I am 17 and want to leave home.

Re: I am 17 and want to leave home.

Thank you for reaching out with your questions and concerns. It sounds like you are thinking of moving out but you are not 18 and just wondering what would happen if you left without permission. Have you spoken with your parents about this or know if they would try and make a report? In most states the age of majority, when a youth is considered an adult and can leave home, is 18. But 17 is always a tricky age and we don't always know how the police would deal with that situation. Your parents may have the right to make a report with the police and usually what happens if the police are to find you is they would just bring you back home. But sometimes, depending on how close you are to being 18, police may not take a report or make a youth return back home. Sometimes the best way to get the most accurate information for your area would be to contact your police on a non emergency number and just ask some 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?

It's good to hear that you have a safe place to go and a job. It sounds like right now you are just trying to figure out what is going to be your best option. While we can't make this decision for you, there is always someone here to discuss safe options and find helpful resources in your area. If you would like to discuss your situation more in depth you can always contact us at our 24 hour hotline 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929). We also have a live chat available from 4:30p to 11:30p CST. Our services are confidential and anonymous and there is always someone available to listen. Take care and best of luck with everything.

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