Turning 17 in a few weeks, wanting to run away.

[Guest]

Hi,

As the topic title says, I'm almost 17 and I've been planning on running away for some time now. I made a post last year asking if I'd be okay to do so. The person who replied to me said that I should wait until i turn 18. I emotionally can not wait another year.

My cousin ran away at age 17 last year. He has already found me a nice, safe home to live in. Him and are both Female to Male transgender and living in this town I'm currently in, it's a bit difficult for me. My parents do not accept me and are mentally abusive.

Aside from that, I've done so research and found out that most police stations are reluctant to bring home a 17 year old as along as they are in a safe place. My cousin has found many people there willing to help me. My only issue is that I've been taking online classes (which my parents have paid for). I could easily graduate online but I have a feeling like my parents would not allow me to receive my diploma. I could, however, enroll myself in school with the McKinney Vento Act (i think that's what my cousin called it). Unfortunately, my anxiety could worsen but it could also get better if I dont have to worry about my parents.

I have a bus ticket that leaves on the 20th of February, a few days after my birthday.

[ccsmod5]

Hi! Thanks for reaching out to us again. We’re sorry to hear that you are still going through a tough time at home. It’s good to hear that you have support from your cousin. It sounds like he cares for you and wants to help.
We aren’t legal experts but we can give you some general information. If you leave home without your parents’ permission, that would be considered running away. This is not illegal so you can’t be arrested for it, but the police most likely would return you to your parents if they find you. It’s difficult to say whether the police would actively look for you once you turn 17. It really varies from town and state. If you call us, we can reach out to your local police and conference call with them to find out how they handle situations like yours. It would be completely confidential and you wouldn’t have to give the police your information unless you felt comfortable.
You also mentioned going to school. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act may be able to help. You can give them a call at 1-800-308-2145 to see if this would help you.
If you want to call to discuss your situation and some resources that might be in your area or the area you are looking to go to, you can call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or you can chat with us online. Good luck and stay safe!