running away at 18

[ccsmod15]

Hello,

Thanks so much for reaching out to us. It sounds like you are considering leaving home, but you have questions on how to be able to safely leave and avoid any documentation issues. While we are not legal experts, we will try to share information that can help you figure out your next steps.

Generally speaking, it may help to ensure that you have a state-issued identification, like a drivers license or state ID with you if you find you have to confirm your status as a legal adult in your area. If you are concerned that your family might file a runaway report despite your status as a legal adult in your state, one option might be to reach out to your local police department at their non-emergency number. They might be able to let you know what type of documentation is needed so that they can confirm you are no longer a minor and do not need to be returned home. If you are no longer a minor in your state, your family may be able to file a missing persons report with local police department, but local police would not be likely to try to return you to your parents/legal guardians as they would if you were a minor. You are asking really great questions to ensure your safety. If you need help accessing the contact information for your local police department, or if you just want to talk, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Whatever you decide, know that we are here to support you. We cannot tell you what to do, but we will do our best to help you stay safe as you figure out what is best for you.

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 are here to listen, here to help. Stay safe!

-NRS

What happens if I am 18 and I run away from home (with the state I reside in I am considered a majority or adult) but I don't have access do documents like birth certificate and passport?

[ccsmod15]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline (NRS). We really appreciate you reaching out for help. 

 To answer your question, since you are 18, your family cannot file a runaway report and therefore an amber alert is unlikely because of your age. That being said, a missing adult report could be made, but since you are over the age of 18, you cannot be sent back home. 

 We are here to support you 24/7. We understand that things can be difficult, so if you would like to talk in more detail, please contact NRS either by calling 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or chatting online through 1800runaway.org. We can help you work through some options such as shelters, transitional living homes, or different living arrangements. 

We hope to hear from you soon.

Be safe,
NRS

Would there be an amber alert if I run away at 18? Not trying to bring attention to myself. But it's been way too hard and I'm just barely 18. Just turned 18 on March 10th. It shouldn't be this hard this early in my opinion

[ccsmod9]

Hi there,

We are really glad you reached out to NRS. This is a great question. No matter the situation, or where you are at, you have the right to go to school. Even more, since you would already be 18, you could transfer your school credits without needing parental or guardian consent anyway. If you are interested, you could also look into getting your GED credential which is a high school equivalency diploma.

It sounds like you are planning on waiting to run away; but, just know that you can always reach out to us via chat (on this website) or phone call (1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929)) if you ever need support or resources. We wish you the absolute best of luck moving forward.

Stay safe,

NRS

Hi, I’m currently 16. But I’m planning on running away when I turn 18, I’m currently saving up money and working at my part time job. I turn 18 Feb 16 2025 and I plant on leaving right as I turn 18. Will I be able to apply to another highschool as an 18 year old by myself so I can at least finish highschool? Thank you.

[ccsmod16]

Hi,
Thanks for reaching out; we are glad that you did. It sounds like things are pretty stressful at home because your mom is toxic and your phone was taken away.
In most states, 18 is the age of majority and it wouldn't be considered running away, as you may be an adult, even if you are still in school. You can google this for yourself to see whether you are an adult in your state.
Leaving may then be possible, but we would like to have a conversation with you about your plan for where you would go. You can chat us through this website, or call the hotline at 1-800-RUNAWAY.
We truly hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
NRS

Im 18 years old i want to run away, my mom is very toxic and she wont let me go anywhere she took my phone and got into it and changed the password and locked me out of my own phone. I still have to attend school i dont know what to do i cant keep staying here.

[ccsmod3]

Hi there, thank you for reaching out. It sounds like you are considering leaving home, but are unsure about what would happen afterwards. It’s helpful to think about where you would stay and making sure it is safe. It’s also important to consider how you will take care of yourself. While we won’t tell you what to do, it’s helpful if you have a job and are able to afford the things that you will need. Another consideration you have mentioned is that you have other siblings in your house, so figuring out ultimately what the best option is for you, but also that you would still be in contact with your siblings as that seems important to you. We can help by talking through this more and helping you plan next steps, if are interested, please call our hotline 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or chat us online at 1800runaway.org. We hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe,
NRS

Hi, I look at the other threads and I get the general idea of what you are saying with being the age of majority and I am age of majority in my city which is 18. I want to leave home. Bu i want to know what would happen afterwards for me? I have thoughts about leaving home but I don ´ t know if I should do it since i have siblings left behind me. I ´ m not asking for you to answer me on whether or not I should leave. I just want to know the struggle from it after I do it.

[ccsmod3]

Hi there, thank you for reaching out and explaining a bit about what has been going on. It sounds like your parents are homophobic and controlling and you deserve to be in a place where you are comfortable to be who you are. If you leave home at 18, since that is the age of majority in Texas, it is not considered running away, so anyone who houses you would not be in any legal trouble. If you have any more questions or want to discuss this further, please call our hotline 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or chat us online at 1800runaway.org.
Be safe,
NRS

I want to runaway from home when I turn 18, due to my parents being homophobic and controlling. The age of majority in Texas 18, but will anyone who houses me (such as a friend's family) be in legal trouble?

[ccsmod6]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to us at National Runaway Safeline. We know that it isn’t always easy to ask for help and we appreciate you sharing a bit of your story with us.

The National Runaway Safeline is located in the United States of America (USA). If you are located in a country outside of the USA, you can use this link to find a youth helpline in or around your country: https://www.childhelplineinternation...pline-network/. Our knowledge is limited to laws and resources within the USA.

If you do live in the USA, 18 is generally the age when one is legally allowed to leave home. Though specifics sometimes vary from state to state, once you are a legal adult, you cannot be filed as a runaway. Legal adults have the right to choose where they live. If you are not filed as a runaway, then harboring laws wouldn’t be applicable, either.

But, again, these laws are specific to the United States, so keep that in mind.

In the end, we cannot tell you what to do. You know your situation far better than we do. However, if you’d like to talk through your options in greater detail, feel free to reach out. We can best assist you over phone at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or through our Live Chat at www.1800runaway.org. We’re here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You do not have to be alone in this.

Be safe,

NRS

I am 18 and want to runaway, is it okay?

Hi there, I would like to runaway to my old country. My parents are mentally abusive and don't let me do things for my own like get a job or even go out. They always want me home and yell at me and always start arguments with me and I have had about enough. I didn't want it to come to this but every month it just gets worse. I really don't want to be here and plan to live with my boyfriend when I move back to my old country. Would it be illegal if I were to live with him and could my parents report me as a missing person? Would there be any charges held against him and his family?

[ccsmod15]

Since you are 18 you are more than likely considered a legal adult which means that you can move out if you want to and you won’t be considered a runaway. As a legal adult, you have a right to make your own decisions about where you live. We can help you make a plan for how to deal with your situation and help you find resources to land on your feet. Having a plan for where you will live and how you will survive once you move out can be very helpful. Moving can be a huge step, and you don’t have to be alone. Some steps you can take towards independence might be to find employment if you don’t have an income, or to save up money for moving expenses. It can also be helpful to research rents in your area, find a roommate, or make a budget. Another thing you might want to consider is what kinds of things you depend on your parents for currently such as tuition expenses for school, or health insurance, and whether they would continue to provide those things after you leave. There may be social service agencies in your area that can help meet some of these needs, such as Transitional Living Programs, a kind of shelter where young adults can live and get services to help them transition to independent living. We are here to listen and help however we can.