running away at 18

[ccsmod1]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to us at the National Runaway Safeline. We are here 24/7 to listen and to support.

We are not legal experts, but generally speaking because you are 18 and considered a legal adult, you would not be considered a runaway. Being in foster care could change that fact. Do you have a case worker or someone you could turn to to ask these types of questions? If not, another thing you could do would be to call out to your local police and inquire anonymously about your rights within your situation. If you need help finding your local non-emergency number or want to talk through other possible options, don't hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-786-2929. Let us know how we can best help.

Best,

NRS

[Guest]

Hi. I'm 15 now, but i'm seriously considering running away once I'm 18. I'm scared and confused as to what to do though...nowhere to stay, though maybe my friends will be compliant and let me stay with them, even though most would be in college.

Could you help me develop a plan to leave? Like, how to get jobs, food etc. I have a passion for writing and I think I'm very flexible in my learning capacities, if that helps. Thank you!

[ccsmod0]

Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to write to us here at the National runaway Safeline. It sounds like you could use some help coming up with a plan to stay safe if and when you do decide to leave home. We want you to know that leaving home can be challenging but with the right support it doesn’t have to be. We can talk to you about all of your options and help you come up with a plan that is realistic and will help keep you safe. We look forward to your call. 1-800-786-2929

[Guest]

Hi I'm 18 years old I want to run away however my mom made me sign a trustee against my own will she came to my high school and made me sign for my brother in case anything happens to her she has control over my life and I have no freakin day in anything. I'm afraid she going to hunt me if I leave but I'm 18 and did nothing wrong or against the law and I know I have my right

[ccsmod0]

Hi there,

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to reach out to us here at the National Runaway Safeline. From your bulletin to us here, we can see that you have very similar questions to a lot of our callers and you’re looking for some answers. We have attached a copy of the bulletin that is similar. Feel free to call us with follow-up questions. 1-800-786-2929

I just need a couch and a roof over my head. and from there I will work my way up. I am going to college, but I don't want to drop out.

Hello there –

Thank you for taking the time out of your day to get into contact with 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. We do want to say that it must be very hard for you to have to go through all of this. It sounds like a very stressful situation for you at home. Hopefully by supporting you there are other that are reading through this thread that can relate can feel helped as well.

As you have probably read in other threads, the laws on that specific subject of just leaving home and/or running away vary from state to state. Now we are not legal experts, but what generally what typically happens in each state is if you are below the legal age of majority (18 in most states except Alabama and Nebraska [19 or upon marriage], and Mississippi [21]), your parents would be able to make a runaway report in the event that you do run away. Now considering the information above, you are a legal adult and cannot be forced home and your parents cannot file a runaway report with the police. Now if you have not told them where you are or have cut all communication with them, they can call the police still but to file a missing person’s report rather than a runaway report. It would not affect you at all though because they do not normally come up on background checks. You can always go to the police and tell them that you are not missing.

So factoring in these kinds of thoughts into your overall plan, (i.e what's your role in the house, are you going to be working, how long are you going to live there, will you be paying your share of the bills, what happens if you break up, what happens if you realize down the road that you can't live together and they kick you out, etc). Keeping your thoughts realistic will help you decide what is possible and what is not possible for you to do.

Best of luck!

[Guest]

I want to get away from home. But I am only staying here because of my younger siblings. I am 18 years old. And I have my own car. Somewhat. The car I have now, my mom is the Co-signer. However, I make the payments. Can she call the cops if I were to runaway in my car?

[ccsmod2]

Thank you for reaching out to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS). We understand that it takes courage to seek help. We are not legal experts so we cannot say for sure what would happen if you left with your car. In most states, once a person turns 18 they are considered as adults and would not qualify as runaways. You might want to contact your local court office to ask about the legalities of leaving with your car. It may not be an issue since you may the payments but we cannot say for sure. You could also try contacting your local police department through their non emergency number. If you have any other questions or you just want to talk, please contact us directly via our 24 hour crisis hotline (1-800-786-2929), email, or live chat.

[Guest]

Hi. I'm 18 years old and I want to move out. Only problem is I signed a job contract but I hadn't gone through with it yet completing all my process to be employed. I'm wondering if I could cancel it. Also, my mom payed my college deposit and I know I have every right to leave as I'm leaving home and it wasn't my funny I need help about this situation.

[ccsmod7]

Hello there, thanks for reaching out.

Sounds like you are wanting to leave but are not sure if you can because you signed a job contract. Unfortunately, we are not legal experts and we do not know what kind of contract you signed. You might reach out to your employers and let them know that you cannot take the job. Since you haven't completed the process for employment, maybe the contract is not binding. If you call or chat us we can look for legal aid assistance in your area if you need.

You are right, as an 18 year old you have the right to leave home without permission if you would like in states where the age of majority is 18. Unfortunately, we are not sure what you mean about your mom paying your college deposit and how that is affecting your situation. Please call or chat us if you would like to talk in detail so we have a better understanding of your situation and might be able to better help.

Best,

NRS

[Guest]

Hello, I am nearly 18 (18 on September 13th) and I am planning on running away/moving out on my birthday and living with my bf who lives in Illinois. I have done a bit of research but I can't find the answers to a few questions..

1: I have a savings account in my name but it is also managed by my parents. Once I am 18 would I be able to withdraw money that is rightfully mine out of there?
2: I have a cat that I've had since I was 10. He is not chipped. Would it be illegal to bring him along with me?

[ccsmod5]

Hi,
Thanks for reaching out. Each bank has different policies, so you can call your bank and ask about that. You should have no issues if your name is under that account, but we can’t say for sure. We’re uncertain about the cat; if your parents paid for the cat, it would technically be theirs, but we aren’t legal experts. You may want to call your local nonemergency police line and ask.
Thanks,

[Guest]

If I am 24 years old and I decided to leave home. Is there anything they can do about it

[ccsmod10]

Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out to NRS via our forum!

At 24 years old you are an adult in the eyes of the law. So that means you are definitely able to move out and live life on your own.

Best, NRS

[Guest]

Hi I'm 18 and planning to run away for a few weeks. I have a car and I'm going to get a job. But I just had some questions about school. I'm a senior in high school and was wandering if running away would greatly effect my school life. Could they hold me back if my grades are failing because I ran away. I don't think I plan on going to college. Thank you.

[ccsmod2]

Hello there,

Thank you for reaching out to NRS and telling us what’s going on with you.

Although NRS is not a legal agency, we can try to give a general idea of possible outcomes if you were to run away. If you are considered a minor in your state, you are still under your parents’ guardianship, therefore at any point when you are gone, they are legally within their rights to file a runaway report. Being a runaway is a status offense, and while you would not be charged with a crime, if police came across you, they would probably return you home. They could also potentially press charges against people who took you into their care for “harboring a runaway;” these charges would be misdemeanors, but still criminal offenses.

Regarding your concerns about school, although we are not experts in education laws in your state, by not going to school for several weeks, you would most likely be considered “truant” and be accountable for the consequences that entails. Additionally, if you were failing, you could be held back by your school. If you would like more information about education and your rights, the National Center for Homeless Educational Help is available by phone at 1-800-308-2145.

If you would like to talk about other resources and support, feel free to call our 24 hour hotline, 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or use our Live Chat.
We hope this information was helpful and take care.
National Runaway Safeline
[email protected] (Crisis Email)
1-800-RUNAWAY (24 Hour Hotline)

[Guest]

im a 16 year old girl i have an 18 year old boyfriend what would happen if we ranaway together would he arrested

[ccsmod3]

Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out to National Runaway Safeline and sharing a little bit about what is going. It takes a lot of courage to reach out and especially in a time where you have a really tough and complex situation. We aren’t legal experts, but we have general knowledge about running away. In most states, running away isn’t illegal, but what is called a status offense. You can’t get arrested for it but it will mostly likely go on your record until you are 18. The police will only know if you have runaway if your parents/guardians file a police report. We can’t say for sure how the police will respond, but we hear a lot that police will take potential places you might be and will actively search for you. If they come across you, the most likely will return you home to your parents. Sometimes we hear that if you are staying with someone who knows you are a runaway and are not actively trying to return you or finding shelter for you, your guardians/or police can press charges against the people who are housing you, with something that is called harboring.
We are here for you and will support you in anyway that we can. Please feel free to call into us directly as we can talk further about your situation and find resources that are best for you in your area. Stay strong and you are not alone in this! Our hotline ( 1-800-RUNAWAY) and chat are open 24/7.

-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 support youth and families. Please click the link below to fill out our survey.

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[Guest]

My 18 year old daughter has run away on wed 31 oct 2018.

[ccsmod9]

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 at NRS. 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 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately.
We hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe, NRS

[Guest]

hey, so. im 18, and my girlfriend has been going through a lot. she's 16. we plan on running away, we live in alabama and plan to go to califoria or Arizona. we have everything figured out. i just wanna know if she's going to havw to hide until she is 18.

[ccsmod9]

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. Another issue is if you are found with her. The charges might go up due to the fact that you are 18 and she is a minor. Again it might best to check with a lawyer before deciding on both your fates.
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]

I have no clue where to run to. I can’t go to my family and they people I’m living with now are staring to now want me there anymore. I don’t know what to do.

[ccsmod3]

Hi, thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you’re in a stressful situation. Have you considered reaching out to a trusted teacher or friend? They may have some ideas. The Homeless Shelter Directory at www.homelessshelterdirectory.org can help you find a safe place to go. You can also look up churches or Salvation Army locations, which sometimes have shelters. If these suggestions don’t help you find anything, you can call 211 and find a safe place based on your location.
Our priority is your safety, and you can call us anytime at 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929) to talk more about your options and how you will take care of yourself. You can also chat with us online at www.1800runaway.org. Best of luck with everything.

[Guest]

Hey i turm 18 last week and i want to run away from home. I have a boyfriend that my family does not like and barley see him. I asked him to come over to my nanas house to hang out while babysitting my cousins and got in trouble for it. My family is mentally abusive so my mom says. I live with my dad and his girlfriend and cant live with my mom and dont have anyone to go too at least for another month.

[ccsmod2]

Hello There,
Thank you for contacting The National Runaway Safeline, we are here to help and here to listen. We are not legal experts but do have general knowledge of the laws. In most states the legal age to leave home is 18, so in most states if you were to leave home at 18 it would not be illegal. You do not deserve to be dealing with emotional abuse. You mentioned wanting to run away from home but nowhere to go. You could consider asking a friend or family member if you could stay with them. If you need help looking for a place to go you may chat or call us and provide us with your city and state and we can help you look for shelters or transitional living programs. We hope this information will be helpful to you in your situation. If you have any other questions or would like to talk more please feel free to call us, we are here 24/7.
Best of luck!
NRS

[Guest]

I am 18 and my parents have been neglectful to me for years. I don't want to call CPS because they're not bad to my little siblings and I don't want them to grow up without parents. I have literally no resources and am afraid of ending up on the street as a trick or drug fiend. What can I do to leave now? If I call CPS, what will happen? My stepmom is emotionally/psychologically abusive and punishes my siblings if she catches them associating with me in any type of way. They won't let me get a job and I have no money, I have no friends or anyone I can ask for help. If I do, I can 100% guarantee my parents will find out and I'm afraid of what they might do to me when they do. I haven't been outside more than ten times in the past two years, I 'm not even allowed to go anywhere in the house except my room and bathroom. My parents are extremely controlling, to absurdity, and neglectful, as well as abusive. They used to beat the crap out fo me in middle school as a form of punishment. I hate it here. I rarely eat enough. I can't take much more of this. Please help.

[ccsmod5]

Hi, there!
Thank you so much for reaching out. It sounds like your parents have not been kind and did not treat you the way you deserve to be treated. You never deserve to be abused in any way—no one does. The “good” news is in most states (with the exception of Alabama and Nebraska) you are free to leave your parents’ home with or without permission. At this age you are considered a legal adult. A really great resource for you could be transitional living programs (TLPs). TLPs can house you for up to 18 months are they are designed to help young adults gain independence and become financially stable. If you’re interested in a TLP, feel free to give us a call at 1-800-786-2929 and we can search for one in your area. Another resource you might consider is Job Corps, which provides academic and career skills training. That may be a way to begin earning money and possibly find housing away from your family. The website for that is www.jobcorps.gov.
Regarding your question on CPS: since you are 18, you would not be able to file an abuse report since you are now a legal adult (unless in the case of sexual abuse, which you can call police to report). If at any time you are ever concerned about your siblings, you might consider filing a report on their behalf.
Thank you again for reaching out. If you ever need additional resources, support, or just a listening ear, we are here 24/7/365. Our number is 1-800-786-2929. You’re being very strong by looking at your options and thinking about your safety. Your safety is our number one priority and you are never alone. Take care,
NRS