17, 18 in 8 months, living in Indiana...planning on running

[Guest]

I'm planning on running away. can't take being home anymore. i want to know the rules in Indiana about Emacipantion. and how much trouble can i get in if i do run away. plz help.

[ccsmod2]

Re: 17, 18 in 8 months, living in Indiana...planning on running

Thanks for contacting us here at NRS. It seems as if you are really frustrated with the way things are going on at home and that you are planning to runaway. Have you come up with an actual plan, for example, where you would go and how you would survive if you were to leave? What is going on at home that makes you feel like you can't take it and that you need to leave? You mention that you will be 18 years old soon. Does it seem possible to stick things out and stay at home until then?

Running away is not considered a crime, only a status offense which is something you are not permitted to do since you are still a minor. So as far as getting in trouble, if you were picked up or found by the police, they would only return you back to your parents/guardians. You may or may not have to deal with consequences at home.

In Indiana, emancipation is not practicpated. There are no laws on it and therefore it is not really granted to youth often, except maybe in extreme cases. If you would want more information on this you would have to get information from an attorney or a juvenile advocacy organization because the courts are reluctant to assist on this topic. There is an Indiana State Legal Services Program that can be reached at 1-800-382-7581. If that doesn't help and you find that this is still an option for you, we can defiinitely help you by providing some more contact information on legal aid and assistance in your area. You can contact us via web again by posting a response to this message or if you are up to it, you can call us at anytime 24/7 at 1-800-RUNAWAY. We are completely confidential and would love to hear from you! Until then, good luck with things.

[Guest]

Re: 17, 18 in 8 months, living in Indiana...planning on running

yes, I thought about where to go if i do run away. I do have a friend, and i don't plan being gone for long, just a few days. her mom wouldn't mind. but i know if i do leave and the police bring me back, i'll be in even more trouble than before. my mom is crazy, and i've tried talking to her but just gets so upset and doesn't want to listen. i might call soon. thanks for the help.

[ccsmod0]

Re: 17, 18 in 8 months, living in Indiana...planning on running

Thank you again for contacting us here at NRS. I do emphasize with you about your frustration when trying to talk to your mom. It sounds like you have been able to make a plan if you decided that leaving is best for you. You had mention that you would be gone just a few days. In those few days, do you believe that your mom would file a runaway report? Do you think that your mom would listen if your friend’s mom talked to your mom about staying over for a couple of days? Or is there anyone else that you feel could help advocate for you in being able to have some time away from home? You are welcome to call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929) to discuss options and other resources such as legal referrals or contacting a shelter/youth program. We are completely confidential and here 24 hours a day. All of us that answer the phone would be happy to hear from you and provide any type of assistance that we can. Good luck!