I am 14 and want to runaway to an orphanage

[ccsmod3]

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.
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

Hi, I'm 11. I was sleeping in my basement and my sister was in the other room. It was really late, and she was on the phone with her boyfriend. I told her to stop and go to bed. She somehow bragged about her crying three times already and embarrassed me on camera. She said that she couldn't believe I was sleeping on the floor with "creepy doll Annabell" in the next room over. I was so mad that I put the doll on the bench outside the room she was sleeping in. Later I heard a small squeal and herd her go up the stairs saying that I suck. I thought she was just mad and would go upstairs to sleep in her room. A few minutes later I heard her crying. My dad yells at me really hurtfully every time I do something bad. It hurts more that it's my dad yelling because most of the time he loves me so much. I was convinced any moment he would come stomping down the stairs and yell at me. I feel so bad. I can easily slip out the back door. I have money saved up. I don't deserve to live in this house after what I did. I could take my bike and ride to a grocery store. I could live. I could live without knowing that I ruined her life, and I wouldn't be able to ruin anybody else's.

[ccsmod0]

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.
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

Hello there.

I am a 12 Year Old boy, and am planning on running to either an orphanage or living in the streets. I have Ben a victim of Verbal abuse, and trauma from my school. I am reaching out to you as I don’t really know what to do anymore.

I plan on leaving next week, as I want to think about my decision long and hard. I don’t want to end up dead, but I want to be away from this town, this neighbourhood, and this family.

I am adopted, and I am wanting to know if I am actually allowed to ask to go to another family. I don’t think I am and I don’t really know who I would ask. All I want is to leave.

I have talked to my mother, I have talked to my father. They always tell me to shut the f*ck up. When I confront them my father stands up, and tells me to do something about it. And I do. I look him dead in the eye, tower over him, and tell him never tell me to shut up again. He has threatened me on MULTIPLE occasions.

I will not be able to check back on this website much, as I will have to remove it from my search history. I have no privacy at all in this household. Of you wish to contact me contact me through my backup email. It is [email protected].

Thank you in advance, your.. I don’t really know what I am to you, Jameson. (Not my real name, my nickname.)

[ccsmod16]

Hi,
Thank you for reaching out to us; we are glad that you did. It sounds like your stepdad abuses you and that you want to runway to a shelter and orphanage.
It is understandable to want to be safe from someone who is hurting you.

We want to help you to be safe. We are here to listen and help you. The very best way for us to help you is if we can talk with you. You can call us on our hotline at 1-800-786-2929 (1-800-runaway) or via life chat through www.1800runaway. Either way, we are here for you 24/7

Another thing you can do is to reach out to a trusted adult and tell them what is happening. Maybe you can think of a teacher or family member or the parent of one of your friends. Whatever you decide to do, we are here for you.

We hope to hear from you soon,
NRS

Hi I’m 14 my stepdad abuses me and I just can’t take it anymore

[ccsmod10]

Hi there,

You mentioned wanting to know how you can leave home before turning 18. The easiest way to leave home is with your guardians permission. We understand that might be challenging, however, maybe there’s another family member, relative, or a family friend who could help to communicate how you’re feeling to your guardian. The second way is through Child Protective Services if safety is a concern. Lastly, you can also look into emancipation options. In most states you need to be at least 16 to be considered and demonstrate that you can support yourself financially and independently. Emancipation often can be a lengthy process and may even cost some money for court fees. We would be happy to look into legal resources if that’s something you are considering.

Please reach out soon so that we may offer support and resources to you. Our number is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929).

Be safe,

NRS

Hi I’m 11 probably the youngest here and I want to runaway I tried it once and I got caught now I want to try it again an go even further so I won’t get caught

[ccsmod16]

Hi,
Thank you for reaching out; we are glad that you did. We would like to help you, but the best way for us to do that is to be able to talk with you about what life is like for you. If you reach out to us either by calling 1-800-RUNAWAY or using our live chat through www.1800runaway.org we would be able to help by listening and helping you to figure out the help you need.
We truly hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
NRS

i wunt to run away but i do not no were to go or how not to get cot can you help me without my parents noing

[ccsmod13]

Hi there,

Thanks for contacting NRS and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you with figuring out your next steps in this difficult situation. Asking for help was really responsible and smart of you. We are sorry to hear things are so unstable at home. You deserve to live somewhere that makes you feel safe and supported.

Generally speaking, your parents are your legal guardians until you turn 18, so they can decide where you live. If you do choose to leave without permission, your parents can report you as a runaway to the police. Running away is not illegal, but it is a status offense. This means that if your parents know where you are staying then they can have the police return you home.

The easiest way to leave home as a minor is with your parents’ permission. In this case, they would be allowing you to live somewhere else where you are safe and being cared for. A helpful step is to start reaching out to friends and family members you might be able to stay with. Sometimes having an adult advocate on your side can make communicating your needs more effective to your parents. Perhaps an adult family member, a friend's parent or a counselor at school can talk to your parents with you about your experience at home and the possibility of you leaving.

We truly want to be a support for you as you decide on your next steps. We are available 24/7 to listen and help as much as possible. Please do not hesitate to reach out again by phone or chat if you would like to talk more in-depth about your situation and explore your options. You can contact us by phone at 1-800-786-2929 or use our live chat services at www.1800runaway.org.

Stay safe,
NRS

Hey, I'm 14 years old and i want to run away without telling my family about it. what can i do?

[ccsmod3]

Thank you for reaching out to us. You mentioned wanting to know how you can leave home before turning 18. The easiest way to leave home is with your parents permission. We understand that might be challenging, however, maybe there’s another family member, relative, or a family friend who could help to communicate how you’re feeling to your parents. The second way is through Child Protective Services if safety is a concern. Lastly, you can also look into emancipation options. In most states you need to be at least 16 to be considered and demonstrate that you can support yourself financially and independently. Emancipation often can be a lengthy process and may even cost some money for court fees. We would be happy to look into legal resources if that’s something you are considering.

Please reach out soon so that we may offer support and resources to you. Our number is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929).

Be safe.

hi, i'm 14 and i want to runaway with my sister (16).

[ccsmod2]

Hello There,
Thank you for reaching out to The National Runaway Safeline, we are here to help and here to listen. It seems like you are going through a difficult time right now.
We are not legal experts but because you are a minor if you were to leave home without permission your legal guardian could file a runaway report on you. If the police were to find you they most likely would bring you back home. One option to consider is to talk with your family about what has been going on and see what your options may be. Another option to consider would be to talk with a school counselor about what has been going on. Sometimes talking with a professional can help you feel better.
We hope this information will be helpful to you in your situation. If you have any other questions or would like to explore more options please give us a call. We are here 24/7 to listen and provide support to you. Best of luck!
NRS