14, In Florida, Planning to runaway. Is this legal?

[Guest]

Hi so ive never done this before. But since i was 10 ive always thougt about running away but now im very ready to. The only reason thats holding be back this second is because of my siblings. I asked my dad if i could live woth him but for 1 his step son sexually abused me and i cant be near them. And he blames me for the situation anyways. Same thing with my uncle. Anyways. I dont want this to stay on my record and would i still be able to do school while gone? I do homeschool anyways. The thing is she just has me take care of her own kids when eere struggling to pay bills. Im struggling to do school because of everything else im doing and shes pregnat. When were really not able to afford another child. And it willbe another for me to take care of. And she screams and has he fits and there not ok. Theres been many times her husband has threatend to call the cops on her. Then the next minute she wants to act like your friend. I have people i can stay with and that there parents are okay with it for a couple of weeks. But i cant be in hiding for long. So is there a certain amount of time that the police stop looking?? And just end up not careing? I really need help. Ive had an attemp to suicide an i got better but now im feeling like im goibg down that path. Yes weve done family counceling. She even goes to a psypsychologist but she thinks everything bends for her. Its hard.

[ccsmod1]

Hey there,

Thanks so much for contacting us, it takes a lot of courage to reach out and share your story. It must be really hard to live in a home with so much tension. Running away is a big decision and it can be very stressful to figure out what you want to do.

You mentioned some behavior and household conditions that raise concern for your safety and well-being. If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately. If any harm or abuse is happening at home, you have the right to report it. If you feel like this is an option you want to explore, you may find this website helpful: https://www.childhelp.org/child-abuse/. We can also help you to file a report if that’s the route you are considering. It may also be a good idea to explore options for staying with another family member or someone you trust as far as transferring custody.

You said that you have previously attempted suicide and are worried that you’re going down that path once again. We care a lot about your safety, and we can help you find resources that can help you cope with these feelings. You do not have to face this alone, and there is so much help out there for you. If you are thinking about hurting yourself, the National Suicide Hotline could be a good resource for you. You can check them out at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/, or you can call 1-800-273-8255 for help and support any time.

If you’d like to go over what’s going on in depth, or if you’d like to explore other options that you may have available to you, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY. You can also chat us by clicking on the “CHAT” button on top of our homepage. We’re open 24/7 and here to listen and support you in any way we can.

All the best,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi..
i live in florida and i have been thinking about running away for a long time. My dad has sexually harrassed me since i could remember and after other family members were told they just told him not to do it again. Which he still does. My aunt and i always argue for seemingly nothing and she has started to get to the point where she just does stuff to make my life a living hell. She once got so mad she started hitting me in the car as hard as she could. My grandpa has anger issues and smokes weed alot and he says the most hurtful stuff out of nowhere. My grandma when she gets mad at me compares me to my mother alot and tells me to pray that he fuxes the mental issues in my head.. Even though i don't believe in god. I live with my grandparents and my aunt and my dad visits. My mom is no where to be seen amd i also live with 2 brothers. I've also have been depressed for 2 years and no one will allow me to go to a therapist or get help because they don't want to get in trouble. I have attempted suicide 3 times and if i stay here i will again.

I have a friend who's mom will let me stay there for as long as i need to. I just want to know how can i get a job without being traced or anything? Will it be safe to text my brothers from different numbers once in a while? Also how can i enroll for online schooling without getting traced. Is it possible? I have around $100 saved up and a guaranteed place to stay. I just need those questions answered before i go through with this.. (I live in fl)

please and thank you

[ccsmod1]

Hey there,

Thanks so much for contacting us, it takes a lot of courage to reach out and share your story. It sounds like home is an unsafe and stressful environment and it must be really hard to live in a place with so much tension. Running away is a big decision and it can be very stressful to figure out what you want to do.

You mentioned some things about your dad, aunt, and grandfather's behavior that raises some concern for your well-being. Absolutely no one deserves to be abused in any way. If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately. If any harm or abuse is happening at home, you have the right to report it. If you feel like this is an option you want to explore, you may find this website helpful: https://www.childhelp.org/child-abuse/. We can also help you to file a report if that’s the route you are considering. It may also be a good idea to explore options for staying with another family member or someone you trust as far as transferring custody.

You mentioned that you have tried to commit suicide 3 times before and have not been able to get any kind of mental health help. We care a lot about your safety, and we can help you find resources that can help you cope with these feelings. You do not have to face this alone, and there is so much help out there for you. If you are thinking about hurting yourself, the National Suicide Hotline could be a good resource for you. You can check them out at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/, or you can call 1-800-273-8255 for help and support any time. If you’d like some additional support, an organization that may be helpful is the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). You can contact them by calling 1-800-950-NAMI or you can text them by sending NAMI to 741741.

At the beginning of your post, you said that your dad has been engaging in inappropriate sexual behavior for many years. You do not deserve to have this happen to you, and we believe and support you. You are a survivor and that means that you have a great strength and resilience inside you. It can be really hard to deal with this alone and sometimes it’s helpful to reach out to additional agencies for support. One really great resource for all survivors of sexual assault or abuse is RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network). You can call them any time 24/7 at 1-800-656-4673, or go to www.rainn.org to use their online hotline. RAINN is the National Sexual Assault Hotline and has a lot of services, support, and resources that you may find helpful.

If you’d like to go over what’s going on in depth, or if you’d like to explore other options that you may have available to you, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY. You can also chat us by clicking on the “CHAT” button on top of our homepage. We’re open 24/7 and here to listen and support you in any way we can.

Stay safe,
NRS

[Guest]

So i'm currently in ***** County, NY and I've had enough with the constant bull. My mother is annoying and provocative. Today while in an ER room she starts putting her foot on my bed and I told her to stop she responds aggressively and then I respond aggressively too, it advanced to the point where now were screaming at each other's faces, shes pissed my off like this so many times before I cant even count and my father is not as bad, but as soon as I bring up of how much school isn't important we get in a shouting match with him saying multiple times in Bosnian "ill choke you" im pretty sure its all just words and im not scared but sometimes i guess i feel like it might lead to that. And school is a living hell and the main root of the problems caused between me and my father, and when I say living hell, im at the point id rather die (and have envisioned me dying) than stay at school, its just a combination of things which on their own are horrible but together just kill me inside. I've told myself before not to forgive them and i eventually i do. But now I honestly want to get out of here. Im not comfortable talking to them about this problem with them but have no issue talking with others without them knowing. I don't like telling them about my mental health and I dont like them seeing me sad, happy or excited. Its horrible but it is what it is. What do i do? I'm only 13 and I know people will say you're going through a rebellious teenager phase but I actually got out of that phase, no joke, and now life has gone. I need someone, what do I do?

[ccsmod7]

Hi there, thanks for reaching out today. Sounds like things in the ER room really escalated into a shouting match today with your mom, and things have been difficult with your dad. It's not okay at all that he threatens to choke you when you are arguing about school. That sounds pretty scary and it's understandable that you are not feeling comfortable opening up to them about your mental health.

You mentioned that you wold rather die than continue to stay at school. It takes a lot of strength to reach out for help, and we are so glad that you did. Your life has worth and our top priority is your safety. If you feel this is an emergency you could consider calling 911 for emergency assistance. We are here to listen and support you in any way that we can, and we can help you find resources that can help you cope with these feelings. You do not have to face this alone, and there is so much help out there for you. If you are thinking about hurting yourself, the National Suicide Hotline could be a good resource for you. You can check them out at www.youmatter.suicidepreventionlifeline.org, or you can call 1-800-273-8255 for help and support any time. You can also call us 24/7 at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) if you need to talk.

If you haven't already, you might try to see if online schooling could be an option for you since it sounds like going to school is really hard for you. If your parents are too hard to approach about online school, maybe you can talk to a school counselor or teacher who can help you talk to them about what those possible options are.

Please do not hesitate to call or chat us if you would like to talk in more detail, or if you are looking for additional help: 1-800-RUNAWAY; www.1800runaway.org. We are here for you.

Best,

NRS

[Guest]

I am transgender and pansexual my mother refuses to accept this and I am not getting the support I need. My Mema is supportive of me surprising considering the generation she g

[Guest]

I'm 15, In Florida, Planing to runaway, is it illegal?

Hi, so . . . My parents ever since I was in the second grade have been telling me that I'm worthless, a mistake, and their biggest regret, and that their life would've never gone wrong if I had never came a long.

That hurts it really does, and I have tried running away before but didn't bc I didnt want to leave my siblings but everytime I try to help them it gets worse so. And my mom will always tell at me saying "oh if you never came along then we would treat these guys (kids) better!" Like for real what the heck they are defenseless kids that didn't do anything to you.

CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME ?????

[ccsmod1]

Hey there,

Thanks so much for reaching out and sharing a little bit about what’s been going on, we know that it takes a lot of courage. It must be really hard to live in a home with so much tension. Your parents shouldn't be saying such callous things to you and it makes sense that you'd feel unhappy at home because of it. Running away is a big decision and it can be very stressful to figure out what you want to do.

We aren’t legal experts here at NRS, but generally speaking, if you do opt to leave your home your parents can file a runaway report, which is essentially a missing person report. Running away is a status offense; this means that it isn’t illegal, but it’s something you can’t do while still a minor. If a runaway report is filed and you are located by the authorities you will most likely be returned home.

It sounds like your parents don't quite understand how much of an impact their words have. It could be a good idea to work with a local family counselor or have a conversation mediated by a school counselor/social worker, trusted friend, or family member to help clear the air. If you'd like, you can also call us directly and we can conduct a conference call with your parents so you have a safe environment where you can express yourself.

If you’d like to go over what’s going on in depth, or if you’d like to explore other options that you may have available to you, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY. You can also chat us by clicking on the “CHAT” button on top of our homepage. We’re open 24/7 and here to listen and support you in any way we can.

Stay safe,
NRS

[Guest]

I'm 15 about to turn 16 in April. My parents are toxic, they don't believe in counseling and today is my moms birthday.



so today and the past week almost I've been having countless arguments and fights with my dad. It's been like that all my life. One minute I can talk to him and the next minute I'm crying because he wants to be a butthead. He yells at me and calls me names. He does the same with my sister and my mom. But my mom doesn't do anything. My dad is also selfish and mad everyday. Sometimes I would scar myself cause I was too scared to actually cut myself cause of the pain I've been thru. I have no one to talk to about my problems cause none of them see eye to eye with me . even my sister who sees this and acts like it's all okay. I dream to leave but I only stay because I have no money and no where else to go. The rest of my family are trash too.


I was hoping on getting answers on what to do about it since I really do want to leave.

[ccsmod9]

Thank you for contacting NRS. We know that you are going through some really hard times and we are sorry that you are going through them. If you are trying to get help please know that you can reach out to us and we can help report the abuse. As far as running away from home the legal age of becoming an adult is 18. If you are under 18 and runaway it Is not illegal for you to runaway but your parents have the right to file a runaway report and have the police look for you. Anyone who houses you might be charged with harboring a runaway.
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 email 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

[Guest]

Hi I'm 14 and I live in Florida


I've been planning on running away for a few days now and I'm planning on doing it


My reasons why I want to run away is my mom doesn't really care about me I've been diagnosed with paranoia so it's hard for me to sleep at night so I really get enough sleep and when I wake up in the morning to go to school I'm tired my mom knows I'm diagnosed she always says you're just delusional and she doesn't really care about my health she's always forcing me to do something and whenever we come back home it's like I never exist she pays more attention to my little sister I just wished I had a better life than what I have now...
----
Hi I'm 14 and I live in the United States in *****

I've been wanting to run away for a few days now, and I'm actually considering on doing it...

The reason why I want to run away is refuses to help me with my paranoia and sleep paralysis I'm paranoid of many things at night it's like I see shadows but my mom says I'm just delusional and she blocks me out so I barely get enough sleep and I'm always tired at school.


And I also deal with a lot of stress and anxiety my dad left me years ago and I felt like he ran away because of me or something so I'm kind of depressed time to time also another thing my mom always goes me about questions when I tell her I need help with my homework she's like do it yourself hook it up online it's very frustrating and when I get all A's on my report card she doesn't seem surprise.


but when it comes to my little sister she's all there for it she's there for her she helps her with her homework she does her hair she does her make up she makes her look pretty she buys her things and she never does that for me it feels like I'm being neglected ignored and ghost.


I just don't know what to do anymore.....

[ccsmod3]

Hey there. Thanks for reaching out to us here at NRS. We know that it can take a lot of courage to reach out for support, and we're glad you took that step. It sounds like you're having a tough time right now, and we're sorry to hear that.

When working through paranoia, stress, anxiety and/or depression, it can be helpful to have someone to talk to, like a therapist or a social worker. Not only are they safe people to talk to, but they can also help provide you with the tools and resources you might need to cope with some of the challenges you're experiencing--even in developing a better relationship with your mom. If therapy is something that you're open to, feel free to reach out to us for referrals to some professionals nearby that might be able to help. You can also try touching base with a teacher or going directly to a school social worker for support.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is also a resource that might be worth reaching out to for support, resources, or just for someone to talk to. You can reach them by calling 800-950-6264 or by texting "NAMI" to 741741, which is their crisis text line.

If you'd like to chat more about what's going on at home, how you're feeling, or talk through some of your options, know that we're here. You can reach us directly by calling 1-800-RUNAWAY or through our live chat at www.1800runaway.org. We're available 24/7, and are always happy to listen, and to help.

Take care.

NRS

[Guest]

14) runaway
hi, i want to know if i runaway would anyone in my family be in trouble?

my life in my house has gotten worse since ive been getting older. i feel like i have some mental promblems and i told my brother about them because i cant really trust my parents. and my brother told my mom and my mom never believes anything we say to her. she just yells at us and says she doesnt yell at us. but when i try to talk to her about it she yells ay me for it and says there s nothing wrong with me and i need to stop listening to my friends. i have recently got discord so i could talk to my friends and meet new people, but my dad found out due to my brother. and my dad took my phone and i almost lost it for good. i am scared they will take my phone because at this point my phone is my only happpienss in this hell hole called home.

im just scared of when the next time my parents will yell at me. i dont really feel safe here at home and i dont have a place to go. im also scared if i get caught running away or get found when im gone they will yell at me and take everything away from me. im sorry for asking and bothering you with my problems and sorry for saying sorry...(i may have spelled a few things wrong sorry)

[ccsmod5]

Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out to us, we understand it can take a lot to take that first step and we are glad you did. We hope to help as best we can. It sounds like things have been overwhelming at home, you mentioned having thought about running away and might have some questions. In most states, 18 years old is generally the age that an individual may leave home without permission from their parent or legal guardian. We are not legal experts here but we can speak in general terms. If you are under 18 and leave home without permission, your parent/guardian can file a runaway report with the police. What actions the police take once you are filed as a runaway can vary a lot from state to state and even city to city so we cannot predict exactly what would happen in your case. Generally speaking, if you encounter a police officer while reported as a runaway, you will likely be returned home. However, in that case there may be services (family counseling, etc.) available to you as a youth in crisis/runaway but again, police procedures related to offering those services can be different based on your location or the details of your situation. Another thing to consider is that while running away is not a crime, a legal adult who allows you to stay with them may be putting themselves at risk for being charged with harboring a runaway. One way to find out the laws in your area is to call your local police non-emergency number and ask what their policies are regarding runaway youth.
You also mentioned a few things that may or may not sound like your experiencing emotional abuse, which may be reportable against your parents. Please keep in mind you by no means deserve any type of abuse, emotional or otherwise. Unfortunately, emotional abuse is often harder to provide evidence for compared to physical abuse which is often what CPS relies on when conducting an abuse investigation. That said, we can’t be 100% sure what the outcome will be if your local CPS decides to open a case based on what you share. Sometimes CPS decides to remove minors from the home and other times they offer services such as family counseling or mediation instead. The only way to know the outcome might be to reach out to them directly and if you’re ready to do that we are here to help you through that process. Reaching out to Child Help USA at 1-800-422-4453 or www.childhelp.org may help to get a better understanding of what may happen before and after a report is made.
We hope this helps. Please reach out if we can offer any further support.

Be safe,
NRS