Will I get in trouble for sheltering my friend?

[Unregistered]

I have a close friend who is in a difficult and possibly abusive family situation - I only know this friend online so I don't know the full scope of the situation, but I trust them and what they've told me is very troubling. My friend is 18 years old. I am a college student and have my own apartment. I've offered myself as a possible sanctuary if they need to get away. We live about 4-5 hours away from each other, but there is a bus that goes from their city to mine, so it is an option. I'm wondering if there are any potential dangers or legal ramifications of my sheltering my friend; they are of the age of majority, but I'm concerned that their family will alert police if they leave, and I don't want to get charged with kidnapping or anything like that. I'm also concerned about providing for my friend if they do come to stay with me; I have no income of my own and my parents cover most of my food and living expenses. I'm sure my parents will understand if my friend does come to stay with me (they've offered shelter to other potential runaway friends in the past) but I'm wondering if there's any kind of aid or something that might make it easier. Probably not.

Thanks in advance for your help and I'm sorry for posting this in the middle of the night, hahaha.

[ccsmod9]

RE: Will I get in trouble for sheltering my friend?

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to us here at the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you're a very concerned and caring friend to offer to help out your friend.

Since your friend is of the age of majority, which is 18 in most areas, you likely won't get in trouble; your friend is free to leave at age 18. In terms of assistance for helping your friend: we may be able to look up assistance in your area. Where would your friend be staying with you (city and state)?

Again, we commend you for wanting to help your friend and for reaching out to NRS. We are here to listen and to help in any way we can. If you'd like to discuss this further, please feel free to call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929). We're available on our confidential and anonymous Safeline 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Or you can chat with us 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. We hope to hear from you soon.

Best of luck,

NRS

[Unregistered]

Thanks for the response!

My friend would be staying with me in Savannah, Georgia. We have another friend who lives in Louisville, Kentucky and has offered their aid as well if necessary. However since I live closer and have my own place I'm the more likely candidate.

[ccsmod7]

Re: Will I get in trouble for sheltering my friend?

Thanks for contacting us again and sharing more information. We were able to look up some resources in that area that may be able to provide support and basic needs for your friend.

SAFE Shelter – 912-629-8888 (this is a shelter resource but they also do a lot of outreach and help with basic needs like food and clothing and may even be able to assist with schooling or job services depending on what your friend is looking for)
It might also be helpful to call your local 311 and see what other services may be available in your area. They could even help with getting your friend set up with services like food stamps if that would help.

Hopefully some of that information will be a good start. Again feel free to contact us anytime at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929). That is our 24 hour hotline and there is always someone available to talk through safe options and resources. We also have our live chat open from 4:30p to 11:30p CST if you prefer reaching out that way. Take care.

[Unregistered]

Thank you so much for your help! I'll definitely call or chat and encourage my friend to do the same if we have any additional questions.

[ccsmod3]

Re: Will I get in trouble for sheltering my friend?

We're glad you were able to contact us. It sounds like you've got a plan at this point and we hope to chat or talk to you soon if you need any further assistance!


-NRS