running away while in cps custody

[Guest]

I was told my kids wasn’t suppose to be removed once my wife died because she gave me written consent for them and also the biological father I’m all they know and now they removed me from the case as well as trying to move them out of state what do I do because it was never a probable cause to remove them

[ccsmod13]

Hello,

Thank you for taking the time to share your situation with us here at NRS. It sounds like CPS has been mentioning removing children from your custody and you have been have difficulty communicating with them. Working with CPS can be a challenging system to navigate at times which is certainly frustrating when you are not clear on what is happening with your case. We are not legal experts here at NRS so we cannot speak to your case with CPS or what your options might be. A lawyer would best be able to help you through this process. If you contact us by phone at 1-800-786-2929 or through live chat we are happy to refer you to a legal aid resource in your area. Legal aid can often provide free or low cost legal services and advice if you are eligible.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

Aye yo I'm about to turn 18 in a few days but my sister got a letter saying they gonna keep me in CPS what does that mean

[ccsmod3]

Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out to NRS (National Runaway Safeline) we’re here to help as best we can.
When it comes to aging out of foster care, it can be different per state. Some states will want to ensure you are stable and offer you to stay in foster care until you are 21, or have stable housing for over a year for you to be discharged from CPS. Others may expect you to become completely independent once you turn 18 and not assume any kind of responsibility or offer help. We aren’t legal experts here, but we can help find some free legal aid in your state who can help better answer your questions according to that states laws. You can get resources by calling us or chatting with us online. If you need any other help please feel free to contact us so that we can try to find the best resources for you.

We hope this helps.

Stay Safe,

NRS

[Guest]

I'm 17 in cps and turn 18 in July would cps be able to do anything and if so what would they be able to do if I ran away

[ccsmod13]

Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out to us here at NRS. It sounds like you are considering leaving and want to know more about possible consequences. We are not legal experts and we cannot give legal advice, but we can speak generally on runaway laws. The age of majority in most states is 18 which is also the age you are able to choose where you live. If you decide to leave before turning 18, you could be reported as a runaway. Generally, running away is not illegal, but it is a status offense. You will not be charged with a crime but you can be returned to CPS custody if you are found or come into contact with law enforcement for another reason. If you have additional questions or you would like to talk more about your situation please do not hesitate to contact us directly by phone at 1-800-786-2929 or through live chat at 1800runaway.org.

Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

I am 16 an in cps care i ran away from my group home. Is that a Felony charge

[ccsmod16]

Hi,
Thanks for reaching out; we are glad that you did. It sounds like something was wrong at your group home that made you run away. We are sorry this happened to you.
As far as your question, no, it's not a felony to run away. In most states it's considered a status offence - something you can't do due to your age.
If you want to know more about the specifics of your case, you are welcome to call us and we can call out to your caseworker. it would be our phone number on their caller ID, so you are protected. We would serve as your ally and advocate to help you figure this out.
We for sure hope that you are in a safe place. If you don't want to call you caseworker, you can still reach out to us through this website via live chat, or through our phone hotline at 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929). We are always confidential to you and anonymous.
We truly hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
NRS

[Guest]

I’m just wondering I need to know if a certain child is in CPS custody still he’s 16 he saying he’s out of CPS custody but I don’t believe him how do I find out if he has a CPS run away because I will not harbor a runaway

[ccsmod15]

Hi there,

Thank you for contacting the National Runaway Safeline. We understand that the laws regarding runaway youth can be complicated. While we are not legal experts, we can share our general understanding of the issue.

As you mentioned in your post, adults who shelter runaway youth risk being charged with harboring a runaway. Harboring laws can vary by jurisdiction, so it may be an option to contact your local police to learn more about local laws. If a youth has been reported as a runaway, local police may be able to look up a case report. Missing person reports may be entered into the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Crime Information Center database. Each state has their own way of qualifying missing person’s reports and has their own missing-child clearinghouse, which could help you understand whether this youth has been reported as a runaway. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children also maintains a database on missing children and may be able to provide additional information on your situation.

We are happy to provide referrals to additional legal aid resources if you contact us directly by phone or live chat. We are available 24/7 by chat and our phone hotline. Our number is 800-RUNAWAY and our chat can be found at www.1800RUNAWAY.org.

Best,

NRS

[Guest]

My child ran away from cps and now they are charging me with felony kidnapping and I do not and have not had her her dad has her

[ccsmod3]

Hi there, thanks for reaching out to our forum. It sounds like you're terrified of being blamed for something that wasn't in your hands. Furthermore, those concerns seem like they'd be stressful to manage. Legal trouble is no joke.

It may be helpful for you to explore your legal options in order to be ready to defend yourself. Without the details however, it might be hard to explore those options. You can always reach out to us through phone at 1.800.RUNAWAY or talk to us through our online chat to talk further about your options. We are here for 24/7 crisis support. Take care, and good luck!

[Guest]

I need to get a hold of my case worker but I don't know how she is and I have been on the run for like 3 years and I live in Arizona and I need to just get a hold of here and my number is *** *** **** plz lmk I need to get my information

[ccsmod15]

Hi there,

Thank you so much for reaching out to us. We don't have access to any state or federal databases that grant us permission to see state employee information. However, if you know her first and last name you may be able to find her via a google search, on LinkedIn, or other platforms. You could also try calling her old office to see if they could tell you where she is, or even see if they could give you the information you are looking for. We would be happy to talk with you more about how you could search for her, and possibly help you with it. We don't make calls out to young people, so you would need to reach us by calling 1-800-RUNAWAY or chatting with us through our website, www.1800runaway.org, We would be happy to help in any way that we can.

Best of luck,
NRS

[Guest]

I'm 15 and has been mentally and physically abused from my mom. and a case has been open about my dad neglecting me that was a big fat lie I can't believe that. Now their calling like If their going to take me away and take me back to my mom's and I'm planning to run away I'm terrified of my mom.

[ccsmod7]

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 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. They can tell you more about how CPS could respond to your situation. If you ever need assistance calling out to CPS to make an abuse or neglect report please call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY.

Often, having a safe space to share how you’re feeling may bring a variety of solutions previously not thought of. You are not alone in this. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time.

If you would like to talk more in detail please chat soon through our website www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button) if you are unable to call in. We unfortunately cannot give advice as we are non-directive. You know your situation best.

We hope to hear from you soon.

Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

Im 16 about to be 17 i ran away from my group home in va and i was in cps care when i turn 18 will they stop looking for me? And can i just go back to my life or will i get charge

[Guest]

If a 17yr old runs away from cps in kentucky and stays away until they are 18 will they face any legal charges?

[ccsmod15]

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 forum 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

[Guest]

Hello so I am currectly in a shelter right now, i a m 15 years old. I ran away from my house like 2 weeks ago and last week the cops reeturned me back home on thursday and i warned them my parents were gonna hurt me, they didnt listen, i returned home and they hit me with a TV Cable, it left me a lo t of bruises. I reported it to the school counselor, they involved Cps and the police too, they took my dad but they didnt take my mom. My mom has also been treating me awfully, from hurting me to abusing me emotionally and verbally. its been really tough. on friday the police told me to choose if i wanted to go home or go to the shelter here in new york, i obviously decided the shelter but now i think they are taking me out of here this week and i am really scared because i talked to my cps worker and she said I have to go back home, I am very upset that they dont understand the situation and want me to go back home after everything that has happened. Im scared cps takes me out of here even though i warned her and something bad happens or something even worse

[ccsmod15]

Hello and thank you for reaching out to NRS! We are saddened to hear about your situation and that you haven't been able to get the help you need and deserve! You deserve to be treated with unconditional love and kindness and and to feel safe in your home. We would like to offer you some resources that may be helpful to you. The National child abuse hotline is 1-800-422-4433 or you can go to their website at www.childhelp.org. There is a live chat available on the website or you can text or call the number. They are available 24/7. Another option that you may want to consider is checking out www.justiceforchildren.org which is a place to reach out to when CPS or the court system has not helped. The helpline for Justice for children is 1-800-733-0059. They are open for calls mon-friday from 8am-5pm CST. You can also reach us through our chatline at www.1800runaway.org or call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) if you'd like to speak more about your options. We are available 24/7 to listen and help. We hope that this response is helpful to you! Please reach back out at anytime if there is anything else we can help you with. Wishing you all the best! NRS!

[Guest]

I’m 17 I’m gonna be 18 on October 15 2022 I live in Virginia and I want to run away cause I don’t like living with my foster parent she is a creepy and manipulated person but I have a newborn baby and my baby father have custody from him can I run away and give my baby to my baby father and social services won’t take my kid even if I’m in the run I’m planning to come back when I’m 18 just to sign myself out from social services

[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 difficult situation, and we want you to know that you are not alone.

We are not legal experts but we do have some information on the what could happen if you were to leave. If you were to leave home it is a possibility that your foster parent could file a runaway report and if the police were to find you they could bring you back.

If your baby’s father has custody then most likely social services would not take your baby if the father is taking care of the baby. You could always call social services and talk to a social worker and find out what would happen to your baby if you did decide to leave.

Running away is not your only option, and we can help you explore all of your options before you make a decision. We are available 24/7 to listen and to provide support to you. We wish you the best of luck!
NRS

[Guest]

I'm 15 years old and I'm in cps custody, I have run away before but the urge to do it again is high. I'm in a situation where I have no idea what to do, I live with family members and one of them sexually assaulted me yesterday morning but the rest of them think I'm lying and are letting the man that did it stay in the home still. I have no urge to stay here and feel like I have done something wrong therefore I want to run away. What should I do?

[ccsmod5]

Hello! Thank you for reaching out to NRS. This sounds like a very tough situation to be in, I am sorry you’re going through this. Having a family member assault you is absolutely not okay and is never your fault. That should not have happened and you family should not be ignoring you telling them about it.



There are a few options to consider, you could report this to the police. You would likely be removed from your home and the family member would be investigated. This requires a lot of paperwork and potentially going to court but is an option to consider.



Running away is an option but your family could report you as a runaway and you could be returned home if found by police.



A third option to consider is disclosing what is going on to an adult at your school. Many people who work in schools are “mandated reporters” which means they must report to the police if they suspect a child is being abused or harmed. This would take the responsibility of going to the police off of you, but they would likely send a CPS worker or officer to speak with you.



All that being said, we may be able to help you more specifically if you use out 24/7 anonymous chat line. We could have a deeper conversation and find some more specific resources for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our safeline is available 24/7 and someone is always around to talk with you. Here is our website and phone number. https://www.1800runaway.org/ 1-800-runaway

[Guest]

I lost my rights unfortunately due to my failure to cooperate. So my daughter was placed with her aunt on her dad's side n another city. We still have contact with each other with her aunt's ok.. but a few days ago my daughter called me and said she ran away. She said she was going to get a ride to my house in another city 5 hours away from her aunt's house. She showed up at my grandma's house the other day and now I'm not sure what to do. She said that she is not going back because her aunt is verbally abusive and she can't take it anymore. I don't want to lose her in the system due to her bad decision making and I don't want to turn her away but I know it's not going to go well for any of us if I don't do something. What is the best way possible to make she she is not placed where she is unhappy and gonna run away from again and I'm afraid she may not reach out to me again and be lost in the world of runaways or something worse..

[ccsmod16]

Hi,
Thanks for reaching out; we are glad that you did. It sounds like your daughter ran away from her legal guardian and went to your grandma's house. This is a tough situation, for all of the reasons you stated.
One thing you can do is have your daughter reach out to us, she can chat us through this website, www.1800runaway.org and we will help her decide what she can/wants to do.
Unfortunately, CPS doesn't often respond to verbal abuse cases, and they are the only ones who can legally placer her with you or another relative, but you can discuss this with her caseworker to see if there is another accomodation that can be made.
If you can afford an attorney, they may be able to assist in some way, as they would know the laws of your state. We do truly hope to hear from your daughter soon. You are also welcome to chat us or call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY.
Sincerely,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi , I ran away from home a week before my 17th birthday , I’m now 17 and found that a day ago I’m in cps custody, cps has reached out to me an said “ that if I don’t return home they will put me in a different place “, but I’m still considered a run away

i don’t know what to do for one and for 2 what can’t I do

[ccsmod1]

Hello,

We appreciate you reaching out to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS). Please know that we recognize the strength and courage it takes to reach out in situations like these. It sounds like you are faced with the option of either returning home or being placed somewhere else. We would be delighted to have the opportunity to talk one on one with you about this and gather further information so that we may help you explore some potential options. Please feel welcome to reach out to us through our online chat portal, found on our website at www.1800runaway.org or you may give us a call at 1-800-RUNAWAY. We look forward to the opportunity to talk more with you about this.

Wishing you health, peace, and safety,

Warmly,
NRS