What are the consequences of a 15 year old running away

[ccsmod3]

Hello there,

Thank you for reaching out to us at the National Runaway Safeline! It sounds like you are seriously considering running away. While we are not legal experts, we do have a general understanding of how runaway situations tend to go in the United States. If you are located somewhere else, you might find it more beneficial to reach out to a similar youth crisis line in your country. Feel free to search here: https://www.childhelplineinternation...pline-network/.

Best,
NRS

[Guest]

Would it be illegal to go on a camping trip with trusted family for a week after your mom said no?

[ccsmod4]

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.
While we are not experts on the law, 18 is generally the age that an individual may leave home without parent/guardian permission. If you are under 18 and leave home, they may file you as a runaway and if picked up by the police you may be returned home. Also, those you stay with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. For more specifics on the law, contact the local non-emergency number to the police or legal aid may better answer legal questions.

We are here as support to help through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by email to assist you. If you would like to talk more in detail please call or chat soon.

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

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi i live with my grandparents and I get treated like I’m crap they talk about my weight and call me names I don’t feel welcomed there and my papa tried to hit me I’ve been staying at my moms for a few days and it seems like I’m not welcomed here I’ve been planning or running away for a few months now and my boyfriend told me I’m welcomed there at any time I’m 15 and if I run away will I get I trouble?

[ccsmod15]

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. It seems there is a lot that you are faced with right now and you’re feeling like leaving is one of your only options. It seems you want to know some information on runaway laws. You don’t deserve to be treated that way by your grandparents and mom to be judged for how you look instead of loved for who you are.
While we are not experts on the law, 18 is generally the age that an individual may leave home without parent permission. If you are under 18 and leave home, your parent/guardian may file you as a runaway and you may be returned home. Also, those you stay with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. For more specifics on the law, the local non-emergency police or legal aid may better answer legal questions.
We are here as support to help through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by email to assist you. If you would like to talk more in detail please call or chat soon.
Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).
Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

I’m 15, and me and my mom are constantly arguing, more than the usual family does , she use to hit me a lot , but not anymore , but today , she told me I have to quit my job, and just not show up tomorrow, I have a shift by myself tomorrow, so even if I wanted to quit. II can’t just not show up, so I have to go to work , and I told her that I’m going to go to work either way.And she had came in with groceries an hour later and Immediately started yelling at me. I raised my voice and said “ okay chilll” then she got in my face as if she was going to smack me , so I moved , then she tried taking my phone ( which I paid for ) and I didn’t let her , she bit my arm really hard I stared to bleed , so then I pushed her off of me , and she called the cops and said “ I hit her” which I didn’t. The cops didn’t do anything but write it down. She says that “ I don’t want to follow rules” and gives me 2 options , but when I pick one that she doesn’t want me to pick ( even tho she gave me the Options ) she gets mad and does it her way anyways , so I was planning on going to work and then just not coming home after. What would happen then ? I live in Texas

[ccsmod7]

Hi there, thanks for reaching out today. That seems really hurtful that your having to quit work without notice or reason and to be constantly arguing. That also has to be infuriating that she lied to police after biting you, you deserve better than that.

Your mom biting you could be seen as abuse by child protective services (CPS). If you haven't already, you might try to take a picture of your bite mark injury as proof of the abuse. You may also be able to report any mistreatment to CPS. Child Help USA 1-800-422-4453 www.childhelp.org is an organization that helps protect minors from being harmed. They can tell you more about how CPS could respond to your situation. If you ever need assistance calling out to CPS to make an abuse or neglect report please call is at 1-800-RUNAWAY.

We are not legal experts here but we can answer your question in general terms. If you leave home without permission, your mom may file a runaway report with the police. What actions the police take once you are filed as a runaway can vary a lot from state to state and even city to city so we cannot predict exactly what would happen in your case. Generally speaking, if you encounter a police officer while reported as a runaway, you will likely be returned home. Another thing to consider is that while running away is not a crime, a legal adult who allows you to stay with them may be putting themselves at risk for being charged with harboring a runaway.

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.

If you would like to talk more in detail please chat soon through our website www.1800runaway.org.

Be safe,

NRS

[Guest]

I'm 14 n I hate living in this house I hate my parents and I feel like I'm wasting my childhood being stuck here 24/7 I have to get away from here and to be honest its the only thing I'm living for at this point I can't go out and see my friends I can't even go see my family its just too much and I'm sick of it iv nothing left anymore and If I don't leave soon my only other option is suiside I can't and I won't be dealing with this any longer I have nothing left but I'm worried that if I go and get caught that I'll be forced to come back and I don't want to do that and I don't want to go far away because that means leaving school behind and all my friends so its just a rlly risky and idk what to do.

[ccsmod0]

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. It sounds like you’re quite overwhelmed by things at home right now. It sounds like you’re fearing that the situation may end in suicide if things don’t change. Your safety and well-being is important. If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255); www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org is also a great resource to reach out to in addition to our crisis services.
Often, having a safe space to share how you’re feeling may bring a variety of solutions previously not thought of. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. This may be an isolating and lonely time for you, but you are not alone in this. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time.
While we are not experts on the law, 18 is generally the age that an individual may leave home without parent permission. If you are under 18 and leave home, your parent/guardian may file you as a runaway and you may be returned home. Also, those you stay with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. For more specifics on the law, the local non-emergency police or legal aid may better answer legal questions.
If you would like to talk more in detail 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.
Be safe and stay strong,
NRS

[Guest]

Im 15 if i runaway and stay with my 19 year old sister will either of us get in trouble

[ccsmod15]

Hi there,

Thank you so much for reaching out. Leaving home can be a big decision, but we're glad you and your sister are supporting one another. Reaching out for help can be difficult, but we are glad to help any way we can.

We are not legal experts, but we do have some general knowledge on runaway laws across the country. Since your sister is over 18, she is legally allowed to leave home. But generally, parents/guardians of youth who who are under 18 are obligated to file runaway reports with the police. This means that the police would be made aware of your status, and if you were to come into police custody, you could potentially be returned home. You know your parents/guardians best, so it could be a good idea to consider if they would file a runaway report. There are also harboring runaway laws that are in place that can be pressed against adults who may take you in. To our knowledge, these are not used very often but it could be a consequence to consider. We aren't 100% sure if your sister could get in trouble for leaving with you, but it could be a good idea to reach out to your local, non-emergency police line anonymously and see how they would handle the situation. If this does not feel doable for you guys, we would be happy to call for you or with you.

There are also a couple of ways to leave legally or not be returned and that is if there is a case for abuse, you file for emancipation, or you leave with your parent's permission We would be happy to explore abuse reporting with you, if you feel unsafe in your home. And with emancipation, rules differ from state to state, but we would be happy to see what the rules look like in the state you live in. If you feel like we could assist you in any of these options or you need helping exploring or brainstorming your plan, you can give us a call at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or you could live chat with us through our website. We are open 24/7/365 and we are completely confidential. We're hoping to hear from you soon.

Best,
NRS

[Guest]

hi im 15 im from new zealand and i want to run away from home with my girlfriend and we have been planning it for a while . we both hate the life we live in and just want to start over , will we get in legal trouble for this and will it be put on the news or anything big like that?

[ccsmod0]

Thank you for reaching out to us at the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you are in a difficult situation, and we understand it takes courage to reach out for help. The National Runaway Safeline is located in the United States of America (USA). Our knowledge of helpful community based resources and our understanding of youth in crisis related laws is limited to the USA. If you are located in a country outside of the USA, you can use this link to find a youth helpline in or around your country: https://www.childhelplineinternation...pline-network/.
We hope that by reaching out to a local resource, you are able to get the support you need from an organization that understands the laws and circumstances that affect youth in your country.

[Guest]

What’s the consequences of running away in texas

[ccsmod4]

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.
While we are not experts on the law, 18 is generally the age that an individual may leave home without parent/guardian permission in most states including Texas. If you are under 18 and leave home, they may file you as a runaway and if picked up by the police you may be returned home. Also, those you stay with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. For more specifics on the law, contact the local non-emergency number to the police or legal aid may better answer legal questions.

We are here as support to help through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by email to assist you. If you would like to talk more in detail 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.

Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi i am 14 and considering to run away because my parents are overprotective and act/talk to me as a child and i keep over thinking it but always coming to the same conclusion what use is my life if they don't take me serious then me i don't think ill ever experience growing up so what do i do do you think i'm exaggerating i don't want to be found and then everyone saying you spoilt brat, because they do spoil me(supply me with school needs and normal needs e.g. phone, laptop etc) a lot and is it illegal to run away in Australia (is this a Australian company??)

[ccsmod0]

Thank you for reaching out to us at the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you are in a difficult situation, and we understand it takes courage to reach out for help. The National Runaway Safeline is located in the United States of America (USA). Our knowledge of helpful community based resources and our understanding of youth in crisis related laws is limited to the USA. If you are located in a country outside of the USA, you can use this link to find a youth helpline in or around your country: https://www.childhelplineinternation...pline-network/.
We hope that by reaching out to a local resource, you are able to get the support you need from an organization that understands the laws and circumstances that affect youth in your country.

[Guest]

Hi I am 15 and am considering running away I’m not being abused or anything I jus feel like I don’t belong. Me and my bestfriend are planning to do it soon. What will happen if I get caught?

[ccsmod15]

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. It seems there is a lot that you are faced with right now and you’re feeling like leaving is one of your only options. It seems you want to know some information on runaway laws.
While we are not experts on the law, 18 is generally the age that an individual may leave home without parent permission. If you are under 18 and leave home, your parent/guardian may file you as a runaway and you may be returned home. Also, those you stay with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. For more specifics on the law, the local non-emergency police or legal aid may better answer legal questions.
We are here as support to help through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by forum to assist you. If you would like to talk more in detail 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.
Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

Hey, I’m 13 years old. I’m clearly a minor and live in Texas(USA)My friend, ruby, and I have been talking about me running away. My “parents” are very very strict, and wouldn’t give consent into letting me staying at her house to begin with. My “parents“ have already threatened to put me into a mental hospital, and I’m very worried if i do run-away it’ll tempt them. I am completely aware of the law in Texas about harboring a run-away. I’ve been thinking about running away for months, even without Ruby’s help. I’ve read on a website (without further research) that if you’ve contacted the police about harboring a run-away, charges would be held back. Is that true? And would ruby and her guardians be charged since ruby is a minor as well?

[ccsmod0]

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. It seems there is a lot that you are faced with right now and you’re feeling like leaving is one of your only options. It seems you want to know some information on runaway laws.
While we are not experts on the law, 18 is generally the age that an individual may leave home without parent permission. If you are under 18 and leave home, your parent/guardian may file you as a runaway and you may be returned home. Also, those you stay with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. If the parents report to the police that a runaway is in their home, the police will likely pick you up to return you home without charging them. Ruby would not be charged, since she is a minor. For more specifics on the law, the local non-emergency police or legal aid may better answer legal questions.
You mentioned your parents discussing putting you in a "mental hospital" that is not something they can do without doctors and psychiatric consent. I wouldn't worry too much about it. They are probably just doing it to scare you.
We are here as support to help through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by email to assist you. If you would like to talk more in detail 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.
Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

I want to run away. My grandmother is emotionally abusive and I can't cope with it anymore. I'm scared to be alone because she drives me to suicidal thoughts. If I run away, will i be taken home or will the emotional abuse be taken seriously?

[ccsmod3]

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. It sounds like you’re quite overwhelmed by things at home right now. It sounds like you’re fearing that the situation may end in suicide if things don’t change. Your safety and well-being is important. If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255); www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org is also a great resource to reach out to in addition to our crisis services.

Often, having a safe space to share how you’re feeling may bring a variety of solutions previously not thought of. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. This may be an isolating and lonely time for you, but you are not alone in this. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time.

You mentioned experiencing emotional abuse which may be reportable against your grandmother. Please keep in mind you by no means deserve any type of abuse, emotional or otherwise. Unfortunately, emotional abuse is often harder to provide evidence for compared to physical abuse which is often what CPS relies on when conducting an abuse investigation. That said, we can’t be 100% sure what the outcome will be if your local CPS decides to open a case based on what you share. Sometimes CPS decides to remove minors from the home and other times they offer services such as family counseling or mediation instead. The only way to know the outcome might be to reach out to them directly and if you’re ready to do that we are here to help you through that process. Reaching out to Child Help USA at 1-800-422-4453 or www.childhelp.org may help to get a better understanding of what may happen before and after a report is made.
We hope this helps. Please reach out if we can offer any further support.

If you would like to talk more in detail 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.

Be safe and stay strong,

NRS

[Guest]

I'm 15 and I've been planning on running away from my abusive household for a while. no one knows for now but I'm planning on going to my grandma's house that's a few miles away. I was wondering if my grandma can get in trouble for letting me stay at her house. and if so what would happen to her?

[ccsmod15]

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. It sounds like you’re quite overwhelmed by things at home right now and you mentioned being harmed. We’re sorry you’re going through this. You don't deserve to be hurt in any way. If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately. You may also be able to report any mistreatment to CPS. Child Help USA 1-800-422-4453 www.childhelp.org is an organization that helps protect minors from being harmed. They can tell you more about how CPS could respond to your situation. If you ever need assistance calling out to CPS to make an abuse or neglect report please call is at 1-800-RUNAWAY.
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.
While we are not experts on the law, 18 is generally the age that an individual may leave home without parent permission. If you are under 18 and leave home, your parent/guardian may file you as a runaway and you may be returned home. Also, those you stay with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. For more specifics on the law, the local non-emergency police or legal aid may better answer legal questions.
If you would like to talk more in detail please chat soon through our website www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button) if you are unable to call in. We unfortunately cannot give advice as we are non-directive. You know your situation best
We hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

I'm 15, and I live with my grandpa and step-grandma. My grandpa is fine sometimes, but my grandma uses me and my sister to do her dirty work, and if we dont, she hits us. My mother is working on getting me and my sister back to live with her, but with the covid it's hard. I dont think I can stay any longer with my grandma, she threatens me with my boyfriend, my friends, my mom, and says she will send me off to a foster home again. I can not tell any authority about what she does because her and all her boys will deny everything and my grandpa will start to hate me again. I want to run away so bad, but theres no where I can stay, and I dont want to be out in the woods. What do I do???? Im really scared.

[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 going through a difficult time, and we want you to know that you are not alone.
You and your sister do not deserve to be used or treated the way you both have been treated. We know you mentioned not wanting to get authorities involved but it is an option. If you would like to make a report you can contact Child Help at 1800-422-4453.
We are not legal experts but we do have some information on the laws. If you were to leave home without permission your legal guardian could file a runaway report. If the police were to find you they most likely would bring you back home. We know you mentioned you are scared and your safety is the top concern. Please reach out to a trusted adult or the police if your safety is ever in jeopardy.
We hope that this information will be helpful to you in your situation. If you have any other questions or would like to explore more options please give us a call. We are here 24/7 to listen and to provide support. Best of luck!
NRS

[Guest]

I've been thinking about running away for a while now. I just can't handle the situation I'm in anymore. I've tried to kill myself twice because of this. My stepdad just seems to hate me and whenever I do anything wrong he goes off on me. He one time made a "joke" that he was going to hit me with a belt, he might have thought it was funny but a little 12-13 year old would be scared out of their mind. If I run away, but I'm not found by police but eventually try to get a job (at 18 or so) will my parents be notified of where I am?

[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 going through a really difficult time and we want you to know that you are not alone.
We want you to know that your life is important and you are worth living. Suicide is a permeant decision to a temporary situation. There is always someone willing to listen and willing to provide support. If you are ever feeling suicidal or just need to talk please reach out to The National Suicide Prevention Line at: 1800-273-8255. You do not have to deal with this alone.
It does sound scary for your dad to threaten you with a belt, you do not deserve that. If you feel that this is abusive you can make a report by calling Child Help at 1800-422-4453. We are not legal experts but typically a runaway report goes away once you turn 18.
We hope that this information will be helpful to you in your situation. If you have any more questions or would like to explore more options, please give us a call. We are here 24/7 to listen and to provide support. Best of luck!
NRS