Can A Runaway Attend School?

[Guest]

I’ve been a runaway for 3 going on 4years I’m 16 now when I was 13 I talked to the children services in my state called ocs they have 1/5 star rating I haven’t been in school in a very long time and all I want to do is go to school but I do not want to stay with my mother and step dad

[ccsmod4]

Hello,
Thank you for writing to us here at the National Runaway Safeline.

We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. It sounds like you are still away from home but would like to continue your education somehow. There are some cases where you may be able to attend school under these circumstances. To get information on how you might be able to do this we have listed a referral. National Center for Homeless Educational Helpline 1-800-308-2145
There is a law that exist where runaway/homeless students can attend school called the McKinley Vento Act. You might consider contacting the referral given or the school district in your area and request information about this and if it applies to your situation.
We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by email or bulletin for assistance. If you would like to talk more in detail and share more about how we can help specifically, please call or chat soon.

Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

What if you run away at 13 and come at 18, will you get charged?

[ccsmod6]

Hello and thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. While we’re not legal experts, we do have a great deal of experience working with runaways. It is our understanding that if you run away at any age, you will not be charged with anything because running away is not illegal. While your parents can file a runaway report with the police, this would only mean that if the police found you they would return you back home to your parents. It would not mean that you would get arrested or that you would go to jail. However, it may be pretty difficult to avoid being caught for 5 years. If you are interested, we would be happy to talk to you about your situation and what options you might have. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-786-2929 or chat us at 1800runaway.org.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi i want to run away because my parents are stressful and I cant handle it anymore, it got to the point where I thought my only options where to run away or kill myself. Some people close to me talked me out of it , the sad thing is my parents believe that theres nothing wrong with me. And I want to run to my mother but she doesnt have custody. Can I still go to her and figure everything else out in court?

[ccsmod15]

Hey there,
Thanks for reaching out to NRS, it seems like home is really stressful right now so it makes sense to feel like you need out. We aren’t legal experts but generally if your mom doesn’t have custody then it would be like running away to any other person. Its possible things could be settled in court, but the police would probably send you to your parent who is a guardian while things are wrapping up.
You mentioned having suicidal thoughts, it may be worth talking to a counselor or therapist about those thoughts and they can help you work through them a bit. There is also the suicidepreventionlifeline.org which has a hotline at 1-800-273-8255. Or you can call 911 if you feel like you are about to hurt yourself. We care about your safety and want you to have as many resources as possible to help.
If you have more questions or want help reaching out to a counselor or just need someone to talk with we are here 24/7 on our hotline at 1-800-RUNAWAY or through our online chat.

[Guest]

Hi I'm 17 almost eighteen I have seven more months until I am eighteen and I do not plan on turning myself in.There is a missing person report out for me but no facial identification.I was supposed to graduate earlier than my original graduation date but since I ran away I don't know if I can be enrolled into school without being caught. Can you tell me what can be done? Thank you.

[ccsmod6]

Hello and thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. Your right to an education is protected whether or not you have an address or a home. If you were planning on attending the same school you already were attending, you may already be enrolled. It might be a good idea for you to call your school’s administration and ask them about your enrollment status.

If you are not enrolled, you can visit https://nche.ed.gov/ and get in touch with your local homeless education liaison who would be able to help you enroll in school.

If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-786-2929 or chat us at 1800runaway.org.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

If I attend school as a filed runaway are my teachers required to tell police and/or my mother where I am and take me back?

[ccsmod4]

Hello,
Thank you for writing to us here at the National Runaway Safeline.

We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. FYI. A parent or guardian has the right to seek information from their child’s school. If the school has been notified that a student has been reported as a runaway they may contact the parent if requested by the parent or police. In order to obtain more specific information you might consider contacting the school or the school district about their policies on this subject.

We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by email or bulletin for assistance. If you would like to talk more in detail and share more about how we can help specifically, 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 or seek emergency assistance immediately.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

If im 17 years old and runaway which is legal.. Can i put myself in public school, lile if im 17 years old and legally left home can i sign myself into public school so i can get better education..

[ccsmod1]

Hey there,

Thanks so much for reaching out and sharing a little bit about what's been going on, we know it takes a lot of courage. We aren’t legal experts here at NRS, but generally speaking, if you do opt to leave your home your parents (or whoever your legal guardian is) 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.

If you do opt to leave home or find yourself to be homeless you still have the right to your education under what’s called the McKinney-Vento act. This act guarantees you the right to stay in your original school and be provided transportation to and from school (to the extent possible), enrollment in a school in your area, receive free school meals and to receive services like educational supports and basic needs. To find out more about how to take advantage of the McKinney-Vento act we suggest calling your school directly.

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

We'd love to hear from you about your experience using our crisis forum. Your feedback plays an important role in helping us improve our services to support youth and families. Please click the link below to fill out our survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/we_care_what_you_think

[Guest]

Hey, I am 17 in Texas. If I runaway to another city, can I enroll myself in school there and still be able to stay there?

[ccsmod3]

Thanks so much for reaching out and sharing a little bit about what's been going on, we know it takes a lot of courage. We aren’t legal experts here at NRS, but generally speaking, if you do opt to leave your home your parents (or whoever your legal guardian is) 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.

If you do opt to leave home or find yourself to be homeless you still have the right to your education under what’s called the McKinney-Vento act. This act guarantees you the right to stay in your original school and be provided transportation to and from school (to the extent possible), enrollment in a school in your area, receive free school meals and to receive services like educational supports and basic needs. To find out more about how to take advantage of the McKinney-Vento act we suggest calling your school directly.

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]

Hello, I’m 13 and I’m planning to runaway. I’m researching it so I don’t get caught. I’m sick of the abuse I’m being put through by my parents so please don’t try to convince me to not. I want to know how I can register for school after I’ve run away. And, if it’s possible to register my 12 year old sister. One last question, is it illegal to keep a runaway in someone else’s house? Also I’m sorry I’m not really sure how to use this site.

[ccsmod0]

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.
The easiest way to leave home is with your parents' permission. We understand that might be challenging, however, maybe there’s another family member, relative, or a family friend who could help to communicate how you’re feeling to your parents. The second way is through Child Protective Services if safety is a concern. Lastly, you can also look into emancipation options. In most states you need to be at least 16 to be considered and demonstrate that you can support yourself financially and independently. Emancipation often can be a lengthy process and may even cost some money for court fees. We would be happy to look into legal resources if that’s something you are considering.
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 would like to look into further emotional support options, you can text with a crisis worker at the National Alliance on Mental Illness 24/7 by texting "NAMI" to 741741.
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]

I’m thinking about running away.

I hate my life at home and the way my family treats me, I’ve tried to kill myself several times but it doesn’t work. I’m worried about leaving my friends behind or what would happen if I did kill myself.

instead I want to run away, but I’m scared of the real world and what could happen. I don’t have any money, and I’m not sure what kind of things I can pack. I don’t want to be found or sent away or anything. I just want a nice place to stay that’s not home or foster or whatever, and I want to still go to school.

Im a 14 year old female. Where can I go, how do I not get tracked, and can I still go to school?

[ccsmod0]

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 sounds like you’re quite overwhelmed by things at home right now. It sounds like you’re fearing that the situation may end in suicide if things don’t change. Your safety and well-being is important. If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255); www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org is also a great resource to reach out to in addition to our crisis services.
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.
The easiest way to leave home is with your parents' permission. We understand that might be challenging, however, maybe there’s another family member, relative, or a family friend who could help to communicate how you’re feeling to your parents. The second way is through Child Protective Services if safety is a concern. Lastly, you can also look into emancipation options. In most states you need to be at least 16 to be considered and demonstrate that you can support yourself financially and independently. Emancipation often can be a lengthy process and may even cost some money for court fees. We would be happy to look into legal resources if that’s something you are considering.
Often, having a safe space to share how you’re feeling may bring a variety of solutions previously not thought of. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. This may be an isolating and lonely time for you, but you are not alone in this. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time.
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).
We hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe and stay strong,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi, I'm a 12 year old girl and I was having a thought about what would happen if my 10 year old friend runaway from home to live with me? How would she be able to live with me and not be forced to go back with her legal guardian? Is their a way to adopt her please help!

-Thank you!
-Anonymous girl

[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 your friend is faced with right now and you’re wanting to find a way to help them as they mentioned wanting to be adopted or to run away. It’s great that your friend has support and concern from you especially since this time is quite difficult for them.
In direct answer to your questions:
1) Their parents would likely report them as a runaway and police would look for them and try to bring them back home. Your family could potentially be at risk of a harboring a runaway charge depending on the situation as well.
2) To be able to live with you they would need parent permission or your family was fostering/adopting them.
3) Generally, the only way for another family to adopt a youth would be if they had been removed from their birth family by child services, or their parents had given up rights for them to your parents. Even then it might be a bit of a drawn out process.
Having a space to vent and explore options may often bring out a solution previously not thought of. We are here as support to help you and your friend through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat. 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).
We’re here to listen and to help and hope you or your friend can reach out soon.
Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

Im thinking about running away

[ccsmod8]

Hello there -

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to reach out to us here at the National Runaway Safeline on our public forum. We are always here to listen and here to help in any way that we can. It can be very frustrating not knowing what to do or what your next step might be from this point on. If you can, please read through these past threads to make sure that someone else hasn't posted something similar that might be able to help.

If you want to ask specific questions, look for some safe places nearby, or maybe find a place to vent about what you are feeling right now. It’s hard to talk to just anyone one about what has been going on. Please rest assured that we are completing confidential. So anything that you share with us will stay between us. We don’t ask for any identifying information, unless you want to report any abuse. You can chat with us by going to our website (www.1800runaway.org) and clicking on "chat".

We certainly want to help you.

[Guest]

Im 13 and i was really stressed out cuz of school so my two options were suicide or runaway so i chose runaway im right now living in a different country and im thinking should i give my parents a chance I really dont know

[ccsmod2]

Hello There,

Thank you for reaching out to The National Runaway Safeline, we are here to help and here to listen. It is understandable to be stressed out with school you are not alone.

We are glad that you decided to reach out to us, you do not have to deal with these thoughts alone. Suicide is very serious please reach out if you are feeling suicidal to a friend or a trusted adult or family member. You can also reach out to The National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1800-273-8255. We want you to know that you are important and you are worth living. Suicide is forever your situation you are in now is not forever. Another option to consider is to talk to a teacher or a school counselor about what has been going on.

We are not legal experts but your legal guardian does have the right to file a runaway report. If the police were to find you it is a possibility that you would be brought back home. You can try talking to your parents about how you are feeling and what you are going through. Also sometimes writing your feelings down may help.

We hope that this information will be helpful to you in your situation. If you have any other questions or would like to explore more options please give us a call. We are here 24/7 to listen and to provide support.

NRS

[Guest]

Hi. I am almost 14 and my gaurdians get drunk a lot. They often fight and many times, with me. I am on the verge of running away and if I do I know there is most likely no turning back. I want to know if you guys think I am thinking the right choice and where should I stay. Also, can I bring my phone because I believe they can track it. I am really afraid of doing this but I might have to. Can u guys give me some advice.

[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. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by email or bulletin for assistance. If you would like to talk more in detail and share more about how we can help specifically, please call or chat soon. We unfortunately do not give direct advice, but we can elicit options! We can help talk through the plan and see what safe places are available to you.
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.
We hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi i’m 14 in the 8th grade,and i’m planning on running away from my parents.i’ve been verbally and mentally abused for years now and I can’t take it anymore.i have everything planned but I don’t know where i would stay

[ccsmod0]

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. You do not deserve to be verbally or mentally absued. 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.
The easiest way to leave home is with your parents' permission. We understand that might be challenging, however, maybe there’s another family member, relative, or a family friend who could help to communicate how you’re feeling to your parents. The second way is through Child Protective Services if safety is a concern. Lastly, you can also look into emancipation options. In most states you need to be at least 16 to be considered and demonstrate that you can support yourself financially and independently. Emancipation often can be a lengthy process and may even cost some money for court fees. We would be happy to look into legal resources if that’s something you are considering.
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 would like to look into further emotional support options, you can text with a crisis worker at the National Alliance on Mental Illness 24/7 by texting "NAMI" to 741741.
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]

I’m asking for a friend , my friends parent is a drinker and would physically and mentally abuse my friend , my friend decided to stay at a relatives , but my friends parent called the cops and got the school involved , they don’t know where my friend is located , but my main question is , what can the school do about it? Are they on my friends team? Or parents and cops team?

[ccsmod2]

Hello There,
Thank you for reaching out to The National Runaway Safeline, we are here to help and here to listen. It is great you are reaching out on behalf of your friend, it shows that you care and that you are a supportive friend.
We are sorry to hear what your friend had to go through, they do not deserve to be abused. They can always file an abuse report by calling Child Help at 1800-422-4453. They can also chat or call us and we can help with filing an abuse report.

It is hard to tell if the school would be on your friend’s team or on the cop’s team. Usually the school would get involved if your friend has missed a number of days and can result in truancy. They also be trying to help. Your friend can consider calling the school counselor and talking to them about what is going on, they do not have to provide a location in this case.

We hope that this information will be helpful to you in your situation. If you have any other questions or would like to explore more options please give us a call. We are available 24/7 to listen and to provide support.

NRS