What are the consequences of a 15 year old running away

[Guest]

hi, im alexus and im 13, im very depressed at times and its because i have no one to talk and i feel all alone. Every time i try to express myself to my brother whose 12 just tells or
threatens me to do something for hem or, he will tell. This would be my 2 time running away if i do run away and i don't want to but i feel like this family is not for me. I cant even turn
to my own mom because she dose crazy thing, and say mean and hurtful things and my step dad is no better then my mom. Yes they buy me things i want and need but the real
question is, dose it really emotionally make me feel happy which is, " No" so you do the math and tell me. So is there i program i can stay at untill i turn 18? please i need you help.

[ccsmod9]

Hi there,
Thank you for writing to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS). We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time. We would love to help however we would need more information to further help you. If you would like to talk more in detail and share more about how we can help specifically, please call or chat soon.
Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).
If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately.
We hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe, NRS

[Guest]

I'm considering running away. I'm 15. My parents have belittled me, mocked me, get angry at anything and everything, and sometimes even escalate to violence. They manipulate me and won't let me express emotions or opinions. I have plans to stay with a good friend. Would this be infeasible or a bad idea? I don't think that I can wait until 18 to get out.

[ccsmod6]

Thank you for contacting NRS. It sounds like you are going through a very tough time and we’re glad you reached out to us. No one deserves to be treated the way you are being treated at home and reaching out to us is a good first step to take. If you do not feel safe at home, you can also contact National Safe Place at www.nationalsafeplace.org or text SAFE and your location to 44357. They will let you know the nearest safe place location where you can go until you determine what you want to do.

If you feel like you are in imminent danger you can always call 911. You can also consider calling Child Protective Services and filing an abuse report. If you are uncomfortable calling yourself, you can call us and we can make the call with or for you.
A potential resource is Child Help, the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 or www.childhelp.org. They can talk to you about your situation and may be able to help you identify resources that may be helpful to you.

We are not legal experts, but we can offer some general information on the legal consequences of running away. The age of majority – the age at which you can legally leave home – is generally 18. Since you are 15, if you run away, your parents can file a runaway report. Running away is not a crime. If you are picked up by the police, they will likely take you back home.

You should also be aware that if you are staying with your friend and the police pick you up there, your friend or your friend’s parents could be charged with harboring a runaway.

The way police address runaway and harboring cases varies from place to place. If you call the non-emergency number of your local police department they may be able to tell you how they handle runaway and harboring cases. Again, if you are not comfortable making the call, you can call us and we can make the call with of for you.
You can also always contact us at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or www.1800runaway.org. We have volunteers available 24/7 to talk with you on a confidential basis and help connect with the resources you need.

We wish you the best!

[Guest]

Hey, I’m 15 and pregnant. My mother is my legal guardian but she hates me and she’s trying to destroy my life. My dad went to prison four years ago and that’s when it all started I want to runaway but I live in Michigan (USA) and it’s not legal for me to leave. I want to stay at my boyfriends house who is also 15 his parents love me and they take care of me a lot more than my mom does. I don’t know what to do I want to runaway but i can’t go to my boyfriends house being they would be in trouble for harboring a runaway...

[ccsmod2]

Hello There,
Thank you for reaching out to The National Runaway Safeline, we are here to help and here to listen. It sounds like you are dealing with a lot right now. Being pregnant at 15 can be a challenging time, but we are glad that you have your boyfriend’s family for support.
We are not legal experts but if you were to leave home without permission you could be considered as a runaway. If the police do find you they most likely would bring you back home. Whoever you stay with could potentially get in trouble for harboring a runaway. Harboring a runaway would usually consist of a fine or a misdemeanor.
We hope this information will be helpful to you in your situation. If you have any more questions or would like to explore options please give us a call. We are here 24/7 to listen and provide you support. Best of luck, please stay strong!
NRS

[Guest]

I'm 18 years old and I might possibly be pregnant with my 16 year old boyfriends child. He's happy where he's at with his family and he doesn't want to leave his family behind.. he doesn't want to run away but he doesn't know I'm with child. If I ran away soon do you think that if they found me they would take me back if my boyfriend reported I ran away? My parents are super controlling and being unfair with their rules. They don't know I'm with child or that the father is a 16 year old.. they would KILL me if they found out he was the father. I want to run away, they're abusive they've hit me more than 3 times ever since I got adopted and I just wanna live with my boyfriend but i don't wanna be so close to my parents that they will find me and take me away from him.

[ccsmod15]

Hello! Thank you so much for reaching out, we appreciate you seeking help during this difficult time.

To begin with, you mentioned that you might be pregnant with your 16 year old’s boyfriend. It sounds like you’re in a hard place right now not knowing what to do, but we are here to support you in any way that we can. An option to explore first would be to take a pregnancy test to verify if you are pregnant or not. If you are, you may want to consider having a heart to heart with your boyfriend, and letting him know what proper steps you both are going to take next.

Furthermore, you stated that your boyfriend doesn’t want to run away, and that you yourself want to get away from your abusive adoptive parent’s home. No one should have to endure any abuse whether it be physically, emotionally, or mentally. If you find yourself in that situation again, you may look into the possibility to reaching out to your local authorities, and press charges since you are 18 years of age. The National child abuse hotline is a great resource as well to report abuse, and offer services to further better your recent situation, they can be reached anytime at 1800) 422-4453. We aren’t legal experts, but in most states anyone under 18 is considered a minor. If you decide to run away, your legal guardians may file a runaway report with the authorities, and whoever harbors a runaway, may face some legal consequences. We want you to be safe, and if at anytime you feel like that is at jeopardy, you may text the word safe and your location to 44357. The national safe place will text you a safe location, and a caseworker will be out to assist you.

We hope that you can seek help from these provided resources, and want you to know that we care about your safety, you’re not alone in this battle. In fact, you’re really brave for going through this difficult time in your life. If for whatever reason you require additional assistance, or wants us to make a call on your behalf, feel free to give us a call anytime at 1800) 786-2929. Best of luck!

[Guest]

I want to run away to my friends house tonight because im tired of not having a relationship with my dad and my step mom treating me unfairly. My friend is very close to me and im very close to her mom. If my friends mom knew that I was running away, and let me stay, what would happen to her? I dont want to get into more details as to why i want to leave, but I want to and i want it to be tonight, I already have a plan. First im gonna try and talk to my dad about moving in with my friend, but if he pushes me away and says we can talk another time, like he normally does, then im going to leave. What would happen to me and my sibilings? and what would happen to my dad and step mom? would social services go to my house right away? or send a letter before?

[ccsmod15]

Hi there,
Thank you for contacting us at the National Runaway Safeline. It takes great courage to reach out for help and we are glad that you decided to reach out to us.

It sounds like you are going through a hard time at home and that is making you think about leaving home. It seems like its' hard to communicate with your dad and step mom. Family counseling can be helpful and if you may choose you can contact NAMI at 1-800-950-NAMI for any counseling resources. Talking to other adults you trust like other family members or school counselors can also be helpful. We also offer a conference call service where you could call us and we can conference with your parents and help advocate for you and come to a common ground.

Leaving home can be hard and it can be helpful to think about where you might stay and how you might pay for food, rent and other living expenses. We are not legal experts however speaking generally if you are to leave home without your parents permission the police can bring you back home and whoever you are staying with could be charged with harboring a runaway.

You can call us at our 24 hour confidential hotline at 1-800-RUNAWAY(786-2929) and we would be happy to listen to you, explore your options and provide any resources.

We wish you the best and hope to hear from you soon.

Best
NRS

[Guest]

Hi i am 15 i have a gf who is 14 me and her are in a long distance relationship im in Texas and shes in Tennessee my mom go from guy to guy and i have 7 brother and sister plus me and my mom has not put me in school for

[ccsmod4]

Hello,
Thank you for writing to us here at the National Runaway Safeline.

We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. We would like to be of assistance to you if we can. It is times like these that would be nice to have a listening ear. It is also important that you remember to exercise self- care. You showed some by reaching out to NRS. Good for you.
We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat so that we might learn a little more about your situation and how we might assist you. If you would like to talk more in detail and share more about how we can help specifically, please call or chat soon.

Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).

We hope to hear from you soon.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

Hello My boyfriends 15 almost 16 and his parents are Way to strict and unfair to him, He is adopted and his little sister which is there biological child gets to have freedom he did not at her age nor does she have to constantly work and get up at 6 every single day then gets screamed at told he is worthless and useless and they threaten to kick his ass for not waking up at 6 sharp. He is constantly working and without pay where he gets hurt on the "job" alot. He isnt allowed to have anyone over nor to over anyones house. He goes to an online school so he is not social. He has been trying to think of what to do to get away from his parents. Any Ideas?

[ccsmod15]

Hi,

Thanks for reaching out to us at the National Runaway Safeline. You are brave to seek help on your boyfriend’s behalf. It sounds like he is in a tough situation, and we are happy to help in whatever way we can.

It sounds like your boyfriend is undergoing some serious verbal abuse. He does not deserve this. Getting away from his parents without their consent is considered running away. If he were to do this, his parents may report it and the police may bring him back home. It may be helpful, then, for your boyfriend to speak to his parents first about the possibility of an alternative living arrangement, or to reach out to a friend or other family member who might be able to speak on his behalf to his parents. We are also here and can offer a Conference Call service in which we would mediate a conversation between your friend and his parents.

We hope you find some of this helpful. Again, you have taken a bold and mature step in helping your boyfriend. We are always here to listen and help if you or he ever want to reach out. To talk, call 1-800-RUN-AWAY or instant message us at 1800runaway.org. Stay safe and strong.

Sincerely,
NRS

[Guest]

hi im 15 years of age and I'm thinking about running away.Its been a thought for a while now but im just not sure I can deal with my stepmom and dad anymore.I would have a place to stay but I still wanna be going to school and be able to see my mom. I am aware of the law that if your 16 and have a car, job and I think a place to stay that it is legal and I could "move out" but im on the edge and can't handle being bashed all the damn time. Please help.

[ccsmod2]

Thank you for reaching out to us here at NRS. It sounds like you have a tough situation going on at home. It shows a lot that you reached out to us, situations like these can be hard to navigate and it can sometimes be hard to reach out but the fact that you did is huge, that is something worth being proud of.

It sounds like you've in a very frustrating situation with your stepmom and dad. It is not okay to be “bashed” by them. It may be something you have tried, but we want to mention that an option could be to try to talk to your mom and stepdad about how they are treating you and how that makes you feel. You do not have to do this alone, you can always think about bringing in a third party like a friend, trusted adult, teacher, etc. to bring in a different perspective. Sometimes having help from someone outside of the family can bring attention to the issue and offer safe ways to bring about change in the home. If you do not feel that is the safest option, we can always brainstorm other ideas that you feel may work and talk about them if you can reach out to us again.
It sounds like there may be a law you know of about moving out at 16 in your state and we can always help navigate leaving home if you feel that may be the best option for you. While we aren’t legal experts, 18 is generally the age of adulthood in most states. If you do decide to leave home before turning that age, your parent/guardian may file something called a runaway report. Generally, running away isn’t illegal per say, it is something called a status offense. Similar to curfew, you would not be arrested or charged (unless other circumstances exist like being on probation, running away habitually, etc.). In most cases the police will take a report to help try to find the youth and bring them back to their parents/guardians.
We know this can be a lot and we are always here to brainstorm and talk about what this means to you and help create a plan with this information in mind. Also, the best way to get more information about runaway protocol in your area is to reach out to the local non-emergency police and ask questions about what their protocol is (you can ask confidential questions like you have with us without sharing any information you are not comfortable with). This may also help clarify or gain more information on moving out and that law you spoke about.
Again, we appreciate your bravery with reaching out to us. We do truly care about you and are always here to brainstorm ideas, plans, and options to help you create a plan you feel is most safe. You can reach us 24/7 at 1-800-RUNAWAY or you can also chat us at 1800runaway.org as well. We hope to hear from you soon.

[Guest]

Hi I'm planning to runaway my friend said that if your 16 and have a home and stable job that you can live there without having to go back home is that true or false?

[ccsmod4]

Hello,
Thank you for writing to us here at the National Runaway Safeline.

We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. 18 years old is generally the age that an individual may leave home without permission from their parent or legal guardian. We are not legal experts here but we can speak in general terms. If you are under 18 and leave home without permission, your parent/guardian may file a runaway report with the police. In some states there are emancipation laws that can be one way of trying to gain your independence. . We are not legal experts, but we can help you get a general sense of how emancipation works. Our general understanding is some states offer formal emancipation statutes while others do not unfortunately. Laws vary depending on your location, but in many states a minor can petition the court for emancipation to take responsibility for their own care before they turn 18.

Generally speaking, courts are wary about granting emancipation. In most cases, you would have to prove in court that you have an income and can care for yourself financially, and that you are able to live separately from your parents. It also helps to be in good standing at school. Usually your legal guardian would have to agree to this in court. It’s best to check your local court house to gain more information on this process.
Also you might check with your local police department to inquire about the runaway laws in your state or if someone that moves out of their parent or guardian’s home would without permission would be considered a runaway and forced to return home.
If you would like to talk more about your situation we are here to listen and here to help.
To speak with someone on our crisis or chat line contact 1-800-Runaway (786-2929) or www.1800runaway.org
We look forward to hearing from you.
Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

My dad keeps getting mad at me and accusing me of stuff and saying I’m the one with an attitude but he’s screaming his head off Will I get in trouble if I run to my mums house

[ccsmod13]

Hello! Thank you so much for reaching out!

To begin with, you mentioned that you were having trouble with your dad with him screaming and accusing you, therefore, you want to go ahead and run away to your mom’s house. It sounds like you’re in a very difficult situation, and we want you to know that we are here to help. With that being said, we aren’t legal experts, but if you decide to runaway, your legal guardian can file a runaway report with the authorities. Whoever you end up staying with, may end up facing some criminal charges for harboring a runaway, this case being your mom.

An option to consider would be to reach out to your mom, and let her know what’s going on at home with your dad, and see if you can live with her. The two of you may be able to come up with a plan to talk to your dad, and let him know how you’re interested in going to live with your mom. In the same way, you may explore the option of talking to your dad about the altercations you guys have been having, and see if you both can meet a middle ground. If at any time you are ever feeling unsafe, you can text the word safe and your location to 44357. The national safe place will send you a text with the nearest safe place for you to go to, and a case worker may go out to assist you further. You can also call us anytime at 1800) 786-2929, and we can help you conference call your parents, and be that mediator for you all to talk freely.

Again, thank you so much for reaching out! You’re really brave for sharing what you are going through, and your gesture does not go unnoticed. If you would like us to call on your behalf, or you need someone to talk to, you can always call us at 1800) 786-2929, best of luck!

[Guest]

hey i’m 15 and i just want to leave my house for maybe 3-2 days but i don’t have a place to go. i’m just scared if when i come back there’s gonna be a chance i get arrested or get fined. like if my parents filed a police report and i come back what would happen to me?

[ccsmod15]

Hello! Thank you so much for reaching out. It sounds like you’re going through a lot right now, and we are here to help.

Unfortunately we aren’t legal experts, but if you decide to run away without your guardian’s approval, your guardian can contact the authorities, and file a runaway report. Whoever you end up staying with, may face some consequences. If you want to know more about runaway laws in your city and state, you may contact your local non-emergency number, and let them know the situation you are in. If you at any time feel unsafe, you can text the word safe and your location to 44357. The national safe place will text you a location to go to, and a case worker might come out to assists you.

Again, thank you so much for reaching out. We know you’re in a very hard situation, and we’re so proud that you are wanting to seek help. Please feel to reach out to us anytime on chat, or by phone at 1800) 786-2929, and we can call out anywhere on your behalf as well. Best of luck!

[Guest]

how would the police handle you if you do decide to run away? what if your family does hurt you and you intend to run away, what actions would be made if you do run away and you told the police a reasonable answer?

[ccsmod15]

Hello! Thank you so much for reaching out!

We want you to know that you’re really brave for seeking help, and you are not alone. If you at any time feel unsafe, you can text the word safe and your location to 44357. The national safe place will text you a location to go to, and a case worker may come out to assists you. In the same way, if you’re experiencing any time of abuse at home, you can reach out to the national child abuse hotline at 1800) 422-4453, and they may be able to advise you if it’s necessary to get child protective services involved.
Unfortunately we aren’t legal experts, but if you decide to run away without your guardian’s approval, your guardian can contact the authorities, and file a runaway report. Whoever you end up staying with, may face some consequences. If you want to know more about runaway laws in your city and state, you may contact your local non-emergency number at 205) 328-9311.

Again, thank you so much for reaching out. We know you’re in a very hard situation, and we’re so proud that you are wanting to seek help. Please feel to reach out to us anytime on chat, or by phone at 1800) 786-2929, and we can call out anywhere on your behalf as well. Best of luck!

[Guest]

Im 15 and i just hate living with my dad. He took my best friend away from me and i want to live with my mom but she only has a 2 bedroom apartment and 4 people (including herself) already living there, is there anyway i can stay with a friend until i can live with my mom

[ccsmod9]

Hi there,

You mentioned wanting to know how you can leave home before turning 18. The easiest way to leave home is with your parent’s permission. We understand that might be challenging, however, maybe there’s another family member, relative, or a family friend who could help to communicate how you’re feeling to your parent. The second way is through Child Protective Services if safety is a concern. Lastly, you can also look into emancipation options. In most states you need to be at least 16 to be considered and demonstrate that you can support yourself financially and independently. Emancipation often can be a lengthy process and may even cost some money for court fees. We would be happy to look into legal resources if that’s something you are considering.

Please reach out soon so that we may offer support and resources to you. Our number is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929).

Be safe, NRS

[Guest]

i’m 15 and live in a super unsupportive house and worry for my safety a lot. my parents are super hard to talk to and are religious and tend to take their anger out on me over little things i do. i’ve attempted suicide a fee times before and went to a mental hospital for a while but it didn’t work and left a bad impression and slight ptsd effects—which is why i’m terrified to try and go back to one. my dad yells at me and damages things of mine (knocking my door off its bottom hinge twice and punching my mirror) and my mom borders the line of emotional/verbal abuse half the time (as well as my dad but it’s worse when he’s angry or upset) and i feel so scared at my house and worried for my mental health on a constant basis. i lost trust in my parents with stuff like talking to them or telling them i need help in times of emergency and i’ve been told by my previous and current therapist that my household situation and relationship with my parents is causing me a lot of emotional/mental/physical (self-harm) harm—which was why i went to a mental hospital in the first place. i want to get away before i end up finally killing myself but i don’t turn 16 until late december. my parents wouldn’t agree to let me spend a few nights with my grandparents who live a one minute walk from us and i can’t stay anywhere without them. i’m terrified to think about having to tell a cop that i’m in a bad situation and somehow my parents convince them it’s fine at home when it’s not and then dealing with the consequences once i’m forced back. i’ve been thinking about running away for a year and a half but my anxiety and depression make me question everything. i’d love to call you guys but i’m terrified of making phone calls ir being in them and i don’t know what to do anymore. i just want to get away from here but i don’t know how. i know it’s not illegal and that i can be forced home if found and can get someone else in trouble by staying with them but i can’t stay home much longer. i’m so scared for my mental health and i’m scared to talk to people about it. without being behind an anonymous mask anyway.

sorry this was so long i’m mid breakdown from my dad yelling at me again and i’m trying to stay calm.

[ccsmod2]

Hey there,
Thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline, we know it is hard to reach out and you show a lot of courage doing so. You do not deserve to be treated so unfairly by your parents especially with everything you have gone through. You are a really strong person and smart for knowing the outcomes of running away, and we are here to help.
It is not appropriate for your parents to treat you this way. You do have right to report and we know it can be scary. You can always send us a chat at www.1800runaway.org and we can help you file a report anonymously. You can also contact Child Help, which is a national child abuse hotline, and you can give them a call at 1-800-422-4453 or go on their website to chat as well at www.childhelp.org. They can answer any questions you have about reporting and what can happen if you do decide to report. If you do ever feel like you are in an unsafe situation you can also text 44357 the word SAFE and the location you are in and they will provide a safe location near you that you can go to.
You are not alone and your life is worthy. It can be hard to reach out to people about your mental health, especially if they are not understanding of the situations you have been put through. NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, you can call them at 1-800-950-6264, or if you still feel uncomfortable making the call you can text them at 741741. You can talk to them about everything you are feeling and what you have been going through. You can always send us a chat as well if you just want to talk about whatever situation you are in or just to talk about how you are feeling. We are completely confidential. If you are interested you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, their number is 1-800-273-8255 or send them a chat at suicidepreventionlifeline.org, and they are 24/7 and support and provide resources you may be interested in.
Again, thank you for reaching out, you are truly a strong and courageous individual for seeking help. If you ever want to talk more in depth, we are here for you. Do not hesitate to call use at 1-800-786-2929 or send us a chat at www