running away at 18

[Guest]

can i take my electronics like laptop with all the accounts in my name and what else can i take since i am 18 years of age if i already have a permanent place to stay

[ccsmod6]

Hello and thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. When it comes to personal belongings, we’re not legal experts, so you might get some more concrete information by reaching out to your local police non-emergency number. You can ask them what you are entitled to take with you if you leave and they should be able to let you know. If you have any other questions or would like to talk about anything else, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-786-2929 or chat us at 1800runaway.org.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi,
I turn 18 at the end of this month and am planning on leaving home that day. In the state I am in, I’d be the age of majority so that’s fine. However, how do I find living situations in a state that is super foreign and far away from home state and how would I be able to find a job? There’s no question that I’m leaving because with the money I have I bought a bus ticket to the state I’m planning to leave to. I am going with a friend who’s also 18. We both live in very toxic and abusive households. My family takes most of my income from me so I don’t know how I will be able to survive when we get there. Any support or resources would be greatly appreciated.

[ccsmod15]

Hey, thanks for reaching out to us. We are sorry to hear that you and your friend are going through a rough time at home. You don't deserve to be abused or live in a toxic environment: no wonder you want to leave. Of course, if want to file an abuse report with your state's child abuse reporting hotline, you can do that. Or you can call Child Help (www.childhelp.org) and report through them at 1-800-422-4453. Of course, it's up to you if you decide to report or not. We never tell anyone what to do. But it is an option.

As for moving out of state: it probably is a good idea to address your concerns about housing and earning a living before you leave home (or your home state, at least). Just a thought, but would you have to leave home and then go so far away? Perhaps moving out of your home to a place nearby might be a more comfortable and realistic step. But that's just a idea without knowing that much about your situation. How to find a job or place to live depends a lot on what you want to do, what you are qualified to do, how much money you have saved, and so on. You can always look at jobs or apartments through websites like www.indeed.com or www.craigslist.com (though it's wise to exercise caution with any craigslist ad that looks "fishy"). You might consider contacting www.jobcorps.gov as well. The answer to your question can go in so many different directions that it probably would be best to give us a call to see how we can help you with something that may be a bit more concrete. Our number is 1-800-RUNAWAY or you can chat with us via the portal at www.1800runaway.org. We have a large database of resources: things like shelters, transitional living programs, legal aid, and the like. You may also consider talking to a trusted adult that has some experience with getting jobs and finding places to live, perhaps a teacher, counselor, pastor, or other relative that you trust. The more you give this thought before you leave home, the better.

We hope this helps. Again, call or chat with us anytime. We are confidential and here 24/7.

All the best,
NRS

[Guest]

Almost 18
I am going to run away in two days when I turn 18 if I have a careteam because of prior depression and anxiety is it still okay to run away even if my therapist recommended I leave my current home situation

[Guest]

my mom and dad are controlling and abusive, I have seizures too and I’m from Alabama what I want more than anything is to get away from them . What do I do and I’m turning 18 in this year of august they said if I run away they would report me missing and put me in the herald, and I know they are going to Harass me when they see me or people that help me run away what do I do to keep her away from me and my friends that’s might help me get away from home please answer me back

[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 sounds like things are very stressful with the lack of support and abuse you feel from your parents along with the seizures you experience. We are sorry you are going through all of this. You deserve to live in an environment where you feel safe and respected.
While we are not experts on the law, 19 is generally the age that an individual may leave home without parent permission in Alabama. If you are under 19 and leave home, your mother may file a runaway report and you may be returned home. Sometimes the laws are more lenient for youth who are age 17 or 18. 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. For more specifics on the law, the local non-emergency police or legal aid may better answer legal questions.
There might be options to report the abuse you are going through, and if your parents are not providing necessary medical attention for your seizures that may also be neglect. For more information about child abuse and what constitutes it you can go to https://www.childhelp.org/.
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,
NRS

[Guest]

My 17 almost 18 year old sister is planning to run away on her birthday which is in about a week ish I’m 14 and I have 4 siblings I know about this but I don’t know what to do or what will happen I don’t want her to run away because of what will happen at home but I don’t know about other consequence can you please help me

[ccsmod13]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to NRS and we appreciate you sharing your situation with us. It sounds like you have some concerns about your sister leaving and how it might affect things at home. Having a sibling leave home or not get along with your parents can certainly cause a stressful environment. It was very brave of you to reach out for more information and support.

The age of majority, or the age when a person is considered an adult, is 18 in most states. This means that your sister is most likely considered an adult with the legal freedom to choose where she lives on her 18th birthday. She would not suffer any legal consequences for leaving home without permission.

We understand that this situation might also cause stress at home or a shift in the family dynamic. No matter what is going on between your sister and your parents, you deserve to feel supported. If you would like to talk more about your concerns or how we could possibly help, we encourage you to contact us directly. We are available 24/7 for immediate support by phone 1-800-786-2929 or through live chat 1800runaway.org.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

hey i can understand your situation can you tell me where are you from i also want to runaway from my family from thid country to canada. are you with me. life after runaway will not be easy are you with me

[ccsmod3]

Thank you for your response to another user’s post. Often forums are a place of support and understanding for many youth. It often may be validating and helpful for users to read similar situations as well as exchange feedback to one another. For anyone experiencing any difficulties or challenges, the National Runaway Safeline encourages youth to reach out to our 24/7 crisis support line either by phone or chat for immediate services.
Thank you, NRS

[Guest]

Hi, I'm 18 and no longer want to live with my parents. I don't feel comfortable being at the house and they're so controlling and I have people that I know would let me live with them but I am scared of ultimately making my life worse with payments I can't afford and parents that I can no longer go back to.

[ccsmod15]

Hi,
Thanks for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you are in a tricky situation and want to make the best decision. We are so glad you have contacted us for help.
In most states, when you are 18, you are no longer legally in your parents’ jurisdiction, meaning that you may be able to leave your parents’ home with or without their permission. It sounds like things at home are uncomfortable and hard for you. And yet, moving out sounds like it will bring a new set of complications—bills and the hard work of living independently. We are never able to give advice, but we can help you come to a decision that is best for you. If you ever want to call us to discuss the situation further, we would love to help elicit options for you and explore your feelings about the situation. We can always be reached at 1-800-RUNAWAY or through instant message at 1800runaway.org (Click “Chat”).
We hope you will contact us, and in the meantime, we wish you peace and good judgement as you move through this difficult discernment process. Please feel free to give us a call anytime. We are here to listen, here to help.
Stay safe and strong,
NRS

[Guest]

I need to leave this house but im 16 im waiting until im 18 to leave because i dont want problems with police would i get into trouble if i run away when im 18

[ccsmod13]

Hi there,

Thank you for taking the time to write us here at NRS. While we are not legal experts we can speak on this generally. In most states 18 is the age of majority, or the age at which you can leave home. At 18 you are considered a legal adult with the legal freedom to choose where you live. You would not be considered a runaway rather an adult choosing to move out and you would not get into any legal trouble.

However, there are a few states that have an older age of majority: Alabama and Nebraska (19) and Mississippi (21). If you live in one of these states you could still be considered a runaway at 18. Running away is not illegal, but it is a status offense. This basically means your parents can ask police to return you home if they know where you are staying. Police response to runaway reports can vary a lot. We usually suggest that young people reach out to their local police department to ask an officer about their runaway protocols and at what age they would no longer take a runaway report.

We hope this information helps. If you would like to talk more about your situation or if you have more questions, please do not hesitate to reach out anytime. We are available for immediate support by phone at 1-800-786-2929 or through live chat at 1800runaway.org.

Good luck,
NRS

[Guest]

I helped my friend run away from home and their parents keep threatening me saying they will file a missing persons report/kidnapping. My friend is 18 years old and we live in California so she is a legal adult. Is it still considered a kidnapping if she is an adult? Do their parents have the right to file a missing persons and kidnapping report?

[ccsmod0]

Hey 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. While we are not legal experts, she is most likely considered an adult since she is 18. If her parents do decide to file a missing persons report, she can call the local law enforcement and explain the situation, that she was not kidnapped and is not missing or in danger.

Best of luck,
NRS

[Guest]

My sister is 18 she ran away with 4 men she had no reason to run away is there anything at all that we can do to bring her home

[ccsmod4]

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. If you fear that your sister may be at risk you might consider contacting the local police department and providing any information that may be helpful.
We are sorry that you are going through what must feel like a scary time.
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 call or chat soon.
Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

My friend is 18 and lives with an abusive family. She has attempted to run away before and was always returned by the police. They never took her side and always sided with the parents. Her parents supposedly have paperwork stating they have custody over her until she turns 21. If she was to run away again, would the police attempt to bring her back since she is now a legal adult? Also, if she was to stay at another friend’s home, would this be considered “harboring a runaway”?

[ccsmod13]

Hi there,

Thank you for taking the time to contact us here at NRS. It sounds like you care a lot about your friend's safety and wanted to know more about what would happen if she leaves home. While we are not legal experts we can speak on this generally. The age of majority in most states is 18 which means your friend is more than likely a considered a legal adult and has the legal freedom to choose where she lives. In this case, she could move out without being forced home by police and anyone she stays with would not be harboring a runaway,

You mentioned that her parents are claiming to have extended guardianship of her until she turns 21. It is possible that this could be true if her parents have a court order stating your friend is not able to live independently. If this is the case her parents could potentially involve police to have your friend returned home. It could be helpful to call the local police department's non-emergency number to speak with an officer and ask about these circumstances. We are also happy to refer you and your friend to a legal aid resource to ask a lawyer about the possible extended guardianship and what that means for your friend. You can contact the NRS hotline anytime by phone at 1-800-786-2929 or through live chat at 1800runaway.org for resources.

Please do not hesitate to reach out again by phone or live chat if you would like to talk more or need further support. We are available 24/7 to listen and help as much as possible.

NRS

[Guest]

hi im 18
my parents won't let me go out with friends..she takes control of my life? i need some help?

[ccsmod3]

The right to walk out and go with friends, im 18. my parents control my life

hi im 18
my parents won't let me go out with friends..she takes control of my life? i need some help?
---

Hello!

Thanks for connecting with us here at National Runaway Safeline. It takes a lot to reach out for support when things feel challenging, and we commend you for doing so now.

It sounds like you're looking for a little more independence at home now that you're 18. It might be a good idea to sit down with your parents and try to come to an understanding of both your expectations and theirs, together. If you can develop a better understanding of the reasons behind why they're not letting you hang out with your friends, you might be able to develop a plan moving forward. For example, if they're worried about COVID and the risks that come with being around other people, you may be able to think of some ways that would make hanging out a little safer. There may be other things going on that are lending to the lack of control you're feeling, but trying to communicate openly with one another could be a good place to start. If you feel like you need some support when talking to them, try asking someone you trust to be apart of that conversation: a family member or a family friend, a counselor or a social worker. At NRS we can also chat through other options, help you prepare for that conversation and facilitate it if desired--just give our hotline a call at 1-800-RUNAWAY or chat with us at 1800runaway.org. We're available 24/7 and are always happy to help.

Take care!

NRS

[Guest]

I live in Jackson, Mississippi, and I want to move out. I have graduated from highschool, but my parents treat me like trash. I tried to leave, but they said that everything in the house is theirs if I leave. This includes many things. I however, bought many secret things using cash money. I know the age of majority here is 21, but if I run away to Arkansas, where it is 18, can I be brought back home?

[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]

Hey im 18 and my mother wants me to join the military because of my poor performance in my first semester in college however i dont want to. i have people who are going to take me while i get a job and save up to actually move in and pay rent but im just really scared and dont know what else to do it just feels like i have no one to go to

[ccsmod13]

Hi there,

Thank you for taking the time to contact us here at NRS and we appreciate you sharing your situation. It is unfair that your mother is pressuring you into doing something you don't want to do. It sounds like you are planning on leaving home, but you have some concerns and worries. Leaving at any age can be a big decision. Ultimately, you are the expert on your situation and you will know what is best for you. We want you to know that you are not alone in this and we are here to listen and help as much as possible.

From what you mentioned, it sounds like you already have a plan and a place to stay. If you would like a safe space to talk through your situation and discuss your plan, you can reach out by phone or chat anytime. We are available 24/7 for immediate support by phone at 1-800-786-2929 and through live chat at 1800runaway.org. We look forward to hearing from you soon so that we can provide support and resources.

Stay strong,
NRS

[Guest]

My daughter is 18 and she was living with her dad and step mom with her brother and sister she ran away a month ago took everything and her ss and birth certificate we have no clue to wear shes at and we are worried about her she hasn't contacted any of her family and that not like her we just want to know if she is ok what can we do to at least know if she is ok do we make a missing person report

[ccsmod15]

Hi,
Thanks for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. We are sorry to hear about this scary situation.
As an 18-year-old, in most states, your daughter is legally allowed to leave home with parental/guardian consent. We are not legal experts, but it is our general knowledge that anyone may file a missing person report for a person whom is believe to be missing.
You might also consider reaching out to people that your daughter knows, checking social media accounts, checking bank and phone statements, and brainstorming all means of contacting her to understand her whereabouts.
This can be an incredibly tough time, and it is also important that you are getting the support you need. You might consider calling Team HOPE (Help Offering Parents Empowerment) at 1-866-305-4673. This is a very powerful hotline staffed by adults that have experienced their youth run away or go missing. They can offer emotional support, and also may be able to elicit further options for ensuring your daughter is safe.
We hope you find some of this information useful. We wish you the best of luck.
Sincerely,
NRS