Im 15 and I want to leave my house

[Guest]

I’m 14 and I want to leave this toxic place. I live with both of my parents and they are no support all all. I try to get a job to buy stuff for myself. They reject my decision. I want to live with someone who understands my emotions.

[ccsmod5]

Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out to us, we hope to help as best we can. It sounds like things have been a bit frustrating at home, you deserve to feel supported. Here is some information that may be helpful, 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.
The easiest way to leave home is with your parent/legal guardians permission. We understand that might be challenging, however, maybe there’s another family member, relative, or a family friend who could help to communicate how you’re feeling. The second way is through Child Protective Services if safety is a concern. Lastly, you can also look into emancipation options. In most states you need to be at least 16 to be considered and demonstrate that you can support yourself financially and independently. Emancipation often can be a lengthy process and may even cost some money for court fees. We would be happy to look into legal resources if that’s something you are considering.

Please reach out soon so that we may offer support and resources to you. Our number is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929).

Be safe,

NRS

[Guest]

My brother is 11 years old and he is regularly causes extreme pain and complications with my family... he constantly threatens me and his own life, finding any excuse to scream and cry. Even the simplest things such as telling him to do the dishes will send him into an intense tantrum that is extremely mentally draining. Multiple times he has tried to harm me physically and hit me. I know he is young but I think there is something very wrong with him. I don’t know what to do and I feel like if this situation is ignored, as he is so young, later on will become much much harder.

[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. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by email or bulletin for assistance. 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]

I am 15 and live in South Carolina and wanted to know if there is any way that I could leave home. My mom told me that if I can find a legal way without paper work to leave then I can. I plan on going home with one of my friends. Also if there any way I can get her parental right taken away she doesn't feed me and when she does it is not like she should. She is emotionally and mentally abusive. She also confines me to my room all day without light. Since she said that I can leave then can I just go.

[ccsmod15]

Hey,
Thank you for contacting NRS. What you’re going through sounds really difficult. You deserved to be loved and cared for by your family. At NRS we are not legal counsel so we cannot give you specific legal advice but generally, leaving home as a minor without paperwork is very difficult to do. However, if you want to chat us or call us at our NRS website we can provide more specific advice about shelters near you. We are here to help you find a safe place to stay. You mentioned staying with your friend as a possible option, but we do want to alert you that if you leave without parental consent your mom could file a runaway report and if you are found you could be returned home and your friend could be charged with harboring. In regards to your situation with your mom, if you would like to file an an abuse report you can do that by calling or chatting us at the NRS website we are available 24/7 and are here to help. Another possible option could be reaching out to any adults that you feel comfortable bringing this issue up with. We can also role play some conversations if you want to discuss the specifics about opening up to someone in your life. You deserve to be fed and respected in your household. If you would like to discuss the specifics of your plan and have more specific questions about your area please give us a chat or a call. We are here to help you. Thank you again for reaching out. Our website is: https://www.1800runaway.org/ and our number is
1-800-786-2929 and we are 24/7

Wishing you the best,
NRS

[Guest]

Okay so I have nowhere to go and I don't know what to do

[ccsmod5]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to us, we hope to help as best we can. If your thinking of leaving home while being under 18, its important you know some key info. 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.

If you're not sure where to go we can try and help you find some local shelter and resources in your area. Please reach out soon so that we may offer you our support! . Our number is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929).

Be safe,

NRS

[Guest]

I've been struggling a lot, my mom makes me feel worthless and i've been hurting mentally and emotionally. She's never hit me but she's always threatening to break my phone, it's been too much and i want to leave home ( I'm 15) my grandma says she'll be happy to take care of me, but im scared that my mom will do something irrational and make my life even worse. I really don't want to live with her anymore my life has only been a living hell. What should i do?

[ccsmod15]

Hi there and thank you for reaching out to NRS through our forum. It takes a tremendous amount of strength to do so and be vulnerable, especially when you are experiencing a lot of mental and emotional instability at home. You most definitely do not deserve to be threated in this way, especially by your mother in your home, a place that ought to be a safe space for you where you feel understood and supported. If your grandma is willing to take you in that might be an option, however, so that you are aware, it is very possible that your mother can file a runaway report on you with the police and this means that if they do locate you at your grandmother’s, they can return you home to your mother. If you think it would be helpful to maybe have us facilitate a conversation between you and your mother about how you have been feeling as well as your desire to live with your grandmother, we would be happy to help you. Another option might be to have your grandmother talk to your mom about your plan. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us directly at 1-800-RUNAWAY or 1(800) 786-2929. We are here to listen and help to the best of our ability 24/7.

[Guest]

Im nearly 15-years-old and Im verbally abused my all my family members - including both parents and three siblings that physically abuse me too - becuase of this I’ve been extremely suicidal and I’ve nearly killed myself on multiple occasions but my family doesn’t want me to seek help. I’ve been finding ways to stay away from my family but becuase of lockdown in my country I can’t go anywhere. My friends family has offered to take me in for as long as I need and I really want to leave this house but I don’t want to get the cops called and be classified as a runaway.

Should I ask my parents if I could leave just for a bit, let them cool down for like a couple of weeks or… what, please help me.

[ccsmod9]

Thanks for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. It appears that you are living in a very toxic environment which is very unfortunate for you. You indicated in your message that you are in a country that is in lockdown currently so while we would like to assist you, everything that we would recommend is for the United States.



Being suicidal is a very serious situation and if you feel you need help, you should seek it.

Again, not knowing what country you are living in, there are international Suicide Hotlines for the majority of countries which you can find by googling www.opencounseling.com. Regarding running away, we recommend looking into the laws in your country as to when police are contacted and if adults who harbor minors run the risk of getting into legal trouble. Finally, in the US there are Transitional Living Programs available for minors who are better suited living away from home in a protected environment. Perhaps you can do research on the internet to see if there are TLP opportunities available in your country as well.



Thanks again for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. Hopefully we have given you a couple of opportunities to investigate in order to better deal with your current living situation. We are available 24/7 should you want to reach out again either via phone at 1-800-786-2929 or thru www.1800runaway.org should you want to use our chat format. Good Luck!

[Guest]

I'm 15 and I want move out and go with my dad but he works a lot h

Hi my name is Ava and I could really use some help my family got into a big fight the other night because I told my grandmother who was visiting that my great grandmother was being harsh over my room being "dirty" and they got physical and then my great grandmother had the guts to say under her breath she hated me and I basically I being guilt tripped because they were bring up about my mother and what she did to them and said my great grandmother loves me honestly I think she is horrible. I regret moving here with them and I don't wanna live here anymore but of Course before this all happened my aunt got guardianship and now I live with her I want to be with my dad or someone else honestly and yes maybe I did overreact but my family expect for my dad as far as I know are bat ******** crazy ass people but I also don't wanna just jump and hell I'm not talking to them about wanting to leave because then they will think because of what happened but honestly my great grandmother said she hated me under her breath and I that was the last straw but Ive wanted to leave for MONTHS but I want a legal team or a school counselor (cuz I'm going to school Tomorrow) so I can have a plan and they can't say ******** even with my aunt having guardianship also I kinda wanted to do this without my family knowing until I have everything laid out and I can leave without any problems. I really don't care as long as I have a place to stay even if it's till my dad can figure out a plan to take me or if my grandma can come get me but honestly they will think I'm a backstabber and bring up what she has to my mother to make me feel guilty and honestly I wasn't feeling an empathy but I put a face up I wanted to say "Shirley (my great grandmother) along with you aunt Stephanie are a bunch of crazy ass people and blame me talking my grandma about how I was feeling in the car you say get my feelings out but when comes to talking to her you guys get all pissy and you all can hate me and mom can hate me but ******** you all and go to hell" I would said that if I was leaving right after but I wasn't all I'm saying is I want a place to stay other than here and I'm going to school and I'm going to my school counselor because I'm done playing nice I want to get the hell outta my household there a bunch of **********es and I don't want part and if my sister wants to stay fine but I'm done screw them and my so called "loving great grandma" she a crazy ********** and I will take to my grave.

[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 like your home life has gotten chaotic and you're interested in leaving home to live with your dad.
Everyone deserves to be treated with love and respect within their home. If you are under 18 leaving home without parental permission can be tricky. While running away is not illegal, your parent/guardian may file you as a runaway which means that if you are caught you will have to return home. Also, those you stay with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. It sounds like you are reaching out to the adults at your school for help. It's great that you have these resources to support you during this time.
If you would like to reach out to us to discuss your legal options, feel free to call or chat anytime. We are available 24/7.
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 16 in Oct. Parents going through custody. I live w father and want to live w mother. What can I do

[ccsmod16]

Hi,
Thank you for reaching out; we are glad that you did. It's understandable that you want to have a say in where you live. You might want to communicate this to your mom and she should be able to arrange through her lawyer to have you speak with the judge to express your wishes.
If the judge finds that you mom is able to support you financially they do take your wishes into account. We hope this helps. If you need us again, please reach out to our live chat through this website, or call at 1-800-786-2929.
Best of luck to you,
NRS

[Guest]

im 15 and want to leave home, because my parents have been abusing me since i was a toddler. My boyfriend has offered for me to come live with him but i dont turn 16 for another year, i cant be emancipated yet. help me.

[ccsmod2]

Hello There,

Thank you for reaching out to The National Runaway Safeline, we are here to help and here to listen. It sounds like you are going through a difficult time and we want you to know that you are not alone.

You do not deserve to be abused in any type of way and we are sorry that you have had to go through that. You do have a right to file an abuse report and there are a few ways you can go about doing that. One option to consider would be to call Child Help at 1800-422-4453. You can also talk with a teacher or school counselor, and because they are mandated reporters they would be able to file a report. You can also call or chat with us and we can help you with making a report.

We are not legal experts but if you do leave home without permission it is a possibility you could be brought back home. You can reach out to us and we can explore other options.

We hope this information will be helpful in your situation. If you have any other questions or would like to explore more options please give us a call. We are available 24/7 to listen and provide support.
NRS

[Guest]

I’m 15 an I want to go live with my sister

ok so I went to go wash my dogs because my mom told me to and I couldn’t find their towel so I went in my moms room an looked in her closet she had 2 packs of edibles and 2 blunts beside her hookah in her closet so I’m 15 obviously I wanna try it so I take it and put it in my room not the hookah tho that’s still there so I still can’t find the dogs towel so she goes in my room and finds the stuff that I took from her and she starts going crazy she tore up my whole room an she made me pack all my clothes but she hasn’t kicked me out yet I have this phone that my sister gave me because she know that our mom is crazy and she told me to only use this if I really needed to then she says she is gonna cut all of my hair off and I said I don’t want my hair cut not loud and I haven’t cussed at her once she starts pulling my hair and hitting me with the belt all over my body and I didn’t go to sleep till like 2 in the morning because I was scared to go to sleep because she said she was gonna kill me in my sleep then she said do not touch anything in her kitchen unless she says I can she won’t let me wear any clothes that she bought I have 1 outfit and I have been wearing it for 4 days she won’t let me leave the house or take a shower the only time I eat is when she is sleeping and I told my sister but she doesn’t even know what to do

[ccsmod2]

Hello There,

Thank you for reaching out to The National Runaway Safeline, we are here to help and here to listen. It sounds like you are going through a difficult time and we want you to know that you are not alone.

We are sorry to hear that you are going through all of this, what you have described sounds like it could possibly be abuse and neglect. You do have a right to make a report and there are a few ways you can go about making a report. One option would be to speak with a school counselor or teacher, because they are mandated reporters they would be able to help you with making a report. Another option would be to call Child Help: 1800-422-4453 and they would be able to help you with a report. Lastly, you can always call or chat with us and we can help you with making a report and exploring your options.

We hope that this information will be helpful to you in your situation, if you have any other questions or would like to explore more options please call or chat with us. We are available to help and provide support to you 24/7.
NRS

[Guest]

Hello, four months ago I moved out of my single mothers home because of verbal, emotional abuse along with her being physically threatening. She struggles with mental health issues and was not stable. While she was in a mental hospital I opened up about what had really been happening in my home and a legal informant made the decision to call CPS with me. 2 months ago the case was closed under very suspicious circumstances. I am 15 and am worried my time in the family friends home I have been staying at is running out. I am scared to go back home because while my mother is getting help, I don’t believe she is doing it for the right reasons. I was curious what are my options besides going back to my mothers house. I have no family or friends who can take me in besides who I live with now and I am worried that could end any minute. I have no control because I am a minor even though I am the victim. Are they homes or other places I can live instead of my mothers house, I won’t run away because I know that is dangerous but living with her again is also dangerous.

[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.
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]

I am 15 and my parents are restricting me in every way. They are very very wealthy and buy me expensive jewelry but do not want me to buy snacks or food, and when I buy myself food, they call me a spoiled b****. My dad talks about how he wants to hit me so bad but he never does he just yells, and so does my mom. I used to have a lot of things I like, and now I have nothing. My phone has a time limit so I cannot contact my friends or hang out with them. I am not allowed to have social media for the rest of the YEAR. My parents give me no privacy, constantly looking through my phone and harassing me about drugs and alcohol when I have not been drinking or doing any kind of drugs. I have a family friend who lives in California, and I truly would be happier with her. She is 30, but I also have other families there who are older and would house me. I feel like leaving to go live with someone else would fix all my problems. I want to leave my parents and live with someone else. Is this legal??

[ccsmod15]

Hello there,



Thank you so much for taking the time to share a little bit about what you have been going through at home with us at the National Runaway Safeline. It takes a lot of courage to reach out and ask for help, you are very brave for doing so.



We are so sorry to hear that your parents have been treating you this way. It does not sound healthy for them to be so controlling, you deserve your own safe space where you are free to do as you like without someone constantly watching over you.



Perhaps it would be helpful to sit down and talk with your parents, about the way that they make you feel. If you do not feel comfortable talking with them on your own, we offer a service where we can have a three way call with you and your parent where we will mediate the call and make sure that you are heard and supported. It can also help sometimes to write how you are feeling out in a letter and then give it to your parents for them to read everything without you being interrupted.



It sounds like you have other family members that could be willing to help you out, which is great to hear that you have a surrounding support system! While we are not legal experts, legally if you are under the age of 18 you would be under your guardian’s supervision. If you decided to leave home before then without your parents’ permission, they could file a runaway report with the police. Running away is not a crime, but it is a status offense. What this means is that if the police were to find you, they could return you to your parents. If you are able to get your parents’ permission to go live with your family members in California or with your family friend, that would also be an optimal scenario.



If you have any further questions or would like to discuss your situation in depth, you can reach out to us at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or chat us at www.1800runaway.org, you can click on the chat button. We are available 24/7 and are always here to listen!



Be safe,

NRS

[Guest]

I hate living with my grandma can I leave

[ccsmod2]

Hello There,

Thank you for reaching out to The National Runaway Safeline, we are here to help and here to listen. It sounds like you are going through a difficult time, we are glad that you reached out.

We are sorry to hear that you do not like living with your grandma, we are not legal experts but we do have some information. If you are a minor (under 1 and leave your legal guardian can file a runaway report. If the police were to find you, they most likely would bring you back home.
We can help you talk about options and we are here if you just need someone to vent to. We are available by phone or by chat 24/7. Best of luck!
NRS

[Guest]

I’m 15 and I have to get out. They are emotionally draining. I cant do this anymore it’s not fair. I have a bf and i can’t hangout with him. My sisters are way more privileged. They call me names like a hoe and loose booty. I want out now. My bf said i could live with him and i’m actually considering it. I’m loved here but i don’t feel safe anymore. They took my phone so now i have no communication with those i love. They stopped talking to me, they tease me, they basically bully me into telling them my business. I want out of this manipulative household now. Can you help me before i go ?

[ccsmod0]

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 in your house. 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. This is something you may want to speak with your bf's parents. For more specifics on the law, the local non-emergency police or legal aid may better answer legal questions.
The easiest way to leave home is with your parents' permission. We understand that might be challenging, however, maybe there’s another family member, relative, or a family friend who could help to communicate how you’re feeling to your parents. The second way is through Child Protective Services if safety is a concern. Lastly, you can also look into emancipation options. In most states you need to be at least 16 to be considered and demonstrate that you can support yourself financially and independently. Emancipation often can be a lengthy process and may even cost some money for court fees. We would be happy to look into legal resources if that’s something you are considering.
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 would like to look into further emotional support options, you can text with a crisis worker at the National Alliance on Mental Illness 24/7 by texting "NAMI" to 741741.
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 15 and planning to run away I'm so tired of my parents.. my whole childhood being mistreated I was sexually molested by my uncle and no one believed me I was publicly humiliated by my mom I'm so tired I just wanna go how can I leave my home I mean my dad cut me with a knife on my leg and another time he hit me in my face and my nose began to bleed. I am going to runaway I'm mentally physically tired of them.

[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.
You mentioned wanting to know how you can leave home before turning 18. The easiest way to leave home is with your parent’s permission. We understand that might be challenging, however, maybe there’s another family member, relative, or a family friend who could help to communicate how you’re feeling to your parent. The second way is through Child Protective Services if safety is a concern. Lastly, you can also look into emancipation options. In most states you need to be at least 16 to be considered and demonstrate that you can support yourself financially and independently. Emancipation often can be a lengthy process and may even cost some money for court fees. We would be happy to look into legal resources if that’s something you are considering.
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.
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.
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