17 and want to leave home

[ccsmod6]

Re: 17 and want to leave home

Hi there,

Thank you for writing to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS). It sounds like things at home are making you unhappy because of the relationship you have with your mother. We are sorry to hear you are having a difficult time getting along with your mother. You mentioned that you already graduated and have a job, but now you're wanting to move out. We can only offer general information as we are not legal experts. Because you are 17, this can be a tricky age to legally leave home. Most states set 18 or older as age of majority (the age you become your own legal guardian). If you did leave, your mother may decide to try to report you as a runaway/missing minor if she did not consent to you living elsewhere. It is often best to consult with local non-emergency police to learn more about age at which you can leave home as well as what steps you can take to legally leave so you do not run the risk of being filed as a runaway and brought back home after leaving.

If you need any help getting information or resources, please reach out to us any time (we're 24/7).

We hope to hear from you soon and wish you well.

Be safe and take care,

NRS

I'm 17, I already graduated high school a year ago and I have a stable job that I can support myself with. Me and my mom don't get along and I just want to leave home. If I just say that I'm leaving, and leave, can they make me come back home?