17 wanting to leave

[Unregistered]

Hey. I'm 16 and in a serious relationship.... I was wondering when I turn 17 if it is legal without parental consent to go live with him and his family... They aren't dangerous I know I'd be safe... Can someone tell me if this is legal?

[ccsmod7]

Re: 17 wanting to leave

Thanks for contacting us with your questions and concerns. It sounds like you are going to be turning 17 soon and you would like to move in with your boyfriend and his family but unsure what would happen if you did. Have you spoken with your family about your plans? In most states the age of majority, when you can leave home without permission, is 18. So if you left home without your parent/guardian permission they may be able to make a runaway report with the police. But each city/state is be different in regards to how the police deal with this situation. Sometimes we hear that police may not take a report or make a youth return home depending on how close they are to turning 18. Usually the best way to get information on how they would handle that situation in your area is to reach out to your local police on a nonemergency line and just ask some general questions such as...

*At what age is a youth no longer considered a runaway?
*If a 17 y/o leaves home without permission, do you still take a runaway report?
*If yes: what happens if/when that youth is found?

Also if you would like to contact us at our 24 hour hotline 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929). We would be happy to speak with you more about this situation and provide options and resources in your area. We also have a live chat available from 4:30p to 11:30p CST if you prefer reaching out that way. Take care and best of luck with everything.