I'm 17, female, and want to move out without parental permission

[ccsmod2]

Thank you so much for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. It certainly sounds as if you’re in the middle of a fairly toxic living situation which is really unfortunate, especially at your age. Congratulations to you having a job and continuing on with school—obviously you understand the importance of both!



While leaving home and being prepared to show police the text messages between you and your mom, it will likely not have any bearing if your mother has filed a missing child report. Furthermore being with someone who is 18 could open up other potential problems as you are still a minor. According to a google search, I have found that you are allowed to leave your parents’ home if you prove that you are able to support yourself (rent, food, bills, etc.) 100 percent on your own and requires a decree of emancipation in juvenile court system. (Please note NRS is not a legal organization or affiliated with Law Firms.)



it would be great if you could reach out to us so we could get more information about your situation and confirm you are living in a safe environment. We can be reached either via our chat option on www.1800runaway.org or at 1-800-286-2929 should you want to speak to someone personally. We have a database of resources that we can look into which may be of help to you that are located close to where you live.



Hope to hear from you soon!



Sincerely,



National Runaway Safeline

I’m 16 years old finna be 17 soon in about 5 months I wanna move out from my mother house but I know she’ll call the cops and lie and say I hit her or say I ran away I have texts messages of her verbally abusing me calling me out my name hitting me for no reason sometimes I’m not sure if I’m in safe environment sometimes we can get along but sometimes we can’t I also I have boyfriend who’s 18 which my mom and his mom both accepts if me and him both agrees on saving money with eachother so we can leave my mom also agrees that he could stay with us but I know she will lie to the cops and say she didn’t which I have messages where she did say yes he could I barely do anything to her I have Job and go to school I do everything to make her happy but soon as I do something small she likes to verbally abuse me and lie . Could I move out at 17? if I do try to leave and just show the cops the messages if she lies I also stay in Vegas

[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.
The easiest way to leave home is with your parents' permission. We understand that might be challenging, however, maybe there’s another family member, relative, or a family friend who could help to communicate how you’re feeling to your parents. The second way is through Child Protective Services if safety is a concern. 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.
We are not legal experts, but we can help you get a general sense of how emancipation works.  Our general understanding is some states offer formal emancipation statutes while others do not unfortunately. Laws vary depending on your location, but in many states a minor can petition the court for emancipation to take responsibility for their own care before they turn 18. Generally speaking, courts are wary about granting emancipation.  In most cases, you would have to prove in court that you have an income and can care for yourself financially, and that you are able to live separately from your parents.  It also helps to be in good standing at school.  The court will also factor in the mental and physical welfare of your parents in order to establish your best interest. Usually your legal guardian would have to agree to this in court. Once you are emancipated, you can legally choose where you live, but you might still find that you cannot sign a lease or build credit until you turn 18.  The emancipation process can take several months or up to a year, and may cost money in the form of court fees and other expenses. Usually, the best way to learn about emancipation in your state is to contact a lawyer. You may also find information at your county family court.
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 would like to look into further emotional support options, you can text with a crisis worker at the National Alliance on Mental Illness 24/7 by texting "NAMI" to 741741.
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

Hi, I'm turning 17 in December but Im tired of living at home. My parents and I have been through a lot but I feel as though I should move out and get on with my life. I have some money saved (not a lot but) enough to get me by for a few months, if I lose my steady paying job. I live in Hawaii. I don't think my parents will let me move out before I'm 18 or out of high school, meaning I won't be able to get emancipated. Is there any way I can move out without their permission or being emancipated? Can I even rent a house to live in without paper work saying I'm my own legal guardian? If you have any suggestions please let me know so I can move out as soon as possible.

[ccsmod15]

Hello,

Thanks ever so much for reaching out to us. We are so sorry that the situation at home with your dad has been so frustrating. It sounds like there has been a lot of back and forth regarding whether your dad would consent to you going back to your mom and things have not been clear. We are not legal experts, but we can share general information that might be able to help.

It sounds like your dad has full custody of you, which typically means that he decides where you live until you are considered a legal adult. Your mom might need to speak with someone in her local children and family services office to find out whether there is specific documentation she needs to confirm that your father consented for you to stay with her. If she is hoping to get custody of you, she would need to speak with someone in California that is familiar with the laws in that state. If you have a U.S. passport and are concerned that it may expire before you leave, you may need to reach out to the nearest U.S. embassy to find out the steps you need to take to renew it. Please note that, because the National Runaway Safeline is located in the United States of America (USA), our knowledge of helpful community-based resources and our understanding of youth in crisis related laws is limited to the USA. If you would like to find a youth helpline in or around your country, Child Helpline International may be able to help. You can reach them here: https://www.childhelplineinternation...pline-network/.

We hope that by reaching out to a local resource, you are able to get the support you need from an organization that understands the laws and circumstances that affect youth in your country. Stay safe!

-NRS

hi I'm a 16(i will turn 17 this year) year old female right now I'm living in mexico with my father with his wife and my brother.

I want to move back to california with my mom who want to help me to go to school and get a job (thing i want to be independent) also for my mental health and get to know her as well know my other sibling and my step mom support it

I have lost 3 year of school because of my father not fixing my last name to his, the one he have here(in mexico) i had talk with my father to reason with him why i want to leave he have said "yes i will take you" then to "no i want to anymore" or "you can do those thing once you're 18" acting like child with the respond or say thing he have promise to me or make feel guilt, i feel he only say this for me to stay with him.

I cant leave mexico without my passport being expire the only way i can leave if for me to take the bus mexico to tijuana for my mom to pick me up which this month march.

I was gonna leave with my step sister, i had my dad permission to leave stay with my mom(who going to pay everything for me) and now my father doesn't want to, use this reason: i cant go with my mom for her bad record i need a signature(note) of my father who have full custody of me also want to talk with my mom and see have a roof for me(which she does).And yes i agreed with him but also use a excuse of celebrating my brother and my step mom birthdays which is this month i also agreed with him too.But if don't leave when this month end i may go with out permission(note) of my dad with the help of my stepmom. I don't want to leave to make trouble for my dad with CPS or any others of me doing thing i want to do.

[ccsmod5]

Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out, we hope to help as best we can. We’re sorry you’ve had to deal with abuse in the home, you deserve to feel accepted and safe in the place you call home. In regards to eing reported as a runaway, if you are under 18 and leave home without permission, your parent/guardian may file a runaway report with the police. What actions the police take once you are filed as a runaway can vary a lot from state to state and even city to city so we cannot predict exactly what would happen in your case. Generally speaking, if you encounter a police officer while reported as a runaway, you will likely be returned home. However, in that case there may be services (family counseling, etc.) available to you as a youth in crisis/runaway but again, police procedures related to offering those services can be different based on your location or the details of your situation. Another thing to consider is that while running away is not a crime, a legal adult who allows you to stay with them may be putting themselves at risk for being charged with harboring a runaway. One way to find out the laws in your area is to call your local police and ask what their policies are regarding runaway youth. A lot of the time if you are close to turning 18 police may not actively try to go out and look for you, but this can vary from one station to another.
If you were to leave once you were 18 are more than likely considered a legal adult which means that you can move out if you want to and you won’t be considered a runaway. As a legal adult, you have a right to make your own decisions about where you live. We can help you make a plan for how to deal with your situation and help you find resources to land on your feet. Having a plan for where you will live and how you will survive once you move out can be very helpful. Moving can be a huge step, and you don’t have to be alone. Some steps you can take towards independence might be to find employment if you don’t have an income, or to save up money for moving expenses. It can also be helpful to research rents in your area, find a roommate, or make a budget. Another thing you might want to consider is what kinds of things you depend on your parents for currently such as tuition expenses for school, or health insurance, and whether they would continue to provide those things after you leave. There may be social service agencies in your area that can help meet some of these needs, such as Transitional Living Programs, a kind of shelter where young adults can live and get services to help them transition to independent living. We are here to listen and help however we can.
Please reach out soon so that we may offer support and resources to you. Our number is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929).

Be safe,

NRS

Hi I am a real 17 yr old female

I really want to move out because my Dad is verbally abusive and I don’t feel loved and I feel sheltered. I really just want to start making choices for myself. I have a job and I make $13 an hour. My friend has already offered me a spot in her house to live and I think that’s my best ticket out of here. I came home today from school and my parents had a talk with me that they were going to kick me out when I turned 18. I have no problems with this because I’ve wanted out for a while now. They used it as a threat but all it gave me was more motivation to leave. Please help me with answers of any way I could leave now without the Police getting called because I’m a “runaway.”

[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 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

Hello I’m 17 and live in Des Moines, Ia. I want to move out of my house without my parent’s consent. I have just recently turned 17 a few months ago and my house is full of constant negativity and fighting. Although I want to move out I don’t have a really good reason other then I want to try and live with my girlfriend. If I was to do so I would have a good steady job and a very nice live. I just want to make sure it is legal for me to do so. Please help!

[ccsmod5]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to us, we hope to help as best we can! It sounds like things have not been going too well with your aunt, we’re sorry your dealing with an abusive situation at home. You mentioned wanting to leave her home, if you were to leave before or after turning 18 the possibility for consequences are different.

18 years old is generally the age that an individual may leave home without permission from their parent or legal guardian. We are not legal experts here but we can speak in general terms. If you are under 18 and leave home without permission, your guardian may file a runaway report with the police. What actions the police take once you are filed as a runaway can vary a lot from state to state and even city to city so we cannot predict exactly what would happen in your case (sometimes they take the report but do not search for youth other times they actively search for the youth). Generally speaking, if you encounter a police officer while reported as a runaway, you will likely be returned home. However, in that case there may be services (family counseling, etc.) available to you as a youth in crisis/runaway but again, police procedures related to offering those services can be different based on your location or the details of your situation. Another thing to consider is that while running away is not a crime, a legal adult who allows you to stay with them may be putting themselves at risk for being charged with harboring a runaway. Although its not common these charges may occur, its still a possibility we want youth to keep in mind. One way to find out the laws in your area is to call your local police and ask what their policies are regarding runaway youth. If you need help making that call, feel free to call us and we can help with that.

If you were to leave after turning 18, as a legal adult you have a right to make your own decisions about where you live. We can help you make a plan for how to deal with your situation and help you find resources to land on your feet. Having a plan for where you will live and how you will survive once you move out can be very helpful. Moving can be a huge step, and you don’t have to be alone. Some steps you can take towards independence might be to find employment if you don’t have an income, or to save up money for moving expenses. It can also be helpful to research rents in your area, find a roommate, or make a budget. Another thing you might want to consider is what kinds of things you depend on your guardian for currently such as tuition expenses for school, or health insurance, and whether they would continue to provide those things after you leave. There may be social service agencies in your area that can help meet some of these needs, such as Transitional Living Programs, a kind of shelter where young adults can live and get services to help them transition to independent living. We are here to listen and help however we can.

If you wanted to express more details or talk directly to us we do have the option to call or chat 24/7. We hope to hear from you soon.


Stay safe,
NRS

I want to move out of my aunt house because she’s mentally abusive and I’m beyond unhappy here. Since I’m 17 turning 18 in November. Is there anyway I can move out without her pressing charges?

[ccsmod5]

Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out, we understand it can be hard to take that step. It sounds like you are interested in emancipation, here’s some information just to help review the general process of emancipation. We are not legal experts, but we can help you get a general sense of how emancipation works. Our general understanding is some states offer formal emancipation statutes while others do not unfortunately. Laws vary depending on your location, but in many states a minor can petition the court for emancipation to take responsibility for their own care before they turn 18. Generally speaking, courts are wary about granting emancipation. In most cases, you would have to prove in court that you have an income and can care for yourself financially, and that you are able to live separately from your parents or guardians. It also helps to be in good standing at school. The court will also factor in the mental and physical welfare of your parents in order to establish your best interest. Usually your legal guardian would have to agree to this in court, although there may be exceptions. Once you are emancipated, you can legally choose where you live, but you might still find that you cannot sign a lease or build credit until you turn 18. The emancipation process can take several months or up to a year, and may cost money in the form of court fees and other expenses. Usually, the best way to learn about emancipation in your state is to contact a lawyer. You may also find information at your county family court.
We can look up legal aid resources that may be able to help you with the process. Please do not hesitate to call or chat if you have questions, need legal resources, or need to talk. We can explore your situation, go over all your options, and come up with a plan and resources to deal with your situation over the phone or on live chat. We are looking forward to hearing from you soon, and wish you the best of luck. If you feel unsafe at any point please don’t hesitate to reach out to emergency services such as 911.

Stay safe,
NRS

Hi, I am a 16 year old girl. I will be turning 17 in about 6 months and I want to quit my toxic job but my aunt won’t let me quit. She puts the job before me and everything. The thing about my job is that the boss is very toxic for many reasons and I’ve been looking into emancipation for a couple days and I know I have what it takes to take care of myself because I already do it. But I feel like I don’t have a good enough case. Also I live In Alabama, so I don’t know if I can move out before then or what! I just need to go and I know that’s what’s best for me right now because she doesn’t care or understand how I feel and I’m tired of it. What should I do??

[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 that you are not alone.

We know you mentioned getting abused and bullied, and you do not deserve that. You do have the right to file an abuse report if you would like and there are a few ways to go about doing that. One option would be to call Child Help: 1800-422-4453, and they would be able to help you with a report. You can also talk with a school counselor or a teacher and because they are mandated reporters they can file a report for you. Lastly, you would be able to call or chat with us and we can help you with filing a report.

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 they most likely would bring you back home. If you were to mention the abuse it is possible they may investigate.

We hope that this information will be helpful to you in your situation. If you have any more questions or would like to explore more options please give us a call. We are available 24/7 to listen and provide support. Best of luck!
NRS