My best friend is in trouble

[Guest]

We live in Pennsylvania. My best friend is 16 years old and wants to leave home. Her homelife is not particularly suitable. She just called me from work crying that her step dad grabbed her on the way out the door and would not let go while she screamed and asked him to stop. Ocy is already slightly involved but a case hasn’t been filed. I just want to know if my parents can provide shelter without her parents claiming we kidnapped her. Thank you.

[ccsmod2]

Hello There,
Thank you for contacting The National Runaway Safeline, we are here to help and here to listen. It sounds like your friend is going through a difficult time. We are glad your friend has someone like you as friend to reach out and provide support for them. If your friend feels like they are being abused they can call the Child Help Line- 1800-422-4453, we know that making reports can be scary if you or her would like our help you can call us and we can help you make a report. If your friend is in immediate danger she can call 911 ASAP.
If your friend were to leave the home without permission her parents do have the right to file a runaway report. We are not legal experts but we do have general knowledge of the laws. If your friend were to run away and if the police found her they would most likely bring her home. As far as if she lived with your parents there is a thing called “harboring a runaway”. Sometimes this is a fine that your parents would have to pay. To find out how your local police department handles runaway reports and if they charge people for harboring a runaway, you could call the police department and ask.
We hope this information will be helpful in your situation. If you have any other questions or would like to talk more please give us a call, we are here 24/7.
Best of Luck,
NRS