I'm 14 can I stay with a friend

[Guest]

I live in a very bad environment my parents yell at me and are treating me like I am there slaves and I don't what to live with my mom or dad they are divorced and I just don't what to stay with them and they have been to jail lost of times except my grandpa and I live with him and I don't what to

[ccsmod15]

Hello,

Thanks ever so much for reaching out to us. We are so sorry that things with your parents have been so tough. It's really brave to reach out for support, and we want you to know that we are here for you. It sounds like you have questions about where you might be able to live. Although we cannot tell you what to do, we will do our best to share information that might help you figure out your next steps.

We are not legal experts, but from what we understand, if you are considered a minor in your state, your parent or legal guardian must give consent for you to live anywhere outside of their care. In your message, you mention that your parents are divorced. You may need to approach both of your parents to ask for consent if you would like to live outside of their homes. If you would like to live with a friend and are concerned about talking to your parents alone, it may help to have the parents of the friend that you would like to live with accompany you, so that you can call discuss the living arrangement and how long you would stay with your friend and their family. If you have questions about how to approach your parents, or if you'd like a neutral party to help you talk to them, please feel free to reach out to us. We also offer conference calls between youth and their parents/legal guardians, so that may be another option that can help mediate a conversation with your parents.

Whatever you decide, know that we are here to support you. We cannot tell you what to do, but we will do our best to help you stay as safe as possible as you figure out your next steps. Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button). We are here to listen, here to help. Stay safe!

-NRS