Trying to survive

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. Because you are in an adopted home it might look a bit different. You might be sent elsewhere. Please know that your safety is the upmost concern and you should do what you think is necessary. If you do happen to runaway please know that you can get resource form us like shelters and food pantries things like that in order to find somewhere safe to sleep.

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

Well, I'm going to be 17 in February I could understand that I'm not eligible to runaway from home. But there is a big problem... my adopted family have only been putting me down and abusing me which I've contacted the social workers. They told me, "We can't help you if you don't have a video". Well sometimes it's not all hitting me, it's mostly insulting me and calling me names. I've tired committing suicide 5 times and failed at them all... I have been seeing a therapist but he told me running away might not the best idea. I'm just tired and I can't stand another year of these insults and harassment. I just want to feel safe for once... I want to leave this toxic place but it seems nobody believes me anymore so, might as well pack my bags and leave forever.

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