im 14 and want to runaway

[Guest]

is it legal to run away from home if you feel unsafe and if so is it okay to refuse to go home if you are caught?

[ccsmod10]

Hello there, thanks for reaching out.

If you are in immediate danger at home please call 911. Just so you know, if abuse at home is your situation at home you do have the right to report it to child protective services (CPS). To learn more about your reporting options you might reach out to the expert child advocates at Child Help 1-800-422-4453. You can also call us here at 1-800-RUNAWAY if you would like support calling out to your local abuse hotline or if you would like support and to talk through your options. We can look in your area to see if there are any runaway and homeless youth shelters in your area. You might also try to come up with a safety plan if you need to leave home for your safety so plan on how you will exit the house, what you will take with you, and where is the closest safest place you can get to.

We are not legal experts, but we can speak generally about runaway laws. It would also be up to the responding officer with what actions they take if you refuse to go home. It is possible that they could get child protective services involved, and in the meantime they would look for a safe place for you to go. It is also possible that they could return you home if there is no evidence of abuse.

We hope this information is helpful. Please do not hesitate to call or chat us for additional support. We are here for you 24/7.

Best,

NRS