16, need to get out

[Guest]

I am a 16 year old in NJ and I need to get out of my house. My parents found out that I was gay, and ever since, they have been verbally abusive and have stopped at nothing to "fix" me. My father and I have a horrible relationship, in which he threatened to beat until I am at the brink of death, my mother tries to sympathize but ultimately shares the same disgust with who I am, and I am at my breaking point. Child Protective Services have gotten involved, but promptly closed the case since there was no physical evidence. I had recordings of what was said to me and arguments on my phone, but my parents took it away from me, even though I pay for it myself. I have contacted lawyers for emancipation, but I need to get out of the house much faster than the legal process would allow. I have a lot of my belongings out of the house already, but I want to know if I can just walk out. I read somewhere that 16 year olds can leave without consent and wouldn't be returned to the home unless they were in physical danger, but I do not know how credible that is. Would I be brought back if I get up and leave? I would still finish high school and have made living arrangements.

[ccsmod15]

Hello there,
Thanks for reaching out to us during this difficult time. It sounds like thing at home have been difficult, and it’s extremely unfair for them to punish you for your sexual orientation. It’s not okay for them to abuse you. You mentioned that Child Protective Services have already gotten involved, it might be an option to contact them again and ask to have another case opened, or talk to your previous case manager and let them know what’s going on.
It sounds like you are on the right track doing research for becoming emancipated and asking for what your options are. Although we are not legal experts, we can help you figure out what your rights are. Running away is not against the law, in most cases it’s considered a ‘status offence’. However, anyone you would be caught staying with could possibly be charged with ‘harboring a runaway’. Do you have someone willing to take this risk for you? If not there are other options to explore. Here are some resource you might find useful: LGBT National Youth Talkline 1-800-246-7743, itgetsbetter.org and thetreorproject.org.
Please feel free to reach out to us again with any questions or concerns, if you feel comfortable calling us, we would be more than happy to help find you some resources in your area. We wish you the best of luck, please stay safe!