Running away to a friends house

[Guest]

Hi I’m 14 and living in *****.. I don’t want to stay at my home, my sister is suicidal and all my parents do is yell and scream im scared I tend to flinch at everything now, my mom screams she wants to die and blames us, I hate life I just want to run away to my friends house she lives three hours away from me. I don’t want to get her into any trouble or her family’s. I’m seriously scared to stay at home the screaming yelling hitting cutting slapping is getting to much for me that I start having panic attacks at home and school. I’ve been diagnosed with anxiety and PTSD. I just want to be happy even if that means running away and getting away with it for a week. Please I can’t do this anymore.

[ccsmod5]

Hi there,
Thank you for reaching out to us and sharing what’s been going on at home. It sounds like its been pretty overwhelming, with both your mom and your sister. Your safety and well-being is important. If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255); www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org is also a great resource to reach out to in addition to our crisis services.
Often, having a safe space to share how you’re feeling may bring a variety of solutions previously not thought of. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. This may be an isolating and lonely time for you, but you are not alone in this. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time.
It seems like your describing emotional and verbal abuse from your mom. Please remember that you do not deserve to be spoken to this way at all. Unfortunately, emotional abuse is often harder to provide evidence for compared to physical abuse which is often what CPS relies on when conducting an abuse investigation. That said, we can’t be 100% sure what the outcome will be if your local CPS decides to open a case based on what you share. Sometimes CPS decides to remove minors from the home and other times they offer services such as family counseling or mediation instead. The only way to know the outcome might be to reach out to them directly and if you’re ready to do that we are here to help you through that process. Reaching out to Child Help USA at 1-800-422-4453 or www.childhelp.org may help to get a better understanding of what may happen before and after a report is made.
If you’re planning to runaway to your friend’s house, you should know that running away is not a crime. You wouldn’t be arrested or anything like that, but the people housing you could be charged with harboring a runaway. It might not be all that likely but it’s a possibility. You could consider arranging a visit to your friend’s house with parental permission if you think that’s doable.
We hope this helps, please reach out if we can offer any further support.
Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

My grandma said I can never see or talk to my best friend ever again. I am secretly emailing her but she can can barely email me back because she is not in virtual school. My grandma said that because I stayed up 5 minutes past my bedtime because my friend was texting me her address so I could send her a birthday card. And then I got in trouble and told me grandma that she can't keep best friends away from each other. The she said that I can't tell her what she can't do. So I want to runaway to run away to my friends house but she lives 45 minutes away so I will just tell her to drive here at night and pick me up. Also I am 12 years old and her mom is really nice because she is like a mom to me because me and my friend have known each other almost our whole lives. So is it illegal in Alabama.

[ccsmod15]

Hey there thanks for reaching out to NRS,
It seems like you are going through a tough time with your grandma and are under some harsh restrictions right now. It sounds like you are really frustrated by the limits your grandma has placed and after staying up a fairly short time past what she considers OK she came down with a harsh punishment you don’t agree with. She certainly doesn’t have a right to dictate who you consider your friends to be.
We aren’t legal experts but generally leaving home without your permission to stay with your friends would be a status offence and you can be labelled as a runaway. A status offence means that you wouldn’t be arrested or put in jail/juvenile detention, but that police can still bring you back home. Your friends’ mom might also end up at risk of harboring a runaway charge which is a criminal offence and comes with fines or jail time potentially. If you want to explore the option more it might make sense to talk with your local police department, or an officer at school if it has one.
Running away might not be your only option to manage the situation, we are here to talk about the situation more with you if you would like. Sometimes having somewhere safe to talk and explore options can help to see options you didn’t see before. If you would like that you can contact us 24/7 at 1-800-786-2929 or www.1800runway.org.
We hope to hear from you again soon,
NRS

[Guest]

I am a 16 year old girl I live in Colorado I can't stay at my house anymore I don't get along with my siblings and I have no space or privacy of any kind and I don't get along with my mother at all we always fight I feel verbally abused sometimes I have a friend I can stay with he is 35 he has kids of his own but I don't want him to get in trouble for him helping me out with the things I need I used to babysit his children that's how I know him if I stay in his spare bedroom is he likely to go to jail for letting me live at his house? I just don't want problems for him he is a very good guy and takes care of his kids can you give me advice what do I do?

[ccsmod15]

Thank you for reaching out to NRS through our online forum posts-it takes a lot of courage to do so especially when some difficulty arises at home. First and foremost, privacy and a space to get away from the rest of your family within your own home is definitely key to alleviating some stress and being able to relax. Additionally, you most definitely do not deserve to be verbally abused and especially by your own mother-you should be able to feel safe in your own home and communicate openly with your family. Since you are experiencing some difficulties in getting along with your family as well as having some healthy boundaries at home, it is definitely understandable that you have already reached out to your friend for help. However, something to keep in mind is that the age of majority in Colorado is 18 years of age, meaning that you are not considered your own legal guardian until you are that age. So, in the case that your mother decides to file what is called a runaway report with your local police, it is possible that you would be brought back home to your mother i.e. your legal guardian. This is the extent of what if the local authorities could do if they were to locate you. If you as well as your friend comply with the police if they were to find you at your friend’s, neither of you would suffer any criminal charges. One thing to consider doing as well is to let a trusted family member or friend who lives outside of your house know of what is going on at home as well as your plan to stay with your friend just as a safety precaution. A helpful service that we offer is the chance to have a conference call between you and you mother, which allows you two to discuss openly with each other how you feel about what is going on as well as each others’ expectations. The entire conversation would be mediated by someone who works with NRS. If you should have any further questions about anything mentioned above or would like to discuss further your situation, please do not hesitate to reach out to NRS directly at 1(800)-RUNAWAY or 1(800) 786-2929. We are here to listen and help to the best of our ability 24/7.

[Guest]

Hello, I am 17 years old and i've been considering running away. My household is quite toxic and I don't want to be surrounded in the environment no more. My friend has told me multiple times that I could stay at his house, but the thing is that I don't want to get anyone in trouble.
What can I do?

[ccsmod3]

Hey there. Thanks for reaching out to us here at NRS. We know that it can take a lot of courage to reach out for support, and we're glad you took that step.

We're sorry to hear that your household is toxic and causing you to consider leaving. That must be pretty tough. That said, running away is a big decision, and it's a good idea to spend some time thinking through a plan before committing to it. Consider where you'll go, how you'll get there, and what you'll do to survive once you're there. It sounds like you've given some thought to the *where* element, and it's great that you have someone you trust that you can stay with. However, it's definitely wise that you're trying to be aware of any issues that could arise in staying with him (or anyone else for that matter).

Most states have laws around the harboring of a runaway, which essentially means that anyone who allows you to stay with them without proper notification to your parents/legal guardians or a welfare agency (like Child Protective Services) could be considered to be taking part in a crime. If your friend is under the age of 18 and you'd be staying with his family, this is something that would affect his parents. If he is 18 or older and you'd be staying with him and/or other adult roommates, that risk would fall onto the individuals who are 18 and older.

The best way to avoid getting anyone into trouble in this regard is to have your parent's consent in staying there. Obviously we know that this can be a challenging conversation for some, but it can be a good way to ensure that everyone's wellbeing is preserved. If this isn't on the table, it's a good idea to research what the exact laws are in your state, and then have a conversation with the people you'd be staying with ahead of time to make sure they're aware of the risks. They might be willing to let you stay with them despite. Other options to consider when running away at your age are homeless shelters, transitional living programs, and/or filing a report with CPS if any abuse is happening in the home. If college is on the table, you can also consider staying on campus and developing a well thought out plan in the meantime.

If you'd like to talk in more detail, please feel free to reach out to us directly by calling 1-800-RUNAWAY or by chatting with us live through our website at www.1800runaway.org. We're available 24/7 and are always happy to listen, and to help.

Take care.

NRS

[Guest]

i live in grand rapids michigan and i want to runaway my mom is very verrbally abusive to me i want to runaway to Detroit to my friends house and stay there how do i not get caught HELPPP

i want to runaway my mom is very verbally abusive and i want to go to detroit but my stepdad is a cop how do i not get caught HELPPPP

[ccsmod0]

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 with the verbal abuse. You do not deserve to be harmed in any way. 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.
The easiest way to leave home is with your parents' permission. We understand that might be challenging, however, maybe there’s another family member, relative, or a family friend who could help to communicate how you’re feeling to your parents. The second way is through Child Protective Services if safety is a concern. Lastly, you can also look into emancipation options. In most states you need to be at least 16 to be considered and demonstrate that you can support yourself financially and independently. Emancipation often can be a lengthy process and may even cost some money for court fees. We would be happy to look into legal resources if that’s something you are considering.
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 would like to look into further emotional support options, you can text with a crisis worker at the National Alliance on Mental Illness 24/7 by texting "NAMI" to 741741.
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 im 14 and my adopive parents saw that i waz talking to people from a game and they are really mad at me they will not talk to me and every day i feel like they hate me and wish they never adopted me. so i am think about runing away to by bffs house my mom knows her mom but i waz wondering that if i go to my bff house if i will get in trouble and i get my bffs mom in trouble. i live in texas

[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 since you plan on leaving at 14 years old.
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’m 14 and don’t have a horrible home life compared to most it’s just a lot of pressure from my parents and i have an absolutely horrible relationship with my dad that cannot be fixed or forgiven. if my friend who lives out of state were to pick me up with my full consent and i would go to live with them could i get any criminal charges and could my friend or their parents get any charges or fines. i’m not sure how my parents would react and if they’d want me back or not.

[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 forum 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 want to run away since i dont feel like i have any one at my home or in my friends that care about me i feel like im nothing and i want to talk to my bfs and talk to him but im scared ill get in trouble .

[ccsmod15]

Hello,

Thanks for reaching out to NRS. It sounds like you're feeling alone and overwhelmed at home, maybe a bit neglected. We want to remind you that you're not alone and that you've taken a great step for yourself by reaching out for some help.

If you'd like to talk to someone about running away or any other concerns you might have, you can call our hotline at 1-800-786-2929. Someone is always here to listen and to help. If you'd rather not call, you can try our chat service at http://www.1800runaway.org/


One important thing to know about running away is that it is considered a status offense - that means that you would not face any legal punishment for doing so, but your parents could file a runaway report and the police could take you back home. If you do decide to run, the most important thing to consider is your safety. Again, if you have any more questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out anytime, 24/7.

Thanks again for reaching out and we hope to hear from you soon.

Best,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi, I'm 11 and I want to run away. My parents are homophobes and transphobes and make me sad when they hit me.

[ccsmod13]

Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out to us at the National Runaway Safeline. You made a great first step to finding the help that you may need. It sounds like you are going through a lot and the people around you are not being supportive. You deserve to be treated with respect, to experience acceptance and to feel safe.

We want you to know that you are strong for having gone through so much already. It is perfectly okay to deviate from what others or the common population believe to be “normal”. You’re bravery and resilience is so admirable. You are so strong for having gone through so much without having the acceptance that you do deserve for just being you. Remember that you are not alone. If you ever want to talk more about what you are experiencing or get additional support we are here 24/7 at 1800-RUNAWAY or our live chat service. The Trevor Project is another option to gain great support from those that are familiar with the issues and experiences of those that are also a part of the LGBTQ community. You can access their website link bellow to utilize all the other possibly useful resources they have to offer: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Often, having a safe space to share how you’re feeling may bring a variety of solutions previously not thought of. You are not alone in this. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time.

If you would like to talk more in detail please chat soon through our website www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button) if you are unable to call in. We unfortunately cannot give advice as we are non-directive. You know your situation best

We hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe,

NRS

[Guest]

Hi i am 12 and i wanna runaway.

I am pansexual and my parents don't like "Gays" so i am thinking about running away with my best friends he told his mom already and she said Yes but i don't want his or his mom to get in trouble, So can i do this without getting any of my family or they family intoruble?

[ccsmod3]

Hi there,

Thank you for writing us here at the National Runaway Safeline. We’re glad you reached out, we understand that it takes great courage to do so. It seems like there is a lot that you are facing right now and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. We’re sorry to hear you’re not being accepted by your parents, we want you to know that you are strong for having gone through so much already. The GLBT National Hotline 1-888-843-4564 is another great option for support from those that are familiar with the issues and experiences of those that are also a part of the LGBTQ community. Their website is www.glbthotline.org

While we are not experts of the law, 18 is usually the age 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 could be returned home.

You mentioned running away with your best friend and/or staying with your best friend and their mom saying yes. It’s great to have support but it’s important to know that 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 your local area. They may be able to answer any legal questions on the subject. We can look more into this for you if you were interested.

We are here to listen and help through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat. Our number is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button) Thanks for reaching out!

Take Care,

NRS.

[Guest]

13 and want to run away to Texas

Hi, i am ready to run away to my best friends house my home isn’t a good one and i need out. Is there any illegal things i may be charged with? or the family i am running to? can i get on a plane if there mother books it for me?

[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. Helping a minor cross state lines without parental consent could also leave one open to aiding and abetting a minor, which is a crime. 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’m (17) thinking about staying at a friend’s place for the summer (2-3 months but I’m indecisive so I’ll probably come home earlier than that) without my parent’s permission. I have everything planned out. I will have food and a shelter so basically all my basic needs. But, I’ll come home before my senior year starts. I just want my parents to know I’m capable of surviving before I turn 18. I just want to see what the outcome would be but I would be 100% safe and at a place that isn’t far from home and I would contact them everyday to let them know I’m alive and doing well. I know my legal rights and could be filed as a runaway so the police would have to make arrangements to take me home if I get caught. Thoughts?

[ccsmod15]

Hello,

Thank you ever so much for reaching out to us. It sounds like you decided to spend some time with a friend over the summer regardless of whether or not you have parental consent to leave. We understand that making a decision to leave home can be stressful, and although we cannot tell you what to do, we will do our best to share information to help you figure out your next steps.

It sounds like you have created a plan that you feel meets your basic needs. One option you have is to talk to your parents to explore the concerns they might have regarding your decision to stay at your friend's place for the summer. Ensuring you address their concerns may eliminate the need to leave without their consent. As you mentioned, if you are considered a minor in your state and you leave without the consent of your parents or legal guardians, they can report you as a runaway to your local police department. We are not legal experts, but from what we understand, because laws can vary from state to state, it may help to reach out to your local legal aid agency or the police department at their non-emergency number to confirm whether there may be consequences for your friend if you decide to stay with him and your parents/legal guardians file a runaway report, like being charged with harboring a runaway, for example. It may also help to discuss the potential consequences with your friend, to confirm that he or she is comfortable with that decision. If you would like more information, or need help contacting someone for specifics on your state, please feel free to reach out to us.

Whatever you decide, we hope you know that we will do our best to help you stay as safe as possible. We can best help by phone or chat. 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]

im 12 years old almost 13 and i want to run away.

I am being mentally abused by my mom. I still love her very much and i know she loves me but she is an alcoholic and gets mentally abusive when she is drunk. I want to run away to my best friends house, i have done research about it but she doesnt know. i have looked up if harboring a minor is illegal in miami florida and everything i have seen so far says no. i have food, clothes, and defense items. i plan on doing it tonight while my mom is alsleep but i dont know how to avoid school and avoid my mom. i do eventually plan to come back to get some of my stuff but i just need to know how to be safe and careful. i do not have my phonr anymore nor do i have money. i only know 3 numbers; mine, my moms, and the police. please help me. i live in Miami FL

[ccsmod9]

Thank you for contacting NRS,

From what we have read about your story we are sorry you are going through so much. It seems as though your home is no longer a good option for you to be at. You stated that you have a plan for leaving home and wish to head out to your friend's house to live with them. Some things that you should know about running away are that if you are under the age of 18 and choose to leave home without your parent's permission they can call the cops and file a runaway report with them. Once the report is made the cops can be looking for you. If you are found they can bring you home no questions asked. You mentioned that you have done research about harboring a runaway we would suggest maybe confirming that with a local non-emergency number. You can find your local number with a simple Google search. Just type in your city followed by "non-emergency number" and it should pop up. If you have any trouble you can reach out to us here at NRS and we can call for you. You also mentioned avoiding school and your mom just be aware typically if schools know you are missing or a runaway they can call your parents to let them know you are there.

As far as staying safe it's always good to have backup plans for your backup. You are incredibly young and so that is a safety concern for you as adults who might want to hurt you can use your defense weapons against you or even overpower you if need be. It might be good to get a phone if you can or even remember your friend's number to have just in case.

The last thing we want to mention is that you expressed your mom can be mentally abusive towards you. Please know that you should not be treated like that and if you ever feel in immediate danger please call the cops (911). They can help prevent any harm from coming to you. If you feel as though you need to report the abuse please know you can contact CHILD HELP (www.childhelp.org; 800-422-4453) They are an organization that helps report child abuse and file alongside you. We at NRS can also help report child abuse with you if that is how you want to proceed.


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 Newport News Virginia and I am 17 years old I turn 18 in January next year. I’ve done some things wrong I can admit but the way my mother handles it I do not agree with. I’ve been hit with bats, chords, and other random objects and I don’t like it. My mom does nothing but fuss and whatever you say does mot matter she only cares about what she wants and it’s either her way or no way. I want to run away tonight but I want to make sure that the people I am going to stay with will not get into trouble. I have a job at McDonalds and I can work so providing for myself will not be a problem.

[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 sounds like you’re quite overwhelmed by things at home right now and you mentioned being harmed. We’re sorry you’re going through this. You don't deserve to be hurt in any 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. If you ever need assistance calling out to CPS to make an abuse or neglect report please call is at 1-800-RUNAWAY.
Often, having a safe space to share how you’re feeling may bring a variety of solutions previously not thought of. You are not alone in this. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time.
If you would like to talk more in detail please chat soon through our website www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button) if you are unable to call in. We unfortunately cannot give advice as we are non-directive. You know your situation best
We hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

Im 16 almost 17 at july im planning of running away cause my parents expect me to clean the house and help my brother with his school and mostly i dont have time to do mine and they'll expect me to pass everything and they keep pushing me the job i dont want and they always reason my gender cause im a girl that i should do all that and they are also expecting me to be a working student while doing all that im planning to go to my best friends house at their province with her grandma would she get in trouble?

[ccsmod5]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out and sharing a bit of what’s going on. We understand it can be difficult to reach out, we hope to help as best we can. 18 years old is generally the age that an individual may leave home without permission from their parent or legal guardian in most states. 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 (in some cases they look harder than others). 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, although this may not be common it is a possibility you should be aware of. 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.
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).

Be safe,
NRS