I'm 16 & Canadian. Is This Illegal?

[Julia]

I am 16 and still live at home with my mother and step-father. Recently, my mother and I have been fighting constantly. Every night, she takes my laptop away from me so I can get to sleep early on weekdays because she does not trust me. She is the type of mother who treats me like a child yet expects me to act like an adult.

Last year, we made an agreement. If I passed all of my school subjects, which I did, I would no longer have my laptop and iPhone taken away from me. She did no keep her part of the deal, and continues to take my laptop and iPhone away from me whenever she wants to.

I understand she mostly does this because she is worried about my grades and wants me to get enough sleep, but I have proven I can do it without her taking my things away, yet she still will not listen. Is there anything I can legally do to stop her from taking things I have bought / earned away from me?



Also, say I've been thinking of moving in to my grandmother's house and my grandmother is okay with it. I was told I am able to move out legally at the age of 16 without permission. Is this true, and can I bring anything that I legally own with me? My laptop was a gift and I legally bought my iPhone with money I earned. Can I bring these two items with me legally without permission?


Also, is there anything I can do when my mother tries to take the laptop and iPhone I payed for? She won't even let me do school assignments if she doesn't want me on it. I'm just tired of her bossing me around just for the sake of letting me know who's in charge.


*Note: If you're going to tell me to just talk it out with her, there is no point. She is an Italian woman if that tells you anything.

[ccsmod11]

RE: I'm 16 & Canadian. Is This Illegal?

Hello,

If you have contacted NRS today through another means (for example, live chat, email or bulletin) for the same issue, it would be helpful to let us know that you have already contacted us. NRS understands it takes courage to reach out for help; therefore, we would like to minimize the need for you to repeat your situation and avoid offering you duplicate services.

Best,

NRS

[Julia]

I have not contacted NRS through live chat, email, or bulletin. This is the first time I've posted here, and I'm still looking for an answer. I'm looking to have one within the next 24 hours as I am being taken in to foster care and do not have much time.

[ccsmod10]

RE: I'm 16 & Canadian. Is This Illegal?

Hello again,

Thank you for reaching out to us during this difficult time. It sounds like you are thinking about going to your grandma's house. Just to let you know, we are not legal experts. However, it's not against the law for you to run away from home. In most places it's considered a 'status offence'. There is a risk that anyone you would be caught staying with could possibly be charged with ‘harboring a runaway’. Is this something your grandparents are willing to risk? You do have the right to feel safe and wanted in your own home. Most of our resources are going to be located in the United States. If you do need a shelter in the US, www.nationalsafeplace.org is a good resource to reach out to.
We can also be reached at any time at 1-800-RUNAWAY(786-2929) or by live chat at www.1800runaway.org from 4:30pm-11:30pm Central Standard Time. We look forward to hearing from you and wish you the best of luck.

- NRS