Family issues

[Guest]

I'm 17 and in DHS custody and i am currently placed in a group home. I have been wanting to run away from this place for quite some time now but i want yo continue my education If I run away am i able to finish school while on the run from DHS. I'll be 18 in 2 months.

[ccsmod15]

Hi,

Thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. We are glad that you have contacted us for help in this tricky situation, and hope to be of service to you.

It sounds like you are thinking about running away from your DHS group home. This is ultimately your decision and we hope to provide information that allows you to come to the right one for you. It is important you know that when a youth runs away before they are a legal adult, they may be reported to the police and the police may make a good faith effort to find them and bring them back to their guardian. Sometimes police are more lenient with youth that are very close to the age of legal majority, but this is not a hard and fast rule. If you are interested, we can provide you with your local non emergency police number so that you may call anonymously and ask how police in your area might respond to this situation. You may consider where you will go, how you will get there, and what you will do to survive once there. If you want support in figuring all this out, we encourage you to call us at anytime. Our number is 1800-RUN-AWAY.

Perhaps in calling us, you can also work through a coping plan to get through your last 2 months as a minor in your group home. You sound mature and bright, and we have faith that you will work this out In the best way you can. As we said we are always available to support you along the way. Good luck, and stay safe and strong.

Sincerely,
NRS