I NEED HELP AND ADVICE VERY SOON

Dear National Runaway Switch Board,

I have just recently been discharged from a residential facility. Unfortunately, i was never good at making friends, so all of my friends are there, and the residential facility is 4 hours away from where i live. While i was at [edited](the residential facility), i met two of my best friends. One was a female, and one was a male. [b]I AM A 15 YEAR OLD MALE, MY FEMALE FRIEND IS 16, AND MY MALE FRIEND IS 17. We all sort of made a plan to runaway. Me and the 16 year old female live 10 minutes away from each other, and are going to run away within the next few weeks. We are going to be "runaways" for a few months, at which time, the 17 year old male is going to be discharged from [edited]. me and the 16 year old wish to move in with the 17 year old as soon as he turns 18. We have a few questions for you.
Is there anything illegal in our plan?
If we "keep in contact with you," must you notify our parents?
What "assistance" can we use after we run away?
Are there any "services" that can provide us with money for housing?
What are the harboing a child laws in maine?


I thank you in advance for your help!!

[ccsmod3]

Re: I NEED HELP AND ADVICE VERY SOON

Hi, thanks for contacting us. Sounds like you really want to be with your friends. You mentioned that you and your female friend would be runaways for a few months while the other friend waits to age out of the facility. How would you and your friend survive while you wait for that to happen? Where would you three stay once he gets out? How would you guys support yourselves on your own? What would your parents do if you left? Until you turn 18, your parents could press charges against anyone who is helping on the run for harboring a runaway. It would be hard to get services to help you and your friends get by if you are listed as a runaway. You can call us. We are confidential and can help you talk about your options. Our number is 1-800-RUNAWAY.

Good luck,

NRS