. They always choose me last for everything and are rude. My sister hates my guts. She bullies me whether it is making me her "slave child" or saying I suck at literally everything I do to telling me my parents love her more than me and to be honest it feels that way. At home they fight so much I cry and they are rude. Now they don’t abuse me or anything and are usually good parents but since 2 years ago they aren’t that good to me. My dad is to rough my mom makes everything overwhelmingly and I can’t stand it anymore. I get called name and am always being emotionally put down. They make me feel so bad about the way I speak even though they try to help but it doesn't. My brother is good to me though. Also I have being feeling very down for a year not because of puberty and that stuff. Just feeling useless and dumb, wanting to harm others but using family problems to cover it so I wouldn't get in trouble which is bad because my sister was really sick and that always makes me feel so bad for the way I think about but I just can’t stand it. But I can't talk to anyone about it so all of this is bottled up inside. One time I said I don't feel fairly treated but got told a brat and I do everything for you and that hurts me so much but he makes me do what he wants. I have to play piano eat food I hate, sit with him even though I am upset and he is too rough. He gives my sister hamster gecko, and paid 60 dollars for a snail. All I want is just one pet whether it is a dog bird or turtle. But she has 5 pets and around 15 other garden snails. I have to watch what she wants. They made me watch slender men even though they know I have always been super scared of sooooo many things especially horror movies. I have been feeling scared around my family. I don’t know what to do but I know if I run away there is no going back. My family would never forgive me. When I was little I would always run away and came home to a very angry family and they won’t let me sleep on the couch away from my sister without taking my iPad. Please help. I don’t really want to have to run away but I am not happy on my house hold and have no friends and family I can tell because my friends would snitch out of worry or for gossip and I have no close family that would take me in without bringing me home. I need a solution. Also I am not from THE USA.

[ccsmod4]

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 sounds like you’re quite overwhelmed by things in your life right now.
It sounds like you’re fearing that the stress from the situation is getting harder and harder to handle.
We are sorry you are going through a tough emotional time.
Having your family react the way they do sounds like it has been upsetting and frustrating for you.

Sometimes when things are too stressful it might help to talk with someone about it.
Often, having a safe space to share how you’re feeling may bring a variety of solutions previously not thought of. This may be an isolating and lonely time for you, but you are not alone in this.
NRS is here to listen and here to help.
We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time.
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). You are welcome to discuss your situation and talk about possible options for help. What you did today by reaching out was great. Good job.
We hope to hear from you soon.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

I’m 12 and I want to commit suicide and run away. Please do not think me a bad person because my parents do not abuse me, they just treat my sister better and I can’t get out of bed in the morning because I feel weak and tired after a full nights sleep. I mentally ache and I feel I have nobody to talk to because I don’t trust my mums.

[ccsmod1]

Hey there,

Thanks so much for reaching out and sharing a little bit about what’s been going on, we know that it takes a lot of courage. 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: https://www.childhelplineinternation...pline-network/.

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.

Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

I want to runaway but I have no we’re to go I lost my dad no even a year ago and my mums just started seeing one but he knew my dad he tries to act like my dad and does things to annoy me and I can’t control my emotions anymore my mum calls me names and gets very angry with me she doesn’t talk about my dad and I don’t feel loved in only 12 and I have a little sister who I don’t get along one bit with all my family just argue with me and I don’t want to live here anymore I would runaway but I don’t now we’re to and when I do the only person who cares about me my grandad comes looking for me and it makes him sad and angry it’s draining me out arguing and keeping myself together and I can’t go back to school at the same time as having struggles with my family

[ccsmod15]

Thank you for reaching out to us at the National Runaway Safeline. We are sorry to hear about your father's passing. 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. Based on your IP address, it looks like you are contacting us from Great Britain. You can use the following links to find a youth helpline in or around your country:

https://www.removingchains.org/welcome/united-kingdom-crisis-hotlines

https://www.childhelplineinternation...pline-network/.

We hope that by reaching out to a local resource, you are able to get the support you need from an organization near you.

Be safe and take care!

NRS

[Guest]

I have wanted to run away since I was in 5th grade. I'm currently 12 and in 7th grade. I'm trying to find where I can go if I'm running away. My mom is currently in prison, and I haven't seen her for 6 years. My dad is mentally abusive, and sometimes will hit or hurt me just for fun. I'm not in a good place right now. I have an ED where I only eat a few things a day, like two cherries or half of a banana. I think I might have anxiety and ADHD, (my father and mom both have ADHD), but I'm never one to self diagnose. I have a terrible sister that's loved over me. She always has perfect grades, and she looks perfect, and I'm the "Disappointment of the family." It's not fair that I look like this and I just want to run away.

[ccsmod3]

Hello,

You mentioned some things that raise concern for your safety and well-being. If any harm or abuse is happening at home, you have the right to report it. We are not experts on the issue, but generally once it's been reported, social services will either decide whether or not to take the case and further investigate. If they do take the case, they will send out someone from child protective services to do an investigation (interviewing people in the household) and from there they will decide the level of danger within the household. It generally ranges from no danger (the youth stays in the home, some services are given, and the case is closed), moderate danger (they will provide family services with possible temporary displacement) and high danger (they will remove the youth from the home and offer certain services).

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 email to assist you.If you feel like this is an option you want to explore, you may find this website helpful: https://www.childhelp.org/child-abuse/. We can also help you to file a report if that’s the route you are considering. Please be safe and reach out soon by phone or chat so that we may help. Best of luck with everything!

[Guest]

i am 12 and want to run away because my mom yells at me for everything

[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

[Guest]

I’m 12 years old I want to run away from my house I have depressed, I always cry at night but when someone is my room I just hold it

[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 sounds like you’re quite overwhelmed by things at home right now. Your safety and well-being is important. If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately. NAMI is there for support and is also a great resource to reach out to in addition to our crisis services. You can call them at 1800-950-NAMI or text NAMI to 741741.
Often, having a safe space to share how you’re feeling may bring a variety of solutions previously not thought of. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. This may be an isolating and lonely time for you, but you are not alone in this. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time.
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).
We hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe and stay strong,
NRS

[Guest]

Im 12 and I want to runaway, My parents are always yelling at me and blaming me for stuff i didn't do. I just cant stand this anymore what can I do?

[ccsmod15]

Hi there,

Thank you so much for reaching out. It seems like you are dealing with a lot of turmoil and confrontation at home. Reaching out takes a lot of courage, and it is understandable why all of the tension at home may make you feel like you need to leave.

Leaving home before you are 18 can be a big decision, and we would be glad to discuss your options with you via phone or through live chatting us through our website. Our phone number is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) and our website is https://www.1800runaway.org/. If you are in need of emergency assistance or you feel your life is being threatened, please call 911. If you feel like your mental health is taking a toll another good resource, in addition to our crisis services, is NAMI. Their phone number is 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), and their website is https://www.nami.org/Home.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are open 24/7/365 and we are completely confidential. We would be glad to help you in absolutely any way that we can by discussing options, a plan, or any general questions you may have. We're hoping to hear from you soon.

Best of luck,
NRS

[Guest]

I don’t know how To run away.

I’m 12 and i also want to run away. My mum is 100% got some kind of mental illness even though she doesn’t want to admit it and whenever she tells me off for doing absolutely NOTHING she calls me ******** and a ********** and all that stuff under her breath, but it is clear what she’s saying. I’ve been planing to run away for about a year now but I don’t know how. School life is okay I guess, I’m popular and most boys like me. Things every girl wants I guess, but at home is shiiiittttt. Like no kidding. The problem is I can’t trust anyone. And I’m not really the kind of person who wants to get in trouble with this police if I get found. I have two best friend, let’s just call them A and C. So I told A and C about an argument that my parents had, about how my mum was threatening to kill herself or leave and never come back. A bunch of other stuff came up that when I was little my Dad threatened to kill me and her. So yeah, Shiiiiitttttt. Back to the point A and C were sympathetic at first but then they kinda just started to ignore me, and they never want to come over to my house anymore. So basically I can’t stay with anyone because Ik that they will just get me a therapist and stuff and I will be taken away from my parents and my dogs who I love more than my parents. And I’m worried about getting kidnapped or even murdered, ik this cuz I like scaring myself by watching true crime videos with images lol. And also my mum tells me scaring stuff about that. I just want to die, but then again I’m just to scared to go along with any of my plans. Also if I run away for a while and get found then ruin my future careers.

[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. This is a status offence, not a criminal one, so it shouldn’t impact future careers or opportunities as generally you aren’t charged with anything. Keep in mind though, that 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.
It is understandable to be worried about other bad things happening when you try to run away as you would be in a more vulnerable situation without a guardian/parent around you. If going to A or C’s house when things get bad isn’t an option, we can also look into shelter options for you. It seems like they were willing to listen to you and let you vent at first but may not know how to continue to help you manage with the negative feelings from dealing with your mom all the time. There are places you can go for more emotional support such as warmline/hotlines, counseling, or even after school programs.
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 email 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

[Guest]

I'm 12 and turning 13 in December.


My dad cheated on my mom when I was 4, When I was 6 she'd call me my dad's name whenever I didn't understand her. Now she calls me a Dumb**s, slut, b*tch,a**hole, stupid,fat a**, fat,etc. and threatens to hit me. I have no privacy, She doesn't even knock. Half of my depression is because of her. Most of my anxiety is because of her. she'd always make me talk to people I didn't know, She complains about money but whenever I bring up getting a job at 16 she says NO, She takes her anger out on me sometimes. And I have't seen my dad in about 4 years. I'm bisexual and as far as I know, both of my parents are homophobic and my mom found out by snooping on my phone. My mom says its a sin to be ugly and bisexual. She told me to leave about 1-2 months ago after she beat my *** so I sat far away from where she could see me, I took 2 of the things that make me feel safe and have my whole life and ran out of the house and went where I thought she couldn't see me.(still on property) She found me,and got mad. I live with my grandparents. My grandpa knows my grandma is cheating on him with sleeping with multiple men. My grandpa has anger issues, And all of them bring up my past, which I said I don't want to talk about. Im not religious but this whole household is, Im the opposite of a Christian and I'd know they'd yell at me for that, but it may be that I was pressured to be christian. My grandma threatened to drown me when I was 7 or 8, She wanted an abortion on me and kept telling people I was going up for adoption. A few months ago, I told my teacher and I went to the guidance consular . My mom hit me with a hanger, All it did, was get put in or her record, I had to lie to her and say it was about my grandma to her, And they all got mad at me. I want to run away. I want to run FAR away from here. It's toxic.

[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 sounds like you’re quite overwhelmed by things at home right now and you mentioned being harmed. We’re sorry you’re going through this. 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. They can tell you more about how CPS could respond to your situation. If you ever need assistance calling out to CPS to make an abuse or neglect report please call is at 1-800-RUNAWAY.
We want you to know that you are strong for having gone through so much already. It is perfectly okay to deviate from what others or the common population believe to be “normal”. You’re bravery and resilience is so admirable. You are so strong for having gone through so much without having the acceptance that you do deserve for just being you. Remember that you are not alone. If you ever want to talk more about what you are experiencing or get additional support we are here 24/7 at 1800-RUNAWAY or our live chat service. The GLBT National Hotline at 1888-843-4564 is another option to gain great support from those that are familiar with the issues and experiences of those that are also a part of the LGBTQ community. You can access their website link bellow to utilize all the other possibly useful resources they have to offer: http://www.glbthotline.org/

You mentioned as well that you were considering the options that may be best for you. By all means, if you do fear for your safety either now or in the future, do not hesitate to take the necessary steps to regain your safety. This may mean calling the authorities or possibly reporting the things you may be experiencing. Other options to think about may be other family members, friends, or a trusted adults that would be able to provide you with support or a safe place to stay. It is great that you thinking ahead. Should you feel like leaving home is best, it may be a good idea to think about how you will provide necessities for yourself such as food, clothing, showers, healthcare and other basic needs. You may want to also consider how your parent’s will react to you leaving without permission. We are not legal experts here, but typically as a minor (under the age of 1 you need permission from your parents to leave home. It is not illegal to runaway, but it would mean that your parents could file a runaway report with the police. This is usually done in an effort to try to return you home as the police are required to do so.

If you can give us a call at 1-800-RUNAWAY or reach out through Live Chat we can try to find some youth shelters that may be near your city and state by utilizing our database of resources. We can also try to call out to shelters with you or on your behalf to advocate for you.

Stay Strong,
NRS

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[Guest]

Hi im 12 years old my parents are always screaming at me and taking my other siblings sides. They make me do all the house work. They get mad at ne for everything even smiling. I want to run away or kill myself but im scared. I don't have money i cant get a job and most run aways go to juivie. Of course the police will take my parents sides their both nurses

[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 sounds like you’re quite overwhelmed by things at home right now. It sounds like you’re fearing that the situation may end in suicide if things don’t change. Your safety and well-being is important. If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255); www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org is also a great resource to reach out to in addition to our crisis services.
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. Running away is a status offence, not a criminal one. As such, running away alone is not usually enough to result in juvenile detention. Although, 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.
Often, having a safe space to share how you’re feeling may bring a variety of solutions previously not thought of. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. This may be an isolating and lonely time for you, but you are not alone in this. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time.
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).
We hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe and stay strong,
NRS