Can I move out at 17 in Ohio?

[Guest]

I'm currently 16 and will be 17 in another year. I live in Ohio and I was wondering if I could legally move out and into another friends house if I was out of school and 17 years old. The main reason for me wanting to move out is due to my parents constantly isolating me because of very simple things regarding school. The isolation tends to lead into major depression which has involved self harm in the past and they have been made aware of it but did nothing about it. A friend of mine has offered to take me in as soon as school is over if things continue to go as they are.

[ccsmod11]

Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out in what certainly sounds like a difficult situation. We hope we can help, although we're not legal experts. As a result, we can provide you with general information that may not necessarily be true where you live. As far as we know, the age of majority in OH is 18, and therefore, you would be considered a runaway if you left home without permission before the age of 18. Your parents would then have the ability to file a runaway report on you to the police. Usually, if a runaway report is filed on a youth, the police are authorized to search for the youth and return them home. In most parts of the U.S., running away is not illegal and won’t result in a youth getting arrested or fined. Adults who you stay with could be charged for harboring a runaway, which is a very rare charge, but a charge you may want to know about. Penalties for this charge vary widely across the U.S.

We are also very sorry to hear that isolation brought on by your parents is motivating you to self-harm. It's unfortunate your don't feel like your parents tried to change this situation. We are here to talk to you about experiences you may have had with self-harm and mental health. We are reachable 24/7 at 1-800-786-2929.

Best,
NRS

[Guest]

So I’ll be 17 in a month and I was wondering how I can legally move out. Here’s the story , maybe two years ago I got removed from my moms house bc I was getting beat and got put with my Dad. So I lived with my dad for a week or two maybe and then basically started living with my best friend and then after that with my sister. Now the problem is she’s moving and my dad won’t let me go. What do I do? He’s on government assistance and barely takes care of himself let alone me

[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 have been going through a difficult time. We are not legal experts but we do have general knowledge of the laws so we will do our best to help. Because you are still a minor if you were to leave home without your parents’ permission your dad would still have the right to file a runaway report. If the police found you they would most likely bring you back home. In some cases the police may not take a runaway report on a 17 year old but it depends on the police department. One option you could consider is calling your local non-emergency police department and asking how they would handle a situation like yours. Another option is you could go to your local court house and ask to file for emancipation. Keep in mind emancipation can be costly and sometimes can take 6 months to a year to complete.
We hope this information will be helpful to you in your situation. If you have any other questions or would like to talk more about your situation and explore other options please chat with us or give us a call. We are here 24/7 to listen and to provide support. We wish you the best of luck!
NRS

[Guest]

Hi, I'm currently 17 and will be 18 in 5 months, my mother has kicked me out, Now she is calling me and asking me where i am, do i have to tell her? Me and my mother don't get along at all, which causes heavy conflict, i do not want to go back, i am staying with a friend who is 21, not doing anything illegal, can my friend get in trouble? My mom kicked me out into the cold at 1:00 A.M, no sweater, nothing, she locked me out.. I really need to know

[ccsmod1]

Hey there,

Thanks so much for contacting us, it takes a lot of courage to reach out and share your story. It must be really hard to live in a home with so much tension between you and your mom. It’s not right that you were thrown out of the house, you deserve to be able to stay somewhere where you feel safe and secure.

It’s great to hear that you have such a good friend to support you. If your mom files a runaway report and the authorities locate you at your friend’s house, they could be charged with harboring a runaway, which is a misdemeanor. Penalties for harboring a runaway vary from state to state, police officer to officer, and how your mom views the situation.

As your legal guardian, your mom is required to provide necessities which includes shelter. Kicking you out of the house can be considered neglect because of this. Because of this neglect, or if any harm or abuse is happening at home, you have the right to report it. If you feel like this is an option you want to explore, you may find this website helpful: https://www.childhelp.org/child-abuse/. We can also help you to file a report if that’s the route you are considering.

If you’d like to go over what’s going on in depth, or if you’d like to explore other options that you may have available to you, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY. You can also chat us by clicking on the “CHAT” button on top of our homepage. We’re open 24/7 and here to listen and support you in any way we can.

All the best,
NRS

[Guest]

Hello,

i am 17, I will be 18 in November 2019, I am going into my senior year of highschool, and I live in Ohio. So my situation is long and very complicated, but basically my mom and dad were never together (dads part- drug related), my mom and ex-step dad divorced last year (dads fault- alcohol related), and my mom is currently with a boyfriend who is on pills and is cheating on her (she knows about both). She keeps saying she’ll break up with him, for she knows that my sister and I, along with our family, don’t like him; however, she’s won’t break up with him. This cycle has been going on for a couple months, she is still having sexual relations with him, and now I have reason to believe that they are buying and using drugs together. For instance, she has stole money from me, been shorter than usual with me, and seems to just not want to tell the truth about anything. I feel stuck because she’s been the only person in my life for 17 years, always being the sober one, always being dependable. A couple years ago I finally got out of a rut in life where I was always sad and where me and my moms relationship was terrible. But now, because of her actions and lying, I am relapsing to old habits. I don’t want to relapse, I want to focus on my future and getting better but being at home is detrimental to everything. I don’t know what to do or if I can even do anything. I love my mom, but I feel that she is passed a point of talking to. Thank you for your time. Any advice would be appreciated, and I’m open to talking to someone, anyone in person.

[ccsmod9]

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. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time. We are sorry to hear that you are relapsing because you have been doing a good job of turning over a new page. Please know we value you trusting us with your story and that if we can provide resources we will. In order to do that however we would need some more information. If you would like to talk more in detail and share more about how we can help specifically, 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.
We hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe, NRS

[Guest]

I will be 18 in 24 days and I want to live in Cleveland with my boyfriend. I live in Ohio. If I move out without emancipation can I get in legal trouble and have to return home?

[ccsmod4]

I will be 18 in 24 days

Hello,
Thank you for writing to us here at the National Runaway Safeline.

We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. In most states (including Ohio) 18 is the majority age to reach adulthood. Most likely if you were to leave home before turning 18 in 24 days the police may or may not allow your parents to file a runaway report.
You might consider checking with your local police department to inquire about the runaway laws in your state or if someone that moves out of their parent or guardian’s home would without permission would be considered a runaway and forced to return home.
Contact the non-emergency number to do so. You should be able to search it online.

If you would like to talk more about your situation we are here to listen and here to help.
To speak with someone on our crisis or chat line contact 1-800-Runaway (786-2929) or www.1800runaway.org

We look forward to hearing from you.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

Okay so I’m 17 and I’ll be 18 in 4 months how much trouble can I get in for leaving home and moving in with a non family member? I live in ohio

[ccsmod15]

Hello! Thank you so much for reaching out.

It sounds like you’re going through a lot right now, and we want you to know that you’re not alone. With that being said, we understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. In most states (including Ohio) 18 is the majority age to reach adulthood. Most likely if you were to leave home before turning 18, the police may or may not allow your parents to file a runaway report.

You might consider checking with your local police department to inquire about the runaway laws in your state. You can ask them if someone that moves out of their home without permission, if they would be considered a runaway and forced to return back to their guardian. Contact your local non-emergency number to do so. You should be able to search it online.

We hope that the options we explored with you, are able to assist you. If you need additional resources, or want us to call somewhere on your behalf, you can reach out to us anytime at 1800) 786-2929, chat with us online at the nationalrunawaysafeline.org. Best of luck!

[Guest]

I was wondering if I could move in with a friend with out my parents permission. The reason I want to leave my parents house is because my dad physical abuses me and my stepmom verbally abuses me and I don’t have a job to pay for my own house and stuff but I need to get out because of the whole situation sometimes I think my father could kill me when he gets so mad. But I need help and I don’t know how you can go about this and I’ve been searching for answers for three hours because I need to get out.

[ccsmod3]

We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. You mentioned wanting to know how you can leave home before turning 18. The easiest way to leave home is with your parents’ permission. The second way is through Child Protective Services if safety is a concern. 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. It may also be a good place to explore options for staying with another family member or someone you trust as far as transferring custody. Lastly, you can also look into emancipation options. In most states you need to be at least 16 to be considered and demonstrate that you can support yourself financially and independently. Emancipation often can be a lengthy process and may even cost some money for court fees. We would be happy to look into legal resources if that’s something you are considering.

Please reach out soon so that we may offer support and resources to you. Our number is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929).Be safe.

[Guest]

I turn 18 in 6 months, by the time i was emancipated id already be 18. i cannot live another day here, i hate my life here and i refuse too. what can the police do if i leave?

[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. 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).
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

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[Guest]

I'm 16. I am extremely depressed, stressed, and anxious. I have tried going to my mom(sole custody) for help, specifically asking for a therapist. I experienced some form of trauma in a school a few years ago and it has really been affecting my grades and ability to work on anything. Mom has not shown any signs of being willing to get me the help I honestly think I need. I want to know if as a 16-year-old in Ohio if I can move in with my dad or a close friend. I'm at a loss trying to figure out what to do.

[ccsmod15]

Thank you for reaching out during this difficult time. In most states (including Ohio) 18 is the majority age to reach adulthood. Most likely if you were to leave home at 16, your legal guardian would have the right to report you as a runaway.

You might consider checking with your local police department to inquire about the runaway laws in your state. You can ask them if someone that moves out of their home without permission, if they would be considered a runaway and forced to return back to their guardian. Contact your local non-emergency number to do so. You should be able to search it online.

We hope that the options we explored with you, are able to assist you. If you need additional resources, or want us to call somewhere on your behalf, you can reach out to us anytime at 1800) 786-2929, chat with us online at the nationalrunawaysafeline.org. Best of luck!

[Guest]

I am 15 years old. My stepfather neglects me and my mom is verbally abusive, I don't know what to do. There are sometimes they treat me as parents should and sometimes they treat me as a rat in their house. They'll feed me and take care of me, but sometime the mouse trap bites back.

[ccsmod15]

Hello –

Thank you for contacting us here at the National Runaway Safeline. We understand that it takes great courage to reach out. We are sorry to hear about your situation, no one deserves to be treated that way, especially by someone who is supposed to be a support system for you.

It is important to know that you have options and resources to help advocate for yourself. A great resource for you could be the National Child Abuse Hotline. You can reach them at 1-800-422-4453. You can call them anonymously to learn about the abuse reporting process, or directly report abuse to this line. They are a good resource for talking through your options if there is verbal/physical abuse going on at home.

To further discuss what is going on at home and what your options are, give us a call 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929).

We hope the information provided helps. Remember we are available 24/7 and can be toll-free reached at the number listed above. We are confidential, anonymous, and non-direct. We can also be reached via live chat anytime.

Best Wishes

~NRS

[Guest]

I’m 17 and I turn 18 in October, my family situation is just a mess, mom my threaten me if I didn’t go to live with my aunt for two weeks that she was going to send me to juvie, I can’t take it here anymore, I cry all the time and I constantly cry myself to sleep, being at my aunts house is worse than my actual home, can I move out now?

[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 you are not alone.
We are sorry to hear that you do not like your living situation. You might want to consider talking to an adult or a school counselor about what has been going on at home.
We are not legal experts but if you were to leave without permission, your legal guardian could file a runaway report. If the police were to find you it is a possibility they would bring you back home.
We hope that this information will be helpful to you in your situation. If you have any more questions or would like to explore options please give us a call. We are here for you 24/7.
Best of luck,
NRS

[Guest]

Hello. I'm 17 and live at home. I don't like it here and my friends parents said they don't me living with them. But my parents said they would file a runaway report om me. I turn 18 in7 Months and have had a job since I was 14. I drive and can support my basic necessity's, all I need is a place to stay. Can i leave without them making me come back> i don't want my friend to get in trouble either, that's my dilemma. I live in butler county btw

[ccsmod13]

Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out to to NRS. It sounds like you are faced with a lot at home and you are thinking about running away. You mentioned wanting to know more about runaway laws and while we are not legal experts we can speak generally on this.

18 is usually the age you are able to leave home without permission from your parents. If you leave home before then, your parents can make a runaway report. Running away is not illegal and you will not get into legal trouble, but it is a status offense. This means your parents can ask police to return you home if they know where you are staying. Now, there is not a universal way that police respond to runaway reports. In some cases, police might be more lenient since you are 17 and close to turning 18. However, this can depend on the county and even your local police department. You can anonymously call the local police department's non-emergency line to ask about how they would handle a runaway report in this situation and if you would be forced home.

We hope this information is helpful. If you have any more questions or you would just like to talk more about your situation, please don't hesitate to reach out directly by phone at 1-800-RUNAWAY or through live chat at 1800runaway.org. We are available 24/7.

Be safe,
NRS