16 in florida

[Guest]

Hello, this evening I “ran away” from my parents house because of many various things that have been happening at home. This is the second time that I have been forced out of home, the last time happened at a hotel, to which I had to go to the lobby and nobody cared to help me. This time, I was home and had to walk 7.5 miles before I found someone nice enough to let me borrow a phone so that I could call my grandparents so they could pick me up. My parents told me that they already have the police involved and notified of everything. However, I am scared to go back to my parents. Everyone that I have told my story to tells me that my stepfather is abusive and manipulative, including my grandparents. My mother is the same way, stepping over me and my mental health. I really do not want to go back, and everyone is telling me to call DCF, which would be the second time that my parents would have had DCF called on them. Everyone is telling me that I am being emotionally abused, and as I cannot stress enough, I DO NOT FEEL SAFE GOING BACK. My grandparents are very supportive of me and are willing to let me live with them. If the police were to come to find me, and if I told them that I do not feel safe going back, would they force me back anyways? What would happen, would I be able to stay with my grandparents? Would I be detained? I am not sure what to do, I just want someone to find me a way where I don’t have to go back to my parents’ house.

[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