Help in Va

[lost]

Hello, I'm a 18 year old girl and thinking about running away. I have a place to live and it's safe but I'm wondering if I would get in trouble with the law if I go about this process. I live in Virginia and I was wondering if I also took my social security card, birth certificate, and clothes if my parents could file a report for stealing.

[ccsmod8]

RE: Help in Va

Hello there –

Thank you for taking the time out of your day to get into contact with us here at the National Runaway Safeline, we are always here to listen and here to help in any way that we can. From your post to us, it sounds like you have are going through a very hard time right now. It’s great that you are able to reach out for help in your current situation, it’s very brave of you to do that.
You have stated that you are currently 18 years old in your post, so you can’t be considered being a “runaway” if you were to leave your home. At that age you are legally considered an adult and are able to move out of your house without parental consent. Do you see anything or think of anything that might help the situation before you leave?

Here at the National Runaway Safeline, we offer a service of Conference Calling. What that entails is that you would call us here and talk about your situation and if you’re comfortable with doing so, we would call out to your parents to have a three way talk. In the space we can all talk in a calm and productive space with us as the mediator in-between. So that in the end everyone should have had their voices and feelings heard. So that something that you feel comfortable with doing?

[Lost]

Thanks for replying back, I don't really see anything that can help :/. I'm just curious if it would be stealing if I took my birth certificate,SSC and my clothes...

[ccsmod3]

Re: Help in VA

Hello again,

Sorry to hear you don't really see anything that can help. It sounds like you're pretty set on leaving and as we said before at 18, generally you have that right. Some young people do find themselves involved with the police if either their parents decide to file them as a missing person or if their parents manage to charge them with theft for taking belongings their parents claim belong to them. Not all young people encounter these issues and we aren't legal experts; however if you do have concerns you might consider reaching out to your local police non-emergency line. We could also look up legal aid if you'd like to share your city/town. If you'd like to go that route, we encourage you to try out our Live Chat and we can continue going over your situation and hopefully come up with resources. Best of luck!

[Lost]

Thank you so much for helping

[ccsmod5]

re: Lost

Hey again,

We wish you the best of luck in whatever it is you decide to do and if you ever find yourself in a crisis, please feel free to give us a call! We are here 24/7 and would be more than happy to talk to you.

Stay strong,

NRS