16yr old female california run away

RE: 16 yo female california runaway

Hello,

We're glad you reached out to us at NRS. It sounds like you're planning on running away and you'd like to explore your options. Running away from home can be a dangerous and risky endeavor when there is not a safe plan in place. However, it sounds like you have a safe place to stay as well as some means to support yourself. It is important to note that your legal guardian has the right to file a runaway report, allowing the police to return you home and any adult with whom you are living to possibly face charges for harboring a runaway. However, it is just as important for you to acknowledge your rights, as well. You have the right to a safe and secure place to live. You also have the right to file a report, whether it be an abuse report or restraining order, on anyone you feel unsafe around. Also, if you were to run away and the police make an effort to return you home as a result, you have the right to report to them all of the incidents in which you were threatened. This may serve to help protect you from being returned to an unsafe environment.
If you are interested in filing an abuse report currently or in the future, you can contact your state's abuse reporting line to file the report. California's abuse reporting number is listed by county. If you would like us to help you with the reporting process, we encourage you to call us 24/7 at 1-800-RUNAWAY. Also, if you have access to a mental health professional and counseling, you can discuss your situation with them and they can help you with the reporting process, as they are mandated reporters like us.

Once again, you have the right to a safe place to live. We commend you for reaching out to us and advocating for yourself and encourage you to continue to do so in the future. Please note that you can also chat with us at www.1800runaway.org during the hours of 4:30pm-11:30pm. Good luck!

Best,
NRS

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