14 y/o in Massachusetts- legal resident of Fl

[Guest]

Legally, I live in florida, but my mom and I have lived in Massachusetts for two years. Is it true that I cannot be in dcf here? If so how can I get out of my mothers house. Sometimes I stay with friends however that is not stable and I feel bad. What do I do?

[ccsmod11]

(If you feel you are in immediate danger for any reason, please call the police or go to your local emergency room.)

Hi,

Thanks so much for reaching out. We’re not legal experts, but Florida residency would not prevent DCFS from getting involved in Massachusetts if needed.

It sounds like you might be having a tough time at home that makes you want to leave. If you feel safe to do so, we would encourage you to talk to your mom about how you’re feeling and tell her what is making you feel like you want to leave home.

If you are being abused at home, you can file an abuse report yourself against your mom and an investigation can be launched. No one would know you filed a report unless you tell them. Feel free to do some research on your own if you’re interested in learning more, or we would love to chat with you here at NRS to walk you through the process.

You mentioned that you sometimes stay with friends, even though it’s not stable. It’s great to hear that you have a network that can help you get through tough times, even if it’s not forever. If things get really bad at home and you need to leave but you can’t stay with a friend, there might be some youth shelters near you where you can stay. These can also help with counseling and case management. Again, feel free to research these on your own or contact us to find some.

We also want to stress how important self-care is during this time. Please reach out to your trusted support network for guidance and a listening ear, and practice hobbies that relax you. Maybe this is writing, watching a favorite TV show, or running around your neighborhood. Taking care of your mind and body will help you be better prepared to face your situation.

Thanks again for reaching out! We hope this helps. If you want more personalized help, you can reach out to us via online chat or by calling 1-800-RUNAWAY to talk to a live person privately. Best of luck!