17 1/2 runaway in California laws ??

[Unregistered]

My brother ranaway at 16 in San Jose he went to Corning California. My dad said when he called the cops to report it once they found out his age they told him that anyone over 16 they cannot make them go home unless they're at risk, even if they know where the kid is at. They told my dad that this is law in the whole state. I'm 17 1/2 and I plan on moving out in the next couple weeks. I don't want to be charged as a runaway, and I don't want to be forced to go home. I will be 18 in 5 months and I understand that I'm still a minor however I'm graduated from high school and I have a place to go. If I tell them where I am going I don't want to get the people in trouble, and I don't want to be forced to go home so I'm asking if this law is true for San Bernardino County as well. Thanks. p.s. they never made my brother go home and they knew where he was too.

[ccsmod6]

re: 17 1/2 runaway in California laws ??

Hello

Thanks for contacting the National Runaway Switchboard. Generally speaking, anyone under the age of 18 can be reported as a runaway; how much this is enforced can vary by county or city. Since you are 17 and 5 months away from your 18th birthday, the police may or may not take a report. The law does vary from region to region and so does the degree that is enforced. It may be best to contact the non emergency hotline for the police department in San Bernardino County to determine if they would take a runaway report for a 17 ½ year old. Remember that even though a runaway report may be accepted, the police don’t generally actively search for runaways. We hope the information provided helps. If you have any other questions or would like for us to conference call resources, you can give us a call at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929).

~NRS

[Guest]

I'm Almsot going to be 17 1/2 , I live in anaheim . If I leave my house once I'm 17 and 5 months, will I be forced to go home ???

[ccsmod15]

Hello, thanks for posting! It sounds like you may be going through a lot at home right now and are looking for some options.
We are not legal experts, but generally speaking, 18 is the age you can leave home in most states, including CA. Leaving before age 18, your parents may be able to file a runaway report, letting the police know you are gone. Some police departments do not accept reports for those closer to 18, as long as they are known to be somewhere safe. But this varies A LOT from police department to police department.
One option you have is to call your local non-emergency number and ask anonymously how they handle running away at age 17 or 17 1/2. You can find your local number at usacops.com.
We also offer conference calling so if you would like some support in making this call, feel free to reach out to us at 1-800-786-2929. We are here 24/7 to help, though most police departments only have somewhere answering the non-emergency number during business hours.

We are here to talk and listen, no matter what you decide. If you would like to discuss options for leaving, places to stay, etc, or ways to improve your situation at home, give us a call or live chat with us through the link at the top of this page.

Thanks again for posting! It takes a lot of strength to reach out for support!

Best,
NRS

[Guest]

I am 11weeks from being 18. I need to leave my house and move to my boyfriends. I feel as if I am treated unfairly but they don’t. I am wondering can I be charged of any crimes or be taken back home if I do leave? I live in California. I have a job and I have already graduated high school.

[ccsmod6]

Hello and thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. We are sorry to hear that you are not getting along with your parents to the point where you feel like you need to leave. While we are not legal experts, we do have a great deal of experience working with runaways. It is not illegal to run away from home. You will not be arrested or charged with anything for it. Your parents can try to file a runaway report, which typically allows the police to bring a youth back home if they encounter them. However, being so close to 18 and being in California, there is a chance that the police do not pursue the report or that they let you remain where you are. If you want to talk more about your situation and see what other 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]

I am 3 months &’ 3 weeks from being 18 years old. I love in California. I live at home with my stepdad and siblings and I’m being treated unfairly although they don’t think I am. If I was to leave the house what would be the consequences?

[ccsmod3]

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.
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,

[Guest]

I want to runaway, I am 17 and can support myself from my job. I have a safe place to go and am already graduated. I turn 18 in 9 months but my house has gotten so draining I can’t stay. I was wondering what my parents can do. Will they have police search for me, track my social medias etc.? I live in Santa Barbara County, CA.

[ccsmod4]

Hello,
Thanks for contacting 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.
Just so that you know we are not legal experts and only can provide some general legal information when it comes to someone running away or someone assisting/aiding a person running away.
Someone under 18 that leaves home, the parent/guardian may file them as a runaway and they may be returned home. Also, those that a reported runaway stays with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. Anyone found to be assisting or aiding someone to run away may also find themselves at risk legally. For more specifics on the law, you might consider contacting the local non-emergency number for the police.

You might also look for a legal aid center in the area. They may be able to answer any legal questions on the subject.
If you would like to talk more in detail 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.

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

[Guest]

Hi! I’m basically feeling everything everyone else is feeling and id like to leave home within the next month. I’m 17 years old and turn 18 in 8+ months. However, I’m in foster care.... will I be punished if I return ? or get caught.

[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 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.
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 forum 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]

I’m 17 1/2 in brea and my parents well aren’t the best and put me through a lot and I just need a break could they call cops if I went to go stay at friends for just a week to get a break from them?

[ccsmod2]

Hello There,
Thank you for reaching out to The National Runaway Safeline, we are here to help and here to listen. It sounds like you are going through a difficult time, and we are sorry to hear you do not like your living situation.
It is understandable to want a break, and we are not legal experts but do have some information. If you were to leave without permission your legal guardian can still file a runaway report with the police. Running away is not illegal, so you most likely would not get arrested. But it is a possibility that the police could bring you back home. You could consider asking your parents for permission to stay at a friend’s for a week. Or you can try compromising if they say no and see if they would let you stay for a weekend.
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 provide support and to listen.
NRS

[Guest]

My friend is going to turn 18 in 8 days. She got into an argument with her parents where they slammed her against a wall and threatened her. They told her to leave their house. But after she left, her parents called the cops and claimed that she was a runaway even though they abandoned her. Will the cops go looking for her? How much trouble could my other friend get in for letting her stay there?

[ccsmod3]

Hey there. Thanks for contacting the National Runaway Safeline on behalf of your friend. I'm sure your support means a lot to her.

Unfortunately it's tough to say if the cops will go looking for. It's possible, though it's also possible that they might not given her birthday is just around the corner. It might be helpful for her to reach out to the local non-emergency number for the police in the area to see if they can give her a better idea of what to expect. It could also make sense for her to connect with the person who is given her case, let them know her side of what happened, and that she feels unsafe staying with her parents.

Generally speaking, there are some risks that could come into play when a runaway is allowed to stay with someone, but doesn't have parental consent. Those laws vary from state to state, but it is possible that whomever your friend is staying with could have some issues come up with that. For these reasons, this would be another good thing to address if reaching out directly to the police. Because she's so close to her birthday, it might not be an issue at all, but having an understanding of what could be might give you all some peace of mind.

If you have any additional questions, or your friend needs someone to talk to, please feel free to reach out to us directly by calling 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929), or by chatting with us live through our website at www.1800runaway.org. We're available 24/7 and are always happy to listen, and to help.

Take care.

NRS

[Guest]

hi, im 17 1/2 and have been going though a lot lately I've been wanting to run away for such a Long time but don't want any more problems with my parents or that the cops go looking for me. I live in california and Mexico and would like to move to Texas. I have thought about it so much and also don't want the person im going to stay with get in trouble since he's an adult. what can I do?

[ccsmod13]

Thank you for contacting NRS. It sounds like you in a very difficult situation. We’re glad you reached out to us.

We’re not legal experts, but we can provide some basic information that may be helpful to you. The age of majority (the age at when you can legally leave home in California is 18. Running away is not illegal. If you run away, your parents can file a runaway report. If you are picked up by the police they will likely take you back home. You should know that if you are staying with someone and you are picked up there, they could be charged with harboring a runaway.

Since you are over 17, the police may be less likely to actively look for you.
The way the police handle runaway and harboring cases varies from place to place. If you call the non-emergency number of your local police department they may be able to tell you how they handle runaway and harboring cases. If you are uncomfortable making the call, you can call us and one of our volunteers can make the call with or for you.

At NRS our main goal is to see that you are safe and off the street. If you leave home have you considered where you would go? How would you support yourself?

Do you have friends or family that you are comfortable talking to about your situation? Do you have a teacher or counselor you are comfortable talking to? They may have advice or ideas that may be helpful to you.

You can also always call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929). We have volunteers available 24/7 to talk and to help you find resources that may be helpful to you.


We wish you the best!

[Guest]

im 17 and turn 18 in 3 months. i want to leave the house i am at due to parent issues, i have a place to go but i do bot want to get them in trouble. can i legally leave and if my parents come to look for me and try to take me back home what can happen

[ccsmod5]

Hi there,

Thanks for writing to us, we understand it takes great courage to do so. 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. Since you are under 18, if you leave home without permission, your parent/guardian may 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 and ask what their policies are regarding runaway youth. If you want to talk in more detail, please give us a call or chat with us, we would be happy to help. 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]

hey I’m 17 turning 18 in 4 months I have a place to go and I also have a job I wanna leave I’m tired of the way I’ve been treated all my life I’m tired of living in a toxic household I’m mentally and physically drained I just wanna leave will I be arrested if I leave and come back when I’m 18 to let them know I’m okay and if I do run away I will leave a note letting them know not to look for me that I’m ok and will still be going to school but that I’m tired of being there

[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 reaching out. It seems like leaving home feels like one of best options for you and you'd like to escape your current living situation.
To be frank, leaving home without parental permission can be tricky. While running away is not illegal, your parent/guardian may file you as a runaway which means that if you are caught you will have to return home. Also, those you stay with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. Since you are so close to being 18 this may help with delaying the legal process, however, it is hard to know for certain.

If you'd like to discuss your options further via chat line or telephone, please reach out.
Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).

Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

I live in San Jose California and my baby's father reported my daughter a runaway but she's not a runaway we both know where she's at she's living at the boyfriend's home can he still report that she's a runaway

[ccsmod15]

Hello!

Thank you for reaching out to us! We are here to listen and help in any way we can. In California as in most states, you are considered a minor (someone who is not an adult) if you are under 18 years old. Since your daughter is 17, she is considered a minor and would have legal guardians. As such, your baby's father can file a runaway report even if you are both aware of her location. Filing a runaway report with the police means that if the police was to find your daughter they would be able to take her back to her legal guardians. If you and your baby's father both share custody the police would take her back to either of you.

We hoped that information helped! If you would like to talk about the situation a little bit more, please feel free to reach out to us. You can reach us directly by calling our 24 hour hotline, 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or through our Live Chat.
Stay Safe!
NRS

[Guest]

Hello, I am 15 years old and soon turning 16 in about a month. I live in Stockton. I have divorced parents and in both homes, they are causing me a lot of emotional damage and trauma. I want to run away to a friend's house but I don't want to risk getting them in trouble or getting sent back. Will I be succesful in running away and never going back?

[ccsmod14]

Hi, thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. It's brave of you to share your experience and NRS is here to listen and help in any way possible. NRS is sorry to hear about the emotional damage and trauma you are going through and we know that can be very overwhelming. No one your age should be experiencing that. It also seems that you are thinking about running away to get away from what you are experiencing at home. Here are a few things to consider before you make the decision to leave, remember the choice is yours: 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 may 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 and ask what their policies are regarding runaway youth.

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 contact our 24/7 crisis support line either by phone or chat.


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]

Hey, I am 17 I turn 18 in nov so in 2 months, let say I'm reported as a runaway cause I left the place a cps worker placed me but he placed me with my bio dad but I don't know him like that and I didnt feel comfortable there I didn't sleep or eat cause I was so uncomfortable , I'm trynna get a job but I need an id only way to get that though is at the dmv but I'm scared they're gonna see I'm a runaway and place me back with my bio mom they took me away from in the first place or place me with my bio dad or even worse arrest me , it my first time ever running away basically my question is can the dmv run my name and see I'm a runaway and can they do anything about it

[ccsmod15]

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to us. We are so sorry that the situation where you were staying was so difficult. It sounds like you didn't feel it was a good place for you to stay. You are asking some really great questions and, although we are not legal experts, we will try to share information to help you figure out your next steps.

Because the laws can vary from state to state, you would need to reach out to someone familiar with the laws in your state. From what we understand, it is technically not illegal to run away, but it is considered a status offense in some states. Typically, if a runaway is found by local police, they would return the youth to their parent/legal guardian. It is up to the local police department to decide whether they would actively look for a runaway youth if they are nearing legal age of adulthood. The best way to find out what they would do is to reach out to them at their non-emergency number directly.

Regarding the DMV, it is unclear whether they would flag you as a runaway, as this would depend on the laws in your state. It may help if you reach out to your local DMV to ask them whether a minor can get an ID without consent of parent/legal guardian, and whether things like runaway reports show up in their system if a youth tries to get a state ID. If you have questions about how to approach your situation, or just want to talk to someone, please feel free to reach out to us anytime. 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