My sister is 17 and wants to live in with me

[Guest]

Hello, I am wondering if in New York State can a 17 year old leave home and not be in trouble or if her dad called the cops would they force her to go back home, let me explain things with her dad have been rough he doesn’t care about her and puts his girlfriend before her all the time on top of that he is an alcoholic always drinking and has beat on her before she’s tired of it and wants out I told her she can stay with me but her dad is making a scene now that he is going to put an order of protection against me for her so she can never see me again she is my half sister on my mothers side and I can’t just stand by and see her more depressed and even with suicidal thoughts I want to help can come stay with me even if her dad calls the cops?

[ccsmod2]

Thank you for reaching out to us here at National Runaway Safeline. We understand that it takes courage to seek help. We are very sorry to hear about your sister. Abuse is never okay and she doesn't deserve to be treated that way. She has a right to report the abuse, she could contact CPS or Child Help (1-800-422-4453) to explore her options and get information on how to transfer custody. Since your sister is a minor, if she decides to leave home without parental consent her dad has the right to file a runaway report. With a runaway report, if the police find her they may return her back home. Running away isn't illegal but if your sister were to stay with you, you could get charged with harboring a runaway. You mentioned that your sister is having suicidal thoughts, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) is a great resource for support. We hope that this information is helpful, please feel free to contact us directly via our 24 hour crisis hotline (1-800-786-2929), email, or live chat if you have any questions or just want to talk.