What could happen to my future if I run away?

[Guest]

I'm planning to go to a good college and get a good job, but I want to run away from my family. Will running away (if I have a valid reason) affect my future as a student or a business person? How will it? Would it be on a record or something else?

[ccsmod2]

Hi there,
Thank you for reaching out to us at the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you really care about your future and that you are planning ahead. We commend you for being so responsible. It also sounds like you are having a difficult time at home. You deserve to feel loved and safe at home, and it is very brave to reach out with these questions.

Running away is not technically illegal, but it is a status offense- meaning you can’t go to jail, but the police would be able to bring you back home if they were to find you. For example, if someone ran away but still went to school, they would probably be easy for the police to find. Furthermore, we are not legal experts, so one option you have is to call your non-emergency police line with hypothetical questions about your permanent record and how that may affect your future. If you feel safe doing so, an option you have is to talk to your family about how you have been feeling.

Of course, feel free to reach out to us again anytime at 1-800-RUNAWAY as we are toll-free, confidential, and 24/7.
Best Wishes, NRS