Hello #1,
Thank you for taking the time to write to us here at the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds as if you have plans to leave your grandmother’s house and stay with your mother. It is great that you are taking the time to try to get answers to your question, and difficult ones they are. While we are not legal experts to our knowledge the right to report you as a runaway remains with whoever is your legal guardian. Once you figure that out it might be easier for you to make your decision.
While we are not legal experts nor are we affiliated with the police so we can only speak generally about what could happen if a youth leaves home without the consent of a guardian. Leaving home without parental consent (running away) is not a crime, so the police will not arrest you. If you do leave home without permission your guardian does have the right to file a runaway report. Running away is not a crime it is a status offence (something that only a minor can get in trouble for: truancy, buying cigarettes, etc.) this means that if you have any interaction with the police they will simply return you home. On the other hand the people that you are found to be staying with could face legal consequences that vary depending on your state.
Often, having a safe space to share how you’re feeling may bring a variety of solutions previously not thought of. You are not alone in this. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time.
Again, thank you for reaching out to us and we hope this information helps. We hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe,
NRS
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Running away to another parent???
I've recently ran away from my father and grandmother. My grandmother has legal custody over me, though both my parents have their parental rights. I want to go to my mother's house, but i was wondering if it would be considered harboring a runaway even though she is my parent, and has her parental rights? Thank you.
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