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Thank you for sharing you situation with us at the National Runaway Switchboard. It sounds like you’ve been dealing with a lot at home. We are sorry to hear that your dad hits you when he gets mad. No one deserves to be treated that way. It sounds like you had to grow up quickly after your mom started doing drugs and attempted suicide. That sounds like a lot to handle, especially at age 12. You’ve mentioned talking to lots of people and trying everything, but nothing has worked. What do you think would work? If you do find a way to call us, we can try going over some other options. We can also offer resources for runaway shelters, counseling, and can assist in filing abuse reports – if you feel these might be options for you.
Here are some National resources you might find helpful.
Child Help USA: 1-800-422-4453 They don’t actually take abuse reports, but they can direct you to where you can in your area.
Administration of Children and Families: Here is a link where you can look for different kinds of runaway and homeless services (including shelters) by state.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb/co ... locate.htm
Al – Anon/ Alateen: They offer support to children and families who have someone in their family that drinks or uses drugs.
http://www.al-anon.alateen.org
In spite of the difficulties at home that you share, you’re boyfriend sounds like a positive influence in your life. He sounds incredibly supportive and it must be hard having your parents keep you from him. What are some other outlets for you? Even if you are unable to leave home, some people find things like reading, writing, drawing, music, etc. helpful to clear their minds.
You mention concerns over going to jail when you get found if you run away. We are not legal experts; however, generally speaking running away is just a status offense. What this means is that you are not able to do something as long as you are considered a minor (which is usually anyone under the age of 18.) Even if your parents file you as a runaway and the police do come across you, they normally just send you back home. Some exceptions might be if you have committed any other crimes or if you feel unsafe at home. In those cases, it is possible that you might be detained at a juvenile detention center or in the case where you feel unsafe or tell of abuse, the police may get Child Protective Services (CPS) involved.
We encourage you to call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY. We can be reached 24/7 and are anonymous and confidential. You can even call us toll-free from any payphone if you are having a hard time calling from home. We wish you the best of luck and hope you are able to remain safe at home.
-NRS
Here are some National resources you might find helpful.
Child Help USA: 1-800-422-4453 They don’t actually take abuse reports, but they can direct you to where you can in your area.
Administration of Children and Families: Here is a link where you can look for different kinds of runaway and homeless services (including shelters) by state.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb/co ... locate.htm
Al – Anon/ Alateen: They offer support to children and families who have someone in their family that drinks or uses drugs.
http://www.al-anon.alateen.org
In spite of the difficulties at home that you share, you’re boyfriend sounds like a positive influence in your life. He sounds incredibly supportive and it must be hard having your parents keep you from him. What are some other outlets for you? Even if you are unable to leave home, some people find things like reading, writing, drawing, music, etc. helpful to clear their minds.
You mention concerns over going to jail when you get found if you run away. We are not legal experts; however, generally speaking running away is just a status offense. What this means is that you are not able to do something as long as you are considered a minor (which is usually anyone under the age of 18.) Even if your parents file you as a runaway and the police do come across you, they normally just send you back home. Some exceptions might be if you have committed any other crimes or if you feel unsafe at home. In those cases, it is possible that you might be detained at a juvenile detention center or in the case where you feel unsafe or tell of abuse, the police may get Child Protective Services (CPS) involved.
We encourage you to call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY. We can be reached 24/7 and are anonymous and confidential. You can even call us toll-free from any payphone if you are having a hard time calling from home. We wish you the best of luck and hope you are able to remain safe at home.
-NRS
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