17 year old runaway law in Colorado

[ccsmod10]

Thanks for reaching out to NRS via our forum. We appreciate you looking out for your friend and being a support for them. We hope our response will be helpful.

It sounds like home life your friend is really stressful, due to the abuse. Abuse is never okay, no one deserves to be hurt in any way, no matter the situation. A minor (18 and under) who is being abused at home, always has a right to report that abuse. If your friend ever wanted to make an abuse report or explore more what the reporting process looks like, Child Help is the National Child Abuse Hotline (800) 422-4453, can walk them through that. They also help youth find ways to have their custody transferred to safe adult or family member in their life. NRS is also able to make abuse reports, if you wanted to pass along our information to them, so they can call into our safeline.

Talking to school counselors or teachers about his situation, could provide them with additional support. We have heard of some cases when parents do file a runaway report, they can press charges on a friend's family for harboring a runaway (adults over the age of 1. Harboring a runaway is when they are not giving accurate information on the youth’s whereabouts, or do not give the youth up if the police come. Harboring a Runaway is a misdemeanor and fairly hard to prove. We rarely hear about that charge, parents of the runaway must take the case to court and pay for the fees, etc. Lastly, we do have a database of resources. We would be happy to look for legal aid resources, they may know more about ways for her to legally move out early.

Again, thank you for reaching out to us and looking out for your friend. It sounds like you’re doing your best to be supportive. If you or your friend would like to talk more about the situation, don’t hesitate to call out to our 24/7 safeline or use our chatting services.


Be well, NRS

Hello. I'm a 20 year old who is best friends with a 16 year old. Her father is physically abusive and her and her mom don't get along. She told me that if I can't get her out of the house she's going to kill herself. What are the rules for someone to take someone else out of the situation? Please help me. I don't want to loose a friend and a sister.

[ccsmod1]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to us at the National Runaway Safeline. We're sorry to hear about all that you have been facing and want you to know that you have the right to feel safe and happy in your home. We are not legal experts but generally speaking, if you leave while still 17, your parents could file a runaway report and you could be returned home. There could also be legal consequences for whomever you stay with for what is called harboring a minor. One thing you can do is reach out to your local police to inquire how they handle runaway reports for 17 year olds. Some cities and departments treat them differently because a 17 year old is so close to becoming a legal adult. The way to get the most accurate information would be to call your local police non-emergency number and anonymously inquire about their practices. The harboring a runaway law would apply the same to anyone that you ran away to and also it wouldn't matter whether you stayed somewhere for a short or long period of time. If a runaway report is filed, any of those consequences could happen. If you need help finding this number or you want to walk through any other options you have, we can be reached at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929).

Best,

NRS

Hi I am 17 in Colorado I’ll be 18 in 8 months and I almost ran away tonight but I thought it best I wouldn’t because I am unsure of the consequences. I am having a lot of problems at home with my parents and feel like I really can’t go on anymore being with them but they are way too overprotective to let me go anywhere. Although I have my drivers license they won’t let me get a car or insurance and now are forcing me to quit me job just because they don’t like my boyfriend. If I run away, will the person I go to for help be in trouble for harboring me in any way? And if so, does it matter who I go to? For example my boyfriend versus my grandpa. Also is there any way I am allowed to stay with someone else for a short period of time without their permission?

[ccsmod4]

Reply: I am 16 and a half turning 17

Hello,
Thanks for contacting 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.
Just so that you know we are not legal experts and only can provide some general legal information when it comes to someone running away or someone assisting/aiding a person running away.

Someone under 18 that leaves home, the parent/guardian may file them as a runaway and they may be returned home. Also, those that a reported runaway stays with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. Anyone found to be assisting or aiding someone to run away may also find themselves at risk legally. For more specifics on the law, you might consider contacting the local non-emergency number for the police. You might also look for a legal aid center in the area. They may be able to answer any legal questions on the subject.

If you would like to talk more in detail 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 your friend should ever be at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage them to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately.
Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).


Take care,
NRS

I am 16 and a half turning 17 next February and I was wondering what the laws are if I were to move out when when I turn 17. My parents and I haven't gotten along since their divorce and while it's not abusive it has been causing a strain on my already fragile mental stability. I am planning to get a job and move in with some friends next summer but am worried my parents will call the cops on me. If I do it without their direct permission but let them know where I'm living still can I do this? Or will they still be able to force me back home by calling the cops?

[ccsmod16]

Hello, we're very glad you reached out to us today. We're very sorry to hear what you're going through, and we're especially concerned to know that you are having suicidal thoughts and we want you to have the number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - if you're thinking you might harm yourself, please call them at once. There are some options you might want to consider: if you want to call us, we might be able to find you a resource nearby and otherwise help with options. If you feel in danger of being hurt by your dad because he's being violent, you can certainly consider calling the police. You can also consider talking with Child Abuse authorities in your community as a way of getting help. Again, we would love to talk with you more about possible responses to your situation, and we hope you'll give us a call.

I am 15 and I dont get along with my father nor my mother. I am having suicidal though but mainly because of my dad. He verbally abuse me to the point where it affects me as a person and he physically abuses me. He either chokes me or he punches me when he gets mad. My mother on the other hand is abused by my father. My father cheated on her and I knew at a young age that he did so that messed up my image of him. This caused my mother to be bitter me and my siblings. I need help I feel sick I dont know what to do.

[ccsmod4]

Reply:Hi, I'm writing on behalf of my good friend




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.
There are laws to protect minors against abuse. If things do escalate and 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 data base. Showing your friend support by reaching out to NRS says a lot about your character. They are lucky to have you as a friend.
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

Hi, im writing on behalf of my good friend, she is 16, and is in the process of running away, and currently hiding out in a friends house. She is consistantly verbaly abused, her parents both call her things like a "stupid **********" for not cleaning dishes, And have slapped her across the face in more than one occation. I have called the police reporting abuse, and she was told they cant do anything unless there is physical evidance.

I dont want her going back to that home. what would be the best course of action from here? I really need help.
We're in Colorado, so Colorado laws apply.

[ccsmod15]

Thank you for contacting us! It takes a brave person to reach out for help. It sounds like you are planning on leaving home in a couple years and already have a plan, but you are worried about your mental health in the meantime. It is great that you have been planning ahead and have a safe place to stay in a couple years. Being responsible for taking care of your siblings can add more stress, and talking to someone can help you work through your thoughts and feelings. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a good resource for this. It sounds like you have suicidal thoughts. Your life is valued and you are an intelligent young person who has so much to offer the world. If you want to talk to someone about how you are feeling, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255, is a great resource to help you heal. Once again, thank you for reaching out to us. It was very brave of you to be honest and open. If you would like to talk more about this or anything else, please do not hesitate to call us at 1-800-786-2929.

Best,
NRS

I'm 15 and will be 17 in a few years. I need to get out of my house by 17, but i'm scared my family will drag me back and I will have to deal with my anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts while trying to take care of my siblings. I already have somewhere to go when I move out, and I know I will be taken care of. I just need to get out of the house at 17 because right now is too early.

[ccsmod4]

Reply: My daughter is 17 and is scheduled to move to Texas

Hello,
Thank you for writing to us here at the National Runaway Safeline.

We appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on.
It sounds like you are concerned about your daughter complying with your wishes for her to move with her father. We are not legal experts so seeking legal advice from a family court lawyer might be something to consider. One other option is to discuss if there is any possibility to let her keep her dog providing she agrees to take proper care of it.

If you would like to speak more about the situation ,please contact us at 1-800-Runaway (786-2929) or www.1800Runaway.org (Live chat).
We hope that you are able to come to a suitable solution.

Take care,
NRS

My daughter is 17 and is scheduled to move to Texas with her dad in one month. She is now refusing to move with him because she cannot take the puppy she just adopted without permission, and cannot live with me because I won't allow her non-compliant and verbally abusive behavior, nor the dog. She said she would rather be homeless with her dog than to give him up. What steps can we take to make sure she leaves with her dad to Texas? Can we get a court order? A police escort to get her to get in the truck? (which may not work, she is out of control, even to law enforcement) We don't know what to do, she will be 18 in January and she can then do whatever she wants, but until then we know we are responsible for her. PLEASE HELP!!!

[ccsmod11]

Hi there,

Thanks so much for reaching out. We are glad you took the time to reach out for some help during what sounds like a trying time.

We are not legal experts, but we can give information that applies to most parts of the U.S. In Colorado, the age of majority is 18, and so if you left home without parental consent, then you could be filed as a runaway to the police. Emancipation can be granted to minors who are 15-18 and have demonstrated independence from their parents in matters of care, custody, and earnings. Minors who are entirely self-supportive, married, or in the military. We can help you brainstorm what options you may have to better your living situation if you call us at 1-800-786-2929.

We hope this response was helpful! We’d love to hear from you about your experience using our crisis email/forum. Your feedback plays an important role in helping us improve our services to youth and families. Please click the link to fill out our survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/we_care_what_you_think