Running Away

[Idk]

Hi, I am 15 and I am having lots of issues at my house and also outside. I have many and good reasons to run away and I have a place to go and money to support myself enough. My parents never supports me at what I think or what I am doing also they are apart from each other. If I start talking about everything that will take too much time. Basically we never get along with each other from beginning. Not only because of them but people around me I don't want anyone in my life, I want to be far as I can. I am sure if I run away I am going to have trouble at some point. I thought about everything and planned also. Still I have some questions. I am interested in emancipation but I know that I have to wait untill 16. I want to learn more about emancipation.

[ccsmod3]

Re: Running Away

Hello there,

We're glad you decided to reach out to us. It sounds like you've thought a lot right now. We are sorry to hear you are having issues at home as well as outside your home. We imagine it is difficult not feeling like your parents support you and not getting along. It seems like you have given this a lot of thought and we are here to talk to you about your plan. We also have basic information on emancipation if you want to share your state. If you prefer talking online, we offer a Live Chat every day from 4:30 to 11:30pm CST. All you have to do is visit http://www.1800runaway.org and click on the red Live Chat button. If you have any trouble or need to talk outside of those hours, we also have our 24/7 hotline, 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929.) Hope to chat with you soon and good luck!

-NRS

[Idk]

I live in Massachusetts. If it's a important detail, I am also from a different country. I've been living in United States for 3 years. I do have a citizenship. They want to send me back to my country fully but I don't want to go back fully, maybe only for a vacation I would. I don't have a computer to use so I can't chat online, I can only respond from mail or here.

[ccsmod0]

Idk

Hi again,

Thanks for reaching out again. It sounds like you're trying to put together a plan. That is very smart and we are here to support you through this.

You mentioned emancipation in your first post. In MA, in order to get emancipated, the first step would be to contact a lawyer. There are some free or discounted lawyers in MA. Massachusetts Legal Assistance at 508-586-2110 is a good one that is open from Monday to Friday. Another one is Massachusetts Legal Services at 508-676-6265. They are also open from Monday to Friday. You can ask them any questions that you have about emancipation.

It can be difficult to make a decision in terms of running or staying. Some things that might be important to think about are:

• What else can I do to improve my home situation before I leave?
• What would make me stay at home?
• How will I survive?
• Is running away safe?
• Who can I count on to help me?
• Have I given this enough thought?
• What are my other options?
• If I end up in trouble, who will I call?
• When I return home, what will happen?

You sound incredibly smart and like someone who is trying to put together a solid plan. If you'd like to talk more, you can call us for free from any payphone or phone at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929). It sounds like you're not able to chat and that's okay. If you can call us, we would be able to explore this further with you and offer you any more support.

Best of luck to you,

NRS

[Idk]

Thank you for all of your information. I thought about every single question and I have many answers that makes sense to me. I want to know what age in MA can you emancipate? Also what will happen to my school when I run away this is the only thing I didn't thought about. I don't want to drop out of high school but I don't care if I can't go back to school anymore. When I emancipate, even though I am 16 can I go back to school? Can I start from where I left? In 10th grade? If I get caught by police I am sure they won't send me back to my family because of what I will tell to them. There is also someone who I can count on about everything. He knows about my situation about running away and he is ready to help me. I am thinking of running away about in 2 weeks. I have a place to go, I have enough money. I want to leave a note that says I am running away and give some reasons in case if the police come to my house for any clues. Of course I am not going to write anything about where I am going or what I am going to do, but what should I write to that note so even when police come it's not a missing kid, it's not about stealing a kid, it's just a run away. I know that in many states it is illegal to run away you may get warned or go to juveline court for that. But I just think it's a important detail for police to know what happened to me.

[ccsmod9]

RE: Running Away

Thank you for contacting us again. It sounds like you have thought everything through. Just so you know, there is a law that states that runaways have the right to continue their schooling. Legal aid resources, like we provided, may be able to tell you more about your rights. We have provided you with support and resources. For further aid, we encourage you to reach out to us by calling 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929), where we're available 24/7, or chatting with us, which is available from 4:30 to 11:30 pm Central time. Chat can be reached by going to www.1800runaway.org and clicking the red live chat button.

Best of luck,

NRS