Can I move out 2 months before I turn 18?

[Guest]

I'm 17 and turn 18 on May 3rd. I live in a terrible home it is always trashed my mom fights with 24/7 and has hit me for no reason bashed my head into a shelf, pinned me up against walls, pulled my hair, tackled me more than once, and a lot more other things. I just dont feel welcomed at my house anymore and would rather be somewhere else than home.

[ccsmod0]

Hey there,

We appreciate you reaching out, and we understand this must be really difficult for you. You are extremely brave, and absolutely do not deserve to be treated that way. If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately. You may also be able to report any mistreatment to CPS. Child Help USA 1-800-422-4453 www.childhelp.org is an organization that helps protect minors from being harmed. They can tell you more about how CPS could respond to your situation.

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. In your case, you may be able to stay with another family member until you turn 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.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]

Hi. I turn 18 in 4 months and I live in Kentucky. My current home situation consists of constant fighting and screaming matches over everything. I hate being home and avoid it in every way possible and get bad anxiety when I have to return home. I have a friend that will let me live with them till I graduate but idk if I can do that without getting in trouble with law enforcements because my grandma would probably call the cops on me if I tried to leave. (I live with my grandparents). I really don’t know what to do at this point and honestly I’m about to just get in my car and leave.

[ccsmod10]

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.

[Guest]

Hi I’m 17 years old I’m from Texas I live with my step mom and dad my step mom is really rude to me and threatens me about sending me to a group home I graduate in a month and I turn 18 in two months I was wondering will a group home take me since I’m almost 18 and I have a job

[ccsmod15]

Hello,
Thank you for reaching out during this difficult time. We are sorry to hear your step mom is rude to you and is trying to get you sent to a group home. Although we are not legal experts, technically it is not against the law for you to run away from home before you turn 18. The catch is that anyone you would be caught staying with could possibly be charged with ‘harboring a runaway’ if your legal guardian decides to press charges. However, once you turn 18, legally you can leave at any time and there is not much your step mom could do about it. We hope this helps, please call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY if you have additional questions or concerns.

[Guest]

I'm turning 18, in August, and I rlly need to get out of my house for good, me and my parents do not get along at all, and I have verbal abuse from them. They treat me like nothing and I dont know what to do, I dont want to be there anymore, they constantly go through my room, and my personal stuff. They want me our but wont actually tell me to leave, it's like I'm being punished.. I want out and I need help..pls

[ccsmod8]

Hello there -

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to reach out to us here at the National Runaway Safeline and posting on our public forum. By helping you during your crisis, hopefully there are other youth that are in similar situations can read this for help as well. Reading your post, we can see that you have very similar questions to a lot of our callers and you’re looking for some answers. Hopefully we can help.

As you have probably read throughout out our threads here, that we aren’t legal experts and that the age of majority does vary from state to state. So we aren’t going to go through that with you as you can find it easily. We want to make sure that you are safe doing whatever you decided to do, it's certainly a jump step to make. Having a solid plan about what you are planning on doing it might be a good idea so that you can think about what is reasonably possible for you to do and want isn’t. Factoring in these kinds of thoughts into your overall plan, again can possibly help you in your choice. At the end of the day you know your situation better than everyone and only you can make the choice to leave or stay.

Now we do offer a service that is basically a Conference Call where the parent/guardian, the youth, and us would be on the phone talking about what has been going on. This way there can be a mediator in between keeping things calm and productive. If you’d feel more comfortable with doing that, just know that it’s always available. It might be a great way to talk about what you are going through and where this feelings might be coming from or to maybe build on your relationship and make it better or talk about what your plan for leaving might be (maybe they are okay with that idea). So maybe that might be an option for you and your parents. Something constructive so that it certainly opens the lines of communication, but that services is completely up to you.

Hope that this helps you! Please reach out to us for further help and if you want to talk some more about your situation.

[Guest]

Can I move out 2 months before turning 18?

[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 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]

I live in wisconsin and I can’t be at home anymore my 18th birthday is less than 2 months away. My dads threatening to call me in as a runaway. is there anything I can say or do for the police to not make me go back 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. You might just consider explaining the situation with your father. Sometimes the police may not force someone to go home when they are so close to turning 18. For specific information you might consider contacting the non-emergency number of your local police department to inquire about the runaway laws in your state and the age one can legally leave home. You might look online to find the non-emergency number.

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]

hello, i live in las vegas. i’m planning on going to college but the college i plan on going to isn’t near home, i don’t want to live on campus, i want to get my own apartment. i plan to move about 3 months before i turn 18. my parents are 100% on board with me moving & are willing to help me, am i still able to rent an apartment ? how would i do that ? would i get declined or anything ?

[ccsmod0]

Once 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. If your parents give consent for you to leave sooner, that is most likely okay as well. But you will most likely not be able to sign a lease until you turn 18. 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.

[Guest]

Hi, I was wondering what I could do about moving out. I am 17, I turn 18 on December 15. My Nana is constantly talking about how everyone else is the problem except her. And it's leading to me having some really bad depressive episodes. I don't know how to deal with this, because my only option other than to move in with my boyfriend, which i will do when i am 18, is to go back to my emotionally abusive parents. And they gave me the choice to leave and live with my Nana, which was great at first. Until she stopped working with me so we could both get along through this and stay happy. What can I do?

[ccsmod13]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to NRS and we appreciate you sharing a bit about your situation with us. It sounds like home has been getting overwhelming and you are thinking about leaving before you turn 18. The good news is that as soon as you turn 18 you will be considered a legal adult with the legal freedom to choose where you live. The easiest way to leave as a minor is with your parents' permission. We understand that this can be a very difficult conversation to approach with your parents, so maybe their is another family member or trusted adult who can help you talk to your parents about your needs.

If you decide to leave without permission before you turn 18, your parents can report you as a runaway to the police. Running away is not illegal, but it is a status offense. This means your parents can ask police to return you home if they know where you are staying. Now, there is not a universal way that police respond to runaway reports. In some cases, police might be more lenient since you are so close to turning 18 and might not force you back home. The police department in your area would be able to give the most specific information regarding this. You can anonymously call the non-emergency line to ask an officer about how they might handle a runaway report in your circumstances.

We hope this information helps! We are available 24/7 for immediate support by phone at 1-800-786-2929 or through live chat at 1800runaway.org. Please do not hesitate to reach out by phone or chat anytime if you would like to talk about your situation more in-depth or explore your options further.

Good luck and stay safe!
NRS

[Guest]

Hi, Im 17 and turn 18 on January 24th, I know you arent legal experts but when is the soonest I could leave without getting brought back? I live in california but I'd be going to washington

[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. 18 years old is generally the age that an individual may leave home without permission from their parent or legal guardian. You’re correct we are not legal experts here so we can only 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. If picked up by the police 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, contact the local non-emergency number to the 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 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).


Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

Can I move out 3 months before I turn 18 because i want to live with my biological mom that i havent seen in 10 years and i would like to be with her and i dont like being in the family i am in now.

[ccsmod2]

Hello There,
Thank you for reaching out to The National Runaway Safeline, we are here to help and here to listen. We are sorry to hear that you do not like your current living situation.
We are not legal experts but we do have some information. Because you would still be considered a minor it is a possibility that the police would return you back home. Because you are so close to being 18 some police departments may not take a runaway report. To find out if your local police department would take a runaway report you can always call and ask.
We hope that this information will be helpful to you in your situation. If you have any more questions or would like to explore options please give us a call. We are here 24/7 to listen and to provide you with support. Best of luck!
NRS

[Guest]

Hi my name is Kameron I'm 17 and my girlfriend is 17 she turns 18 in 7 months is she allowed to move out without getting in trouble her dad has beaten her and left bruises all over her and had told her to kill herself so many times in trying to help her get out of it and help her come stay with me my parents said she could stay with us.

[ccsmod4]

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 friend is faced with right now and you’re wanting to find a way to help them.
It’s great that your friend has your support and concern, especially since this time is probably quite difficult for them.
Being abused is not the fault of your friend. They don’t deserve to have this happen to them. In most states 18 is the legal age to move out without parent or guardian permission. In cases of abuse there may be other options to leave.

There are laws to protect minors against abuse. If your friend would like to file an abuse report they may do so by contacting Child Help USA at: 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 database. Showing your friend support by reaching out to NRS says a lot about your character. They are lucky to have you there for support.

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 friend 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

[Guest]

hi! i’m 17 and will be turning 18 in 73 days (june 12th) my dad is extremely toxic and verbally and emotionally abusive. my mom passed away when i was 13, i asp met my dad when i was 7 him and i have never had a relationship and he’s always treated me like absolutely ******** and i have been counting down the months to be able to move out. i will be moving into my grandpas and wondering what i can do to move out earlier. i read in one of the other messages and it says that you guys could call the police department and see what they would do i was wondering if you could do that for me. please help me!

[ccsmod13]

Thank you for reaching out to NRS!

You are very strong for reaching out about what you have been going through. You never deserve to be treated that way by your father.

Even though you are about to turn 18, one option you always have is to report the abuse that you have been experiencing. A resource that could be helpful is Childhelp. They provide support to those living in abusive situations. Their hotline is (800) 422-4453 and their website is www.childhelp.org/. Even if you choose not to report, they have resources that may be beneficial to you.

Although we aren’t legal experts, if you choose to leave home before you are legally considered an adult, your dad could choose to file a runaway report. This means that if the police find where you are, they could choose to return you back to your father. They could also choose to charge your grandpa with harboring a runaway. If you have you father’s permission to stay with your grandpa, you would be able to go and live with him. An important thing for you to consider is how your father will react if you choose to leave, including if you think he will file a runaway report.

If you would like us to help you contact law enforcement in your area to find out more information about their policies, you will need to call into our hotline 1-800-786-2929 or use our live chat feature on our website so we can learn a little more about your situation. We are available 24/7 to listen and provide support, so feel free to reach out!

Stay safe,
NRS

[Guest]

Hey I am 17 years old. I recently got into some legal trouble in December, and than ran away in between my court dates a month ago, and my parents reported me missing, my dad started texting my boyfriend, and close friends. My boyfriend felt it was right to call my dad and let him know where I was. My dad called the police to get me, they came and got me and I went to the police station until my dad came and got me. I thought I was going back to my moms house the place I¨ve stayed at most of my life, but no. My dad told me last minute in the car after screaming in my face and shaking me, that I was going to live with him. I was crying, nervous, anxious, and torn. I used to hate being with my dad when I was a little kid. In knew this wasnt going to be ideal for me.

Anyways, I´m not allowed according to my dads rules to see anyone on my mom´s side right now, because he says they are bad influences and we cannot be trusted together, but again me and my dad went through a phase where i didn't contact him much or see him for 2 years maybe more. I haven't been to his house for a while. I dont even have a full bedroom here, I share it with my siblings play room. He doesnt know how me and my mom, and gramma were together he never saw us together. They arent the reasons I made bad choices. I regret all I did. My dad seems to just pick on me for it, and say im a criminal and all this. He hardly lets me talk to my family on my moms side, he makes fun of them, and now is trying to make me sell some of my stuff from over there, and keeps acting like my step mom doesnt want me here in there house, and says im doing everything wrong. He wont let me get a job right now or go back to in-person school, plus says im not going to college and i wont make it or pass and all this stuff. I rlly dont want to be here but legally i have to because i have court coming up in a week, and will be punisments from it like probation maybe or worse.

Anyways can I move out after my probation is done if I´m not 18.

[ccsmod1]

Hey there,

Thanks so much for reaching out and sharing a little bit about what’s been going on, we know that it takes a lot of courage. It must be really hard to live in a home with so much tension. It sounds like there's been a lot of moving parts lately and that it's really overwhelming and frustrating.

It definitely sounds like you are in a sticky situation from a legal standpoint. It may be a good idea for you and your mom petition for her to get custody of you again. You may also want to speak with a legal aid group that may be better equipped to explain any limitations currently set on you by the court. If you need help locating a legal aid group near you you can check out https://www.lawhelp.org/find-help/.

If you’d like to go over what’s going on in depth, or if you’d like to explore other options that you may have available to you, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY. You can also chat us by clicking on the “CHAT” button on top of our homepage. We’re open 24/7 and here to listen and support you in any way we can.

Stay safe,
NRS

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