what could happen to my bf if we run away together??

[Guest]

I'm 17 going to be 18 april 9th (just bout 5 months) and i really want to runaway have it be with my boyfriend (he is 21 yet cares more about my wellbeing than my parents.) or if i have to id runaway alone.
im a hs dropout and havent been in a school in the past year. after getting dropped out of my online program my dad told me that he wasnt going to put me back in school because its a waste of time at this point though i begged him. i no longer have a job and cannot acquire a job until because i do not have a license and i have no form of transportation nor will my dad take me. my mental health has been in great decline for the past 2 years this year is the worst that its been. my parents do not care to get me the help i need though ive expressed this. i feel helpless because i cant wait til im 18 im losing my acctual mind. i know if i lefti could get a job, and ive been offered to be taken out of state. i justt dont want my dad or anyone to get introuble other than myself.

also my sister told mydad bout my relationship with my bf exaggerating his age and that ive been gone makinng him not even want to talk to me. ive been threatened to be sent o my mothers who was abusive and caused me childhood trauma could i refuse to move back in with her ? she lives across the country and it would be pointless for me to go over there because it will be the same thing

[ccsmod5]

Hi there. Thanks for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you’re going through a really tough time at home. It can be quite challenging when we are trying to get back on the right track and begin to feel that we don’t have the support we need. Your mental health is also so important and it’s great that you are so self-aware of your feelings. Reaching out for help is also a very courageous thing to do. The National Alliance on Mental Illness may be able to provide additional support with your concerns around your mental health. The number to their hotline is 1800-950-6264. In addition, you may want to consider looking into this job offering to take you out of state a little bit more. Jobs like these are often rare for someone your age and may be a sign of a possible human sex trafficking scam. Predators usually reel young girls in through job advertisements and other tactics so it’s always good to take precaution with which jobs you apply and accept. You can also find out more about situations like these by calling The National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1888-373-7888. It also seems like you are bit concerned of going back to live with you mother. We don’t have a legal background however we do have some general knowledge. In most states, the age where you are no longer considered a minor is 18. Therefore, when you turn 18 in April you would no longer need parental consent to leave home. If you do decide to leave sooner, it’s always a good idea to maybe brainstorm where you’ll go, how you’ll keep yourself safe, and provide for yourself. It may also be useful to keep in mind that your legal guardian does have the right to file a runaway report if you do leave while you’re still a minor and if you make any contact with police they may return you back to your home. We hope this information was helpful. We’d be glad to talk more with you about your situation. Please feel free to call our hotline at 1800-runaway or come and chat with us at 1800runaway.org. All the best, NRS.
(17:45) NRS207: Hi there. Thanks for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you’re going through a really tough time at home. It can be quite challenging when we are trying to get back on the right track and begin to feel that we don’t have the support we need. Your mental health is also so important and it’s great that you are so self-aware of your feelings. Reaching out for help is also a very courageous thing to do. The National Alliance on Mental Illness may be able to provide additional support with your concerns around your mental health. The number to their hotline is 1800-950-6264. In addition, you may want to consider looking into this job offering to take you out of state a little bit more. Jobs like these are often rare for someone your age and may be a sign of a possible human trafficking scam. Predators usually reel young girls in through job advertisements and other tactics so it’s always good to take precaution with which jobs you apply and accept. You can also find out more about situations like these by calling The National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1888-373-7888. It also seems like you are bit concerned of going back to live with you mother. We don’t have a legal background however we do have some general knowledge. In most states, the age where you are no longer considered a minor is 18. Therefore, when you turn 18 in April you would no longer need parental consent to leave home. If you do decide to leave sooner, it’s always a good idea to maybe brainstorm where you’ll go, how you’ll keep yourself safe, and provide for yourself. Transitional Living Programs may be a good option because their programs are specifically designed to help youth phase out of crisis and/or homelessness. These programs may offer shelter, therapy, employment counseling, etc. It may also be useful to keep in mind that your legal guardian does have the right to file a runaway report if you do leave while you’re still a minor and if you make any contact with police they may return you back to your home. We hope this information was helpful. We’d be glad to talk more with you about your situation. Please feel free to call our hotline at 1800-runaway or come and chat with us at 1800runaway.org. All the best, NRS.

[Guest]

A girl ran away from home with my brother they are in a relationship and she is refusing to go back home and troubling my family she is 16 I don't want her to be in my family because she is young and has no character should I file a case , but her there is no mistake of my family , her family or my brother since she has ran away they have to disappointly keep her at home , her parents have refused to take her home they hate her and do not want her back . What should I do

[ccsmod4]

Reply:

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.
We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time.
It sounds like your family does not want to bear any responsibilty for sheltering a runaway.

Here is an option you might consider.

If the parent’s do not want the youth back in the home and it also sounds like the youth does not want to go back there then you might consider contacting child protective services (CPS).
Child Help USA 1-800-422-4453 www.childhelp.org is an organization that helps protect minors from being harmed or neglected.
It may also be a good place to explore options for staying with another family member or someone you trust as far as transferring custody.
If you would like to speak more about the situation we can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by email or bulletin for assistance.
So 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).

We hope to hear from you soon.

Take care,
NRS

We hope this response was helpful! We’d love to hear from you about your experience using our crisis email/forum. Your feedback plays an important role in helping us improve our services to youth and families. Please click the link to fill out our survey: Your Opinion Matters to Us

[Guest]

Wait I am 16 and I want to runaway to my boyfriend he is 17 the reason why I want to run away is because I have strict parents and they never let me out n dont let me have a boyfriend I don’t gave any freedom I just go to school and come back home I want to live how I want to. Can u help?

[ccsmod4]

Reply: Wait I am 16 and I want to runaway


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 frustrated by the rules your parent’s have set for you. As a result you are considering running away. We understand you’re upset and this may be one way to make them aware about how you feel.
It is times like these where it probably would be nice to have a listening ear.

Sometimes talking with someone about a situation might help to bring about options and idea’s not thought of before.
We want you to know that we are here to listen and support you during this difficult time. We would like to be of assistance to you if we can.

We can best help by phone or chat so that we might learn a little more about your situation and how we might assist you. 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).

We hope to hear from you soon.

Take care,
NRS

We hope this response was helpful! We’d love to hear from you about your experience using our crisis email/forum. Your feedback plays an important role in helping us improve our services to youth and families. Please click the link to fill out our survey: Your Opinion Matters to Us

[Guest]

Okay, im 17 years old as well as my bf but we are both turning 18 in some months. what would happen if i ran away from home, because im getting treated unfairly, im not happy, and some serious problems have been happening. My boyfriends mom said i could come live with them they are both concerned and worried about me with what is going on. i live in Georgia. My boyfriend does not want me to live at home with what is going on. my parents dont like him because he broke my heart once but we fell in deep love and he wants to take care of me and marry me on my 18th birthday. im kinda confused if i should do it i mean i know i want to bad and i probably need to but should i ?? if the police found me could they take me ?

[ccsmod15]

Hi there,
Thank you so much for contacting the National Runaway Safeline. It makes sense that you are considering your options, especially if you are being treated unfairly. Reaching out for help is a good first step and we are here to help.
First, you mentioned you are contemplating running away. We are not legal experts but running away is what would be considered a “status offense” since you are legally a minor until the age of 18. A status offense is not a crime, it is something that you cannot do because of your age (on par with smoking a cigarette). If you do have your parents’ permission, then you can legally stay with a friend or your boyfriend and that’s fine. Once you turn 18, you can leave home whenever you’d like, without any legal consequences.
If you choose to runaway, you might want to consider where you’d go and how you’d take care of yourself. It’s helpful to consider a backup plan should your original plan not work and consider how you’ll have access to basic needs such as food.
In general, it sounds like you could potentially benefit from having someone to talk to who can listen and understand. You could also consider contacting SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration) at 1-877-726-4727 or at www.samhsa.gov. You deserve to feel supported through this. Additionally, some people prefer to talk to a trusted adult, such as a teacher or another person they know.
Our hotline can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The number is 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929). We also have a chat service that is available through our website. We will be best able to assist you through one of these services. We would love to talk with you and we care about you.
Thank you again for contacting us and we look forward to hearing from you further. Take care of yourself.
-NRS

[Guest]

My girlfriend's father is a really monster (he verbally and emotionally abuses them all; not physically anymore). On top of that, her siblings are constantly fighting which stresses her. She intervenes so that no one becomes injured, but often ends up getting in trouble. She wants to run away and never see her father ever again. My parents are 100% okay with her living with me (we live a few hours apart), but her parents want to keep her around. She's 17, 18 in about five months. I'm 19 and in university. I understand that she is a legal minor and her parents are her legal guardians. I also understand that if I capitulate with her wishes and take her away before her 18th birthday, I could get into legal trouble. Is there some way I can help or get her away before she's 18?

[ccsmod4]

Reply: My girlfriend's father is a really monster


Hello,
Thank you for writing to us here at 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 seems there is a lot that your girlfriend is faced with right now and you’re wanting to find a way to help her. It’s great that she has your support and concern, especially since this time is probably quite difficult for her.
She does not deserve to have this happen to her. It is not her fault that this abuse has been going on.


There are laws to protect minors against abuse. She has a right to feel safe in her own home. If she feels threatened or faces verbal, emotional or physical abuse she has the option to file an abuse report with child services. Child Help USA 1-800-422-4453
NRS can also assist with filing a child abuse report and assist with trying to locate a safe emergency shelter. We can also assist with trying to locate family crisis counseling services through our data base. Your support is probably greatly appreciated by your girlfriend. They are fortunate to have you as someone they can turn to.

NRS is 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.
We are here as support to help both you and your girlfriend through this challenging time.
We can best help by phone or chat. If you or your friend 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 or your friend soon.

Take care,
NRS

We hope this response was helpful! We’d love to hear from you about your experience using our crisis email/forum. Your feedback plays an important role in helping us improve our services to youth and families. Please click the link to fill out our survey: Your Opinion Matters to Us

[Guest]

My name is Taylor and I am 17 I just had a boyfriends baby what will happen if I runaway from my house with my boyfriend that is 19 what will happen to him

[ccsmod10]

Hi Taylor, thank you for telling us your story and reaching out. Running away is a big decision and it can be very stressful to figure out what you want to do. We’re not legal experts here at NRS. Generally it’s not illegal to leave home, but your parents could file a runaway report, the police could get involved, and they could bring you home. Your boyfriend could potentially get charged with “harboring a minor.” Some police departments don’t accept runaway reports for 17 year olds, but the policies may vary by each department. You could consider calling your local non-emergency police department to ask about their policies. We also have legal aid resources here if you have specific questions about the laws in your state.

If you don’t feel safe and feel like you need to get away Nationalsafeplace.org provides a safe location for you to meet a staff member who can take you to a designated place where you can discuss all options about how to stay safe. You can text 44357 the word “safe,” and your location (Ex: 44357ChicagoSafe) to find a safe location in your area. Once you arrive let someone who works there know you need help connecting with a staff member.

Again, thank you for contacting us. It can be difficult to manage situations like this and you don’t have to do it alone. If you ever need anything in the future, please feel free to chat with us anytime at 1800runaway.org or call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY.

Wish you the best.
-NRS

[Guest]

Hey I want to runaway wit my bf but where’re other 15
I don’t wanna stay with my family it too toxic and up tight
i wanna live with him and be more free

[ccsmod9]

Thank you for contacting NRS we appreciate you reaching out to us. We are sorry that you are going through that. It seems like your mom is being abusive and cruel to you. From the information you gave us we can only give you options we do not tell you what to do as we believe you know yourself best. IF you are planning on leaving home technically that can only be done when you turn 18. If your mom chooses to report you missing or as a runaway with the police, they can be looking for you. Anyone who is housing you can be charged with harboring a minor. Another option that you have available to you is to report the abuse to the police or DCFS who can help get you out of that abusive home. The last option you could do is call your local police department and ask them what would happen if you left home at 17. They would be able to give you a straight answer as we are not legal experts. Sometimes they might not file you as missing or a runaway because you are close to being 18.

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.orgHome - National Runaway Safeline | National Runaway Safeline Call 1-800-RUNAWAY if you are thinking of running from home, if you have a friend who has runaway, or if you are a runaway ready to go home.www.1800runaway.orgIf 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 am about to turn 18 in a few days and I want to run away and live with my bf who is 17 about to turn 18 in a month. He already has an apartment for us. Can my parent do anything to him if I run away?

[ccsmod15]

Hey there,

Thanks for reaching out to us. Your parents *could* file a runaway report on you since you are still a minor at 17. Anyone you stay with could be accused of harboring a runaway. If you and your boyfriend want to be totally safe you may want to consider just waiting the few days till you turn 18. Or, if you do decide to leave before 18, perhaps you can get permission to do so from your parents. Of course, if they say no and they do file a runaway report, it's not always the case that police actively search for youth. So, it's really a matter of what risks you feel comfortable with. You could always call the local police non-emergency number and ask them how they handle runaway reports for 17 year old's. That might give you a little extra information to consider.

We hope everything works out for you. Please feel free to reach out to us anytime at 1-800-RUNWAY, or chat with us via the portal at www.1800runaway.org.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

I'm 13 and my bf is 16, can I live with him? I just want freedom and I can't get it when I live with my parents, but if I runaway from they I can't go to school anymore, what should I do?

[ccsmod15]

Hey there,

Thanks for reaching out to us. We are sorry to hear things are rough at home for you right now. 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. Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button). We are confidential and here 24/7.

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]

So me and my gf are in a realty bad place at our houses and I was wondering (I’m 16 shes 15) if we were to run away and we have a place to go that no ones at cause I know harboring a runaway and all that but I was wondering if I could get charged with anything else if I was to run away with her she said she wants to but I just don’t know what to do or if it’s safe

[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 15 & my bf is 16 we wanna run away because we love each other so much and no on understands us we’re doing long distance it’s so hard and ik we sound dumb asf but that’s what we want :/

[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