17 and contemplating to run away.

[Unregistered]

Hello, I'm 17 years old and I have been contemplating about running away to my boyfriend and his roommates house. I graduated high school and am enrolled in college. I turn 18 in a little over a month and I just can't handle being here anymore. It's not necessarily abusive here just insanely inconvenient. My mother passed away when I was 13 and my father abandoned me so I have been living with my grandparents for about a year. I have little communication with my father but he still has legal guardianship over me. Me and my boyfriend have been dating for two years; no one knows where my boyfriend lives and I am serious about running away and hide out there until I'm 18. I just need guidance and I need to know how serious this could be for me if I get caught. I also don't want to risk my family charging my boyfriend with kidnapping. Please help..

[ccsmod13]

RE; 17 and contemplating to run away.

Hello,

Thanks for reaching out to us. It sounds like you're not happy with your living situation and want to know the legal consequences. First, running away is NOT against the law, but a status offense that is not accompanied with legal consequences. If you come into contact with the police, they would simply return you home to your parents. However, if your parents were to file a runaway report and your boyfriend is 18 years of age, he could be potentially be charged with harboring a run away, which can come with legal penalties if your parents choose to press charges.

You mentioned that you turn 18 in a few months. Can you see yourself waiting until you turn 18 or do you feel you need to leave sooner? It can be helpful to weigh your pros and cons to help you make the best decision for you possible. If you would like explore your options with us further, you can call us 24/7 at 1-800-RUNAWAY or chat with us at www.1800runaway.org during the hours of 4:30pm-11:30pm. We'd like to support you as much as possible.

Sincerely,

NRS