Consequences

[Unregistered]

Hey Guys,
I've asked a couple questions on here before but I still have a few more. Here is a little background before I ask my questions: I am a 14 year old girl living in Alabama and I am like 99% that my family emotionally abuses me (makes me feel terrible about myself, pointing out flaws, ect). I have an aunt who lives in Virginia that has said that i could probably live with her. I am the result of a one night stand 14 years ago and i think that because i am technically not my step-dads child, he likes me less. Also, my real father, who I have met and visit occasionally, is an alcoholic (or at least has a drinking problem) and he makes me uncomfortable. In the meantime, my home has grown into another hell, the first one being school. At least at school i have some friends. I have been considering running away for about 6 months now and I want to be prepared for the consequences, or at least have some idea as to what they are before I do anything. What is the offense for harboring a runaway (misdemeanor, felony, ect)? Also, do you guys have any advice as to how to tell my parents that i want to move out? How do I tell my parents that i am restricted in every little thing I do? I have also discussed boarding school with my parents: they don't want me to go to a school near where my aunt lives. If i am to go, i must apply to schools where i know nobody. How do i convince them to change their minds?
thanks,
AB

[ccsmod14]

Re: Consequences

Hi there,

Thank you so much for reaching out to us. It sounds like you have reached out before but would like to talk more about your situation.

It has got to be tough feeling like you have restrictions on everything that you do at home. It sounds like you suspect that your real dad is an alcoholic and that is a very hard thing to deal with. There is something called Alanon/alateen that may be a helpful thing to look into for support, you can explore this program more here: http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/for-alateen.

You’ve asked a lot of valid questions. We’re not legal experts so we really cannot say for certain what would happen regarding laws in your area. Harboring a runaway charges can vary by state, sometimes it’s a misdemeanor and sometimes a felony. One option you have is to call your local law enforcement to ask this question. You do not have to give identifying information to do this. If you would like help, you can call us first and we can make that call with you.

Talking to parents can be hard. Sometimes it can be helpful to have a neutral third party present to act as a facilitator between you and your parents. This could be someone in a formal setting, like a counselor or someone a little more informal, like a relative or close friend. Another idea may be to write down how you’ve been feeling and what you’re thinking of doing, so that your parents have time to process and think through responses rather than responding impulsively.

We’re here to talk 24/7 by phone at (800)RUNAWAY (786 2929), or you can chat us daily-just go to our website and see if we’re available to chat!

Best,
NRS