I need information

[Guest]

I'm a 16 year old male.
I've been living with my adoptive mother for about three years now. but things are getting stressful and she doesn't trust me around "her" house. I want to just pack my stuff and leave. I have a few choices of places i can go, and i know how to live off of almost nothing if need be. But, i need to know if it is legal for me to go somewhere else.

[ccsmod10]

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to us.

It sounds like life has gotten rough since you started living with your adoptive mom. Not being trusted by a parent and feeling uncomfortable in your own home is a terrible way to feel. It’s understandable that you’re wanting to get away from that environment.

We are not legal experts since we are not lawyers, however, we can try and answer your questions as much as possible. Technically it is not against the law to run away. In most places it’s considered a status offence, since you’re a minor and that is your legal status. If your adoptive mom makes a runaway report after you leave home, and the police come across you, they bring you back home. We do have runaway shelter resources available, if you end up needing somewhere to stay. If running away isn’t something that you’re set on, we’re here to brainstorm. An option that may interest you, is our conference calling service between youth and their parents. We would be happy to facilitate a conversation between the two of you, to help your adoptive mother understand how you've been feeling at home.

We would encourage you to call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY to help you plan your next move. We are available 24/7 and are confidential and anonymous. We can also be reached by live chat from 4:30-11:30pm Central Standard Time at www.1800runaway.org. We wish you the best of luck and hope to hear from you soon!

-NRS