17 years old trying to leave from my house

[Guest]

I'm 17 I'll be 18 in 2 months I already finished high school I'm a certified CNA I have a job and I have a place to go. If I leave home will I be forced to go home and will the person I'm staying with get in trouble? If my parents consented to me leaving home can I leave? I live in a toxic, abusive, manipulative household please help me

[ccsmod5]

Hi,
Thank you for writing in. It sounds like you’re in a really scary situation and it’s brave of you to reach out. It also sounds like you’ve taken a lot of really smart steps to get out of that situation, so that’s definitely something to be proud of!
We’re sorry to hear that you’re in such a toxic situation. Please know that you never deserve to be abused, manipulated, or harmed. You are so important and your well-being matters. If you’d feel comfortable reporting the abuse, you might consider reaching out to the National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453.
In response to your questions: while we are not legal experts, we can speak in generalities. Since you are still 17, in most states you’d still be considered a minor and your parents would have the right to file a runaway report. If the police are able to locate you, then you would be returned home and any adult you’re staying with may be charged with “harboring a runaway.” If your parents are your legal guardians and consent for you to leave, then you are legally allowed to leave.
If you’d like to speak about your situation more specifically, please feel free to reach out to us at the National Runaway Safeline: 1-800-786-2929. Our lines are open 24/7, so someone is always here to listen and help you brainstorm options. Best of luck to you, friend.
Sincerely,
NRS