if i runaway can my mom call the cops?

[ccsmod13]

Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out to NRS. This is a really great questions to ask and run away laws can get a bit confusing. Generally speaking, if you are under the age of 18 in most states, (21 for Mississippi and 19 in Alabama/Nebraska) and you leave home without permission then your legal guardian (your parent) can report you as a runaway. Running away is not illegal, but your mom can have the police return you home.

We are here 24/7 to be a support for you while you deal with this challenging situation. You can reach out by phone or chat anytime if you would like to talk more about your situation.

Be safe,
NRS

If I run away can my mom call the cops on me plz help me answer the question

[ccsmod6]

Hello and thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. We’re sorry to hear that your situation has gotten to the point where you feel like you need to leave. We would be happy to talk to you about running away and what that could look like and how to do it safely as well as other options you may have. To answer your question, the cops will ask why you ran away, but in most cases they will return you back home regardless of what you tell them. We can’t say for sure whether or not you would be able to live with your dad, but if you want to talk more about your situation then we could give you a better idea of what could happen. If you are interested in having that conversation or talking about what other options there might be, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-786-2929 or chat us at 1800runaway.org.

Take care,
NRS

Ok this is not a reply but I need to talk to someone. I want to live with my dad and my plan is too runaway. If the cops are called will they ask my why I ran away?? If I ran away then could I get to live with my dad

[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. It must be really hard to live in a home with so much tension. You mentioned that you had to skip 2 meals and were physically unable to eat the only meal offered that day. If your immediate needs (food, shelter, safety) aren't being met you can report this to child protective services. If you feel like this is an option you want to explore, you may find this website helpful: https://www.childhelp.org/child-abuse/.

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. Living on your own can also bring about many safety risks. You will need to consider ways that you can protect yourself from physical harm as well as the possibility of sexual and labor exploitation. This can all influence your decision to leave.

It seems like your parents aren't fully understanding you when you are trying to relay your thoughts and feelings about your current situation at home. It could be a good idea to work with a local family counselor or have a conversation mediated by a school counselor/social worker, 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 parents so you have a safe environment where you can express yourself.

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

A ton of stuff is going on in my family, I really want to run away. I did not eat breakfast or lunch today. I just went down for dinner, and my parents were eating Costco meatballs, which make me sick. They would not let me eat anything else. So now I'm in my room surviving on Halloween candy and cheetoes. I feel sick and want to throw up. My life sucks. My parents and the people around me are awful people. I can bearly remember anything anymore. I live in my head. I live in a different world. No one leaves me alone. I can't make friends. I can't live a life. I can't control anything. I feel like I'm losing my mind. I just want to go. I'm really depressed cause I just listened to Friend, Please by Twenty-One-Pilots and can't stop crying. My parents say I make them mad. That it's my fault. I never remember what happened, So I believe them. It's always my fault. Always all the time. But I know It's not me. But I have no memories to prove it. I haven't slept much for weeks now so I doubt that helps any.

I just want to get away from everyone yelling at me. I want to live a normal life. I want to run away, but after reading about all this stuff on these forums, I feel really guilty, but I really want to leave. What do I do?

[ccsmod15]

Hello! Thank you so much for reaching out, we appreciate you seeking help during this difficult time.

To begin with, you mentioned that your mom has gone through a lot in her past, and that there has been time when she has gotten physical with you. No one should have to endure any abuse whether it be physically, emotionally, or mentally. If you find yourself in that situation again, you may look into the possibility to reaching out to your local authorities, and let them know what’s been going on. The National child abuse hotline is a great resource as well to report abuse, and offers services to further better your recent situation, they can be reached anytime at 1800) 422-4453.

In the same way, you mentioned that you’re feeling depressed and are having suicidal thoughts. We care about your mental state as well, and wouldn’t want anything to happen to you. If you ever feel like you need to talk to someone about your depression, you may contact the substance abuse and mental health services hotline at 1800) 662-4357. Another option you could consider would be contacting the national alliance on mental illness at 1800) 950-6264. Furthermore, we understand that you have been trying to reach out for help, and the national suicide prevention hotline may also be another option to consider when you’re having suicidal thoughts, their number is 1800) 273-8255

Lastly, you said that you’re contemplating on leaving home when you turn 18, but are scared since you don’t know where you’ll end up at. We aren’t legal experts, but in most states anyone under 18 is considered a minor, and any legal guardians may file a runaway report with the authorities, and whoever harbors a runaway, may face some legal consequences. Since you’re planning on leaving when you’re 18, an option to explore would be to contact your local non-emergency number, and ask them what the laws and consequences are in your area if you leave home at 18. We want you to be safe, and if at any time you feel like that is at jeopardy, you may text the word safe and your location to 44357. The national safe place will text you a safe location, and a caseworker will be out to assist you. In the same way, you may want to talk to other family members in your area, and see if you could spend a couple of days with them. If you’re really considering on moving out on your own, and the legal age in your area to be considered an adult is anyone above 18, you can try applying for government housing as well as shelters. A great resource for that would be the homeless shelter directory at homelessshelterdirectory.org. The website is a great source for you to look up shelters in your area and contact information for them.

We hope that you can seek help from these options discussed, and want you to know that we care about your safety, you’re not alone in this battle. In fact, 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!

hi,
i live with my mom and she treats me like im nothing. my mother has a lot of mental issues, some of which i don't know about. she was molested as a child, in which i think she's gotten messed up from. she's always been a single mother of 4. we all have different fathers. and in april my oldest brother died. everyone is grown up And out of the house with children but im left here alone with her. its really hard sometimes. there's been times where she has gotten physical, the casual arm grab and sometimes her hand around my throat. nothing like that has happened since by brother passed but it still happened. she makes me feel like im worthless and like a nobody. she makes me feel less confident in my self and body. i find myself having suicidal thoughts constantly but i don't know what to do. ive been asking, no not even asking- telling. ive been telling her i need to see a therapist for about 2 years now And still im left without one. i have friends but they don't really know what im going through. i have nobody to tell or talk to about this. ill be turning 18 in january in which i can leave, but im scared. there's so many things that are holding me back to stay. i feel like i owe it to my grandparents to stay & help them since they're getting old. but i feel if i don't leave, i never will. she manipulates me into thinking everything my fault and gets angry if i simply don't do the dishes. she's been telling me she's so thrilled for me to turn 18 And move out since i was 13. i don't know what to do, i just lay here And cry and try to forget the fact that she does these things. i try to be nice to her and act like i care for her even though she dosent for me. is there anything i can do? could she get in trouble if i were to tell someone that im being mentally/emotionally abused. who would i even talk to about these kinda of things And how would i go about doing it. i have no where to go, i have no safe place and i feel like im trapped with her. i don't want to hurt myself but i don't know how to get out.

[ccsmod1]

Hey there,

Thanks so much for reaching out to us. We aren't legal experts here at NRS, but in general, once you turn 18 you are considered a legal adult and can live where you wish. The only exception to this is Nebraska and Alabama where you need to be 19 to be considered a legal adult, and Mississippi where you need to be 21. If for any reason you are unable to take care of yourself your parents can petition adult guardianship and need to be granted guardianship by a court. If you are currently under guardianship and not being taken care of in an appropriate manner, you can contact your state's Adult Protective Services agency.

Be safe,
NRS

I'm over 18 and I still have to live with my parents what's that called

[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. It must be really hard to live in a home with so much tension. Running away is a big decision and it can be very stressful to figure out what you want to do. We aren’t legal experts here at NRS, but generally speaking, if you do opt to leave your home your stepmom can file a runaway report, which is essentially a missing person report. Running away is a status offense; this means that it isn’t illegal, but it’s something you can’t do while still a minor. If a runaway report is filed and you are located by the authorities you will most likely be returned home. Runaway reports are entered into a national database and are only invalidated once the youth turns 18.

Generally speaking, most transportation companies (airlines, bus lines, etc.) will not let unaccompanied youth travel without a parent or adult chaperone. So, even if you are able to bring an ID like a passport you may not be given the opportunity to use it. 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. Living on your own can also bring about many safety risks. You will need to consider ways that you can protect yourself from physical harm as well as the possibility of sexual and labor exploitation. This can all influence your decision to leave.

It sounds like the tension between you, your sisters and your stepmom is making you very uncomfortable at home. It could be a good idea to work with a local family counselor or have a conversation mediated by a school counselor/social worker, 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 stepmom so you have a safe environment where you can express yourself.

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

Hello,

I am 11 and I want to runaway with my 13 year old friend. How long will I have on till I can’t go on a plane then my passport will give me away to the police. Do busses require a identification card or number? I have Two sisters about my age and they treat me like TRASH, my stepmom dose not care what so ever and my dad died and he was the only one that loved me.

I would love a reply, Thanks

[ccsmod6]

Hello and thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. Unless you are living in Alabama, Mississippi, or Nebraska, the age of majority is 18. That means that as soon as you turn 18 you have the right to decide where you live. Once you are the age of majority in your state the police cannot force you to live anywhere unless you are breaking the law. If you want to provide some more details about your situation, we would be happy to provide you with whatever information we have available. Please call us on our 24/7 hotline 1-800-786-2929 or chat us at 1800runaway.org.

Take care,
NRS

I’m turning 18 in a few days. I’m going on a trip with my friend and her parents. Can my mother report me as a runaway and if so will the cops come looking for me even if I turn 18?

[ccsmod10]

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.

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