Running at 17

[Guest]

im 17 and I turn 18 in four months. Half a year ago my dad kicked me out and I had to move in with my mom and my sister (22) . My mom went to jail and cps got involved. Cps said my sister have guardianship as long as my parents sign over their rights but my dad refuses too. My dad is abusive and I have already told cps that I refuse to go home with him. I have ran away and I was just wondering if the people I stay with, will get in trouble for letting me stay even tho im 17 and a half? What techniques are the police going to do to try to find me? My phone is turned off and is only able to use on WiFi but my dad bought my phone and I was wondering if they will try to trace my phone?

Please help, thank you

[ccsmod7]

Thanks for reaching out to NRS!

It sounds like you have been trying your best to navigate a very difficult situation. Since you left without permission, a runaway report could have been filed. Running away is not illegal, but if police find you they might bring you back to your dad or call CPS. Police departments handle runaway reports in different ways, so you could try calling your local police department and anonymously ask questions about how they handle reports. There is a chance that the people you are staying with could be charged with harboring a runaway. But you can tell the police that they are giving you a safe place to stay away from an abusive parent. You could also try reaching out to CPS and a case worker if one was assigned and tell them that you do not feel safe living with your dad. We are not sure if your phone could be used to track you, but if this is something you are worried about you could try turning off anything in the phone’s settings that tracks your location.

We are 24/7 so please call or chat us at 1-800-786-2929 or 1800runaway.org if you want to talk more about your situation.

Best,

NRS