question

[Unregistered]

If you run away, does it go on your permanent record? Could it prevent you from getting a job, or from going to college?

[ccsmod2]

Thank you for reaching out to us and asking for assistance. It sounds like you are in a difficult spot right now and hopefully we can help you find some resources or answers to your questions.

Now, we aren’t legally trained here so we wouldn’t be able to tell you exactly what would happen if you were to runaway but we can give you some general ideas. It is our understanding that running away is considered to be a status offense, which is something you can’t do as a minor. If you were to leave home and your parents or legal guardians filed a runaway report with the police, it may go into a national database that you are considered to be missing. We aren’t sure if this database is accessibly by potential employers or schools. Since it is considered a status offense, it doesn’t go onto your permanent record; it can be lifted if you return home or when you turn 18. Do you think that your legal guardians would file a report?

Here at the National Runaway Safeline, we can help you locate resources as well as talk more about what is going on to see what options may be available to you. We are completely confidential and anonymous; you can reach us 24 hours a day at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) if you would like to explore these resources. We also have online chat that is available from 4:30 PM-11:30 PM (CST), 7 days a week if you would like to talk with us that way instead.

We look forward to hearing from you and wish you the best of luck.

~NRS