17 year old, nowhere to go. Help?

[Guest]

Hi there!, Im 17 and live in texas and was wanting to know what would happen if i move out of my home. Im tired of getting into stupid arguments, getting pivked on bc im bi, and other stuff. Like she always threatens to kick me out but im REALLY considering that move. So how does this affect on current school enrollment and jobs

[ccsmod2]

Hello There,
Thank you for contacting The National Runaway Safeline, we are here to help and here to listen. It sounds like you are going through a really difficult time right now. We are not legal experts but we do have general information on the laws.
If you were to leave home without permission, your legal guardian does have the right to file a runaway report. If the police did find you they most likely would bring you back home. Also you mentioned being threatened to be kicked out of your home. Because you are a minor if you were to be kicked out that could be considered as neglect. You can make a report by contacting the police or calling Child Help Line at: 1800-422-4453.
Running away is not a criminal offense it is a status offense that once you turn 18 it would be off your record. From our understanding running away would not affect you from getting a job or getting into school. There are other options other than running away. You could consider talking to someone you trust about what is going on at home such as a family member, friend, or school counselor. Also doing activities such as journaling, going on walks, or doing something you enjoy may help you cope with this situation.
We hope this information will be helpful to you in your situation. If you have any more questions or would like to explore options please give us a call. We are here 24/7 to listen and to provide support to you. We wish you the best of luck!
NRS

[Guest]

I’m 17 and I need to “runaway”.

My my mom can’t pay her part of the rent and we’re getting evicted. We live in HEB Texas but she is probably going to Amarillo for the summer. I have a job and a therapist and college starts in the fall and I can’t afford to do the move. I’m not sure if she’ll give consent to let me do anything and I don’t turn 18 until October. But I’m not technically a runaway because I’m 17 in Texas. I don’t know what to do. I have until Wednesday (6/26) to figure something out.

[ccsmod3]

Hi,
Thanks for reaching out to us at the National Runaway Safeline. Your situation sounds difficult, and you are brave to have reached out to us for help.
It sounds like you have a number of things working in you favor, and yet with the recent eviction and trouble with money, you are not sure about how you will get on your feet. We are not legal experts here, but we do know that in general running away before you are a legal adult can technically be a status offense and police can become involved if your Mom were to report the incident. If you were able to reach out to a friend’s family or an extended family member (grandparent, Aunt, or Uncle), perhaps they can negotiate on your behalf with Mom. These might also be people to consider staying with while you figure things out. If these are not options for you, we can help you find a shelter or temporary living facility in which you might stay leading up to leaving for college. As these places are generally free or very low cost, it can help you to save the money you are making at your job for your future move to college. If you would like help with finding a place to stay, please call us at 1-800-786-2929.
You are in the midst of a hard time, but you have taken a bold step to seek help. We hope you find this information useful. If you need something more, or just want to talk you can call us anytime. We are here 24/7 to listen and help. Good luck.
Sincerely,
National Runaway Safeline

[Guest]

Hello, I am a 17 year old male from Winnipeg Manitoba Canada. I see this is an American website but I need some help. I was taken into Child family services a year ago but was kicked on the street by my social worker about 3 weeks ago. I have been living in my car since. I work a minimum wage job but can't find an affordable place to live for what I make. My parents don't want me home and CFS through me on the streets. Everyone I call just says there's no services for me because I'm 17. I work really hard and love my job but I just can't afford rent right now. I really just want a place to live and school.

[ccsmod1]

Hey there,

Thanks so much for reaching out and sharing a little bit about what's going on. You deserve to have a safe place to stay and it's not right for your social worker to fail to provide you with shelter. Your dedication to your work and education is very admirable and you are a strong and resilient person. As you stated, we are located inside the US and unfortunately, we are not knowledgeable about Canadian policies and laws regarding child welfare. It may be a good idea to reach out to https://kidshelpphone.ca/ for more information about your rights and resources available to you.

Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

Im 17, i been 2 years already living with my ex girlfriend and her parents. Me and her parents dont get along so much we bump alot of heads and when there mad at me they constantly bring up stuff like my parents or stuff in the past. My ex girlfriend mom kicked me out of the house today and she wants me gone by tonight. Is there anyways i can have a number to call that can help me find shelter

[ccsmod3]

Hi there,

Glad you reached out and sorry to hear about being kicked out. You can call us directly at 1-800-RUNAWAY and we have a national database which includes shelter resources and we would be happy to look for you where you are located. Also calling 211 (funded by United Way) is your local information and referral line that would be available. A couple resources online to look at our nationalsafeplace.org, homelessshelterdirectory.org or agrm.org for more! We are here 24/7 and can talk to you further through a call or on our online chat to discuss next steps.

Best of luck,

NRS

[Guest]

Hello, I will be 17 in August 12, 2019. But my home is too much to bare with. My grandparents don’t respect my brother and I, I have had enough. Me and my brother need some where to stay but I don’t have anything. No job, no money, maybe even no family. I feel like I have been trapped, I take care of twins that I was forced to do back in 2016 or 2015. I love them like they my own, but that’s not a teenage life. I shouldn’t have to take care of kids who aren’t mine and not get credit for it. My grandma always say I don’t do anything, I kept my grades up in school every year, never did I came to failing a class, and also came home to care for the twins. Nights I would so tired to even do my homework but I had it done. I even have to feed them when they are hungry. I don’t want to leave my brother here because I know they will be hard on him because I left. And I don’t want him to think I abandoned him, but I can’t stay here. And I also don’t the police to take me in foster care, because my mom isn’t able to care for my brother and I because she has cancer. My mom is in and out of the hospital for my whole life. I know it seems like I don’t value my life where I am but that’s not a life for a teen. Teens shouldn’t be forced to be a caretaker at a young age. Please help.

[ccsmod16]

Thanks so much for reaching out. You are right that it is teenagers shouldn’t have to be the main caretaker for younger children. It sounds like you’ve had a huge amount of responsibility on your shoulders for a long time – going to school, taking care of your brother and other children, worrying about your mom and feeling unappreciated by your grandparents – and it’s understandable you’d be feeling overwhelmed and frustrated right now.

Have you talked to anyone else about what things at home have been like for you? Since it sounds like your grandparents aren’t open to talking more about how to lighten the load for you (like hiring babysitters or making changes to the living situation), one idea might be to ask a teacher or counselor at school to talk with your grandparents with you. Without knowing more about your situation, one option could also be contacting your state’s Department of Child and Family Services and let them know what has been going on. If your grandparents are the legal guardians of the twins but you are actually the one taking care of them (and jeopardizing your education and health), then that’s not a safe situation for anyone and the authorities need to know.

It might also be helpful to think about finding someone to talk to about how you’ve been feeling. Sometimes just getting things off your chest can be a big relief. Many schools have counselors, and we’re happy to help you find therapists or counselors in your area if you give us a call at 1-800-786-2929.

We’re here for you 24/7 if you’d like to talk more about your situation or brainstorm other options.

[Guest]

I am 17 and pregnant, me and my boyfriend were kicked out of his house tonight and we have no place to go. And we need to take care of baby when he gets here. I am due October 15, 2019. We don’t own anything but some clothes and a TV and a PlayStation. I don’t have a job either.. can you help?

[ccsmod15]

Often, youth may reach out to NRS in several different ways to discuss their situation. If a response from NRS is not visible to a bulletin posting it may be that we have already provided services to that individual through another platform we provide such as email, our crisis hotline, or our live chat service . NRS encourages anyone in need of assistance to contact us through our 24 hour crisis hotline at 1-800-RUNAWAY to receive immediate support.
Thank you, NRS

[Guest]

Hello, I'm a 17 year old female and I have been abused my my parents for years. (CPS knows, but has done nothing) and this is a last resort for me. I have a job, and I go to college, but I cannot be leased out a place because of my age. I turn 18 in October, but as of right now, I have three days to leave. My parents have disowned me, and I can't stay here any longer. I have been starved for years, and am very sick. I have been hospitalized three times, and my parents don't help me. I am miraculously not in debt, and have good credit, but I can't find anyone to stay with. No friends can take me in. I recently found out my grandfather left me in his will, and not my father, and I will inherit everything. My father is furious and I feel like he's going to kill me for it. I'm scared, and I have nowhere to go. Please help.

[ccsmod16]

Hi, Thank you for reaching out to us; we are glad that you did. Your situation sounds very serious. Your parents have starved and abused you for such a long time and now have disowned you; you do not deserve to be treated this way. We are so sorry that you have been through all of this and, surely, more. You are so strong and such a survivor and have worked so hard to make it to this point, we hope that you can feel pride in all that you have accomplished.

We hope that you can reach out to us via phone or chat so we can search for specific resources in your area; but for now perhaps checking something like Air B&B; or roommate searches for less formal options. You may be able to get around the age restrictions there. If you contact us, we can look up emancipation in your state; maybe you can somehow get an emergency court ruling. You can also access www.nationasafeplace.org and click on the “For Teens” tab and follow the instructions for either locating a designated Safe Place in your area, or connecting with a local youth crisis center.

We would be better able to help you discover your options if we can converse with you. We are here to listen and to help, and you deserve to be believed and supported during this transitional time.
You can reach us 24/7 at 1-800-786-2929 (1-800-RUNAWAY) or through live chat via our website at www.1800runaway.org

We hope this helps and that you will reach out to us over the phone or via chat.
Sincerely, NRS

[Guest]

Life hurts I’m a 17 year old with a good heart. Wondering why I always get treated like I don’t mean anything to anybody. My mom I don’t know wassup with her forreal, she really trying to play like she don’t see me hurting. Everyday I’m going thru bs, I can ask her for $2 and she tell me she don’t have it, I tell her I’m hungry she doesn’t respond, I never been ungrateful I always cherished what I have. I always make sure others are okay but who make sure I’m okay ? No one I’m alone, I don’t have nowhere to go, I don’t have no one to help me

[ccsmod13]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to NRS. It takes a lot of strength to ask for help and reaching out is a really good first step. It sounds like your mom has not been very supportive of you and is not understanding of how you have been feeling at home. It is really great that you try to make sure other people are okay and you also deserve to be take care of. We are here 24/7 to listen and help. You can call or chat with us anytime if you need someone to talk to about how you have been feeling at home. You know your situation best, so if you feel like leaving to live somewhere else will be beneficial for you we can help talk through some possible options with you. We want to make sure you are somewhere you feel safe and supported. Please do no hesitate to reach out at 1-800-786-2929 or chat with us at 1800runaway.org so that we can best help you. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

-NRS

[Guest]

I’m 17 years old and my mom is kicking me out of the house even though it’s not hers. We have been homeless bouncing from place to place living with family, she doesn’t get enough food for all of us and spends all of me and my sisters child support money on herself or my youngest half sister. She said she is tired of having to deal with me and said I have to be out by the end of the week... it’s Thursday. I just started a job and I will now no longer be able to get back and forth to work so I can’t be emancipated especially since I’m still in school and the workload is enough stress. My family members won’t take me in because of their hatred for my mother. I have nowhere to go. Is there anyway students could get housing and assistance? I will be 18 in 6 months.

[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 - it's not fair of your mother to spend money that is meant to help you on herself. Just so you know, she is legally obligated to provide your basic necessities (like food and shelter) and if she kicks you out of the house it can be considered neglect. If you'd like you do have the right to report the neglect. You can find out more information on how to report by going to https://www.childhelp.org/child-abuse/. We can also help you to file a report if that’s the route you are considering.

Some areas have youth shelters and transitional living places that may be able to provide you with either short or longer-term housing. Often times, these shelters also offer case management services so you can work with someone to help you to achieve whatever your goals may be (education, employment, etc.). If you’d like to go over what’s going on in depth, or if you’d us to look for youth shelters/transitional living places near 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]

Okay so im at 17 year old female in butte county, California and i needed to leave because my home was just emotionally draining for me. And then my mom reported me as a runway, but it was cleared. I need to get an apartment but the only way for me to do that is if i get emancipated but my parents wont sign the papers what do i do?

[ccsmod13]

Hello,

We are really glad you found our website and decided to reach out. Asking for help is a good first step. Leaving can be a difficult decision to make, but you know your situation better than anyone. You are brave for acknowledging that home was a negative environment for you and you needed to leave. Getting an apartment before you turn 18 will be tough without your parents signing the papers for you. If you cannot find another family member to help you with getting your own apartment, a transitional living program could be a really great option for you. Transitional living programs are long term housing programs that provide you with the support that you need to get a job, continue with education, and work toward being able to live independently. We can help connect you with resources in your area and call them with you.

We are here 24/7 by phone (1-800-786-2929) and chat (1800runaway.org) if you want to talk more about your options or if you would like us to connect you with a youth shelter.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

I am 17 at the moment and my mom plans on kicking me out at 18 in May I want to get a apartment but I'm obviously not old enough to do so and my boyfriend at the time isn't so into moving in with me but he's my only chance we both work and all I've been thinking about leaving and going back to NY but I'm unsure I'm in Michigan by the way...

[ccsmod15]

Thank you for reaching out. It sounds like you’re going through a lot at home with your mom. It must not be easy to live at home when you know your mother wants to kick you out. It’s good that you’re reaching out to figure out what you want to do if your mother follows through on her threat.
If you’re thinking about getting an apartment on your own when you turn 18, have you thought about the upfront costs it may take? Many times apartments request either security deposits or move in fees on top of the first month rent. Some places may even require first and last months rent. Would you be able to cover those costs with your current job? Would it be possible to stay with your boyfriend or a friend temporarily as you look to find a place? These are some of the questions that you may want to think through as you look to get your own apartment.
You also mentioned that you were thinking about going back to NY. How would you get there? Would you have a place to stay? Do you have an idea of how you would survive (e.g. food, transportation, etc.). These are some things to think about as you explore your different options. If you’d like, feel free to reach out to us at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929), and we can discuss and explore all of your alternatives.
Another resource that may be helpful in finding housing is www.211.org. It also has access to additional local resources that can help with a wide variety of areas, such as housing, food, crisis, etc.
Again, thank you for reaching out, and we wish you the best of luck. We’re here 24/7 and are confidential, so if you want to explore your options or just need someone to talk to, feel free to reach out to us at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or you chat with us online at www.1800runaway.org.

[Guest]

I’m a 17 year old and im planning on leaving my house soon. im graduating early (in January) and i wanna leave my house right after i graduate because many problems going on in my house, im always arguing with my mom and my step dad treats me like ******** and all of my siblings horribly. the only problem is that i don’t turn 18 until July. I’ve been asking my friends if i could move in with them until I’m 18, but it seems i have no where to go. my mom has told me she can’t wait until i move out and leave, but she said if i tried too “runaway” she would call the cops, and ik i would have to come back home. but i can’t be here anymore, it’s actually killing me. I have a good paying job and my grades aren’t that bad, so i know im going to be fine. i just don’t know what to do. sorry if this doesn’t make much sense, im bad at explaining things, but if there’s any advice for me, please let me know

[ccsmod2]

Hello There,
Thank you so much 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 pretty difficult time. No one deserves to be treated badly and we are sorry to hear you haven’t been treated the best.
It is great that you have a job that pays well and that you are graduating early. You are correct if you do leave home before 18 your mother could file you as a runaway and you would need to go back home. One option to consider is emancipation, which would allow you to leave home before turning 18. You can find out more about the emancipation process by calling your local court house or by calling us and we can provide legal aid information.
Another option to consider is speaking with your school counselor about what is going on, sometimes speaking with a professional can help you come up with options. Also you could try saving up until you have enough money to have a place of your own.
We hope this information will be helpful to you in your situation. If you have any more questions or would like to explore your options please let us know. We wish you the best of luck in your situation!
NRS

[Guest]

I'm 17 years old and I live in California with my mom. Two years ago I got into trouble because I was using social media and other things and I'm still unable to go anywhere with my friends, when I ask to go to a school function I can never go, I can't even stay after school to work on a project with a partner because she doesn't trust me at all. I can't even take my phone to school I can only use it at home. I go to school and home and sometimes I go a couple of places with my mom or my sister but I mostly just stay home. I often feel depressed and stay in my room when I'm home because I cry when I'm alone. Even though I'm a senior and I will turn 18 next year in August I can't take it anymore. It may sound like I'm exaggerating but I feel like I'm on house arrest even when school is really boring and people are annoying I would much rather be there then go home because I feel so alone like I can't do anything. I can't even talk to my friends from school on my phone when I am home and I don't know how much more I can take of my constant pain that is very much hidden inside me. I think about running away but I don't know where I could go maybe a friends house or something. For the sake of my mental health and my happiness is there somewhere I can go like a foster home or a place where I can stay without being forced back home until i turn 18 because getting emancipated takes too long and i can't support myself on my own.

[ccsmod4]

I'm 17 years old and I live in California

Hi,
Thanks for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline.

It sounds like you are in a tough situation and may be looking for some options to help cope with everything.
We understand how difficult it must have been to speak about how you have been feeling and what you are going through.
You are very brave for doing so. Good for you.
NRS would like you to know we are here to support you at this difficult time.
We are here to listen and here to help.

Having a space to vent and explore options may often bring out a solution previously not thought of. Again we are here as support to help you through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat.
If you would like to speak more about your situation and explore options for help, please call or chat.

Let us know how we might help, please contact us at 1-800-Runaway (786-2929) orwww.1800Runaway.org (live chat).


Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

I’m a 17 year old girl, I’m about to get kicked out soon by my parents. They say that I’m a burden to them, They have “other kids to take care of” and I’m “old enough” to go on my own since they’re sick of me. We get really bad arguments like every single day about wanting to get rid of me and such. I get really mistreated by them especially my mom. She treats me badly because a lot of reasons, especially I’m overweight, I “ruined” their marriage and really ugly since we look nothing alike. So she physically and emotionally abused me for years. My dad doesn’t even care. I tried taking to other family members and counselors about my situation, but no one believes me, since they believed my mom since she’s a “honest and a good person” even though that’s the complete opposite. So I always looked dumb every time, looking like a attention seeker. So my mom is kicking me out, I have no where else to go, and I have no other family members or friends to live with for a few days and my boyfriend lives in the UK, so I can’t live with him for a bit. I live in CA, I need a job but I have no Experience and I don’t want the cops or the CPS to be involved since I already went through that enough. I just really need somewhere to go. Please.

[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's not OK for your parents to treat you like that and say such hurtful things to you. You mentioned that you were uninterested in contacting CPS because you had negative experiences before. Just so you know, if your parents do kick you out it is considered neglect and you can report it (you can also report any abuse as well, of course). 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.

Some areas have Transitional Living Programs (TLPs) that are longer-term living arrangements for runaway and homeless youth. TLPs are designed to help young people become independent and able to live on their own. TLPs vary in terms of services offered, eligibility and what the actual living situation may look like so it is usually best to speak with them directly to do an intake. You can call us directly and we can look for TLPs in your area. You can also check out the National Homeless Shelter Directory by going to https://www.homelessshelterdirectory.org/ to find shelters near you. Most often you have to be 18 to stay in the shelters listed on the site but you can always reach out to them to explain your situation and see if they can make an exception.

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