I'm 15 and want to move out

[Guest]

I'm not safe at home and I'm getting abuse and I want to leave home and I'm going nuts

[ccsmod9]

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 sounds like you’re quite overwhelmed by things at home right now and you mentioned being harmed. We’re sorry you’re going through this. You don't deserve to be hurt in any way. If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately. You may also be able to report any mistreatment to CPS. Child Help USA 1-800-422-4453 www.childhelp.org is an organization that helps protect minors from being harmed. It may also be a good place to explore options for staying with another family member or someone you trust as far as transferring custody.
Often, having a safe space to share how you’re feeling may bring a variety of solutions previously not thought of. You are not alone in this. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time.
If you would like to talk more in detail please chat soon through our website www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button) if you are unable to call in. We unfortunately cannot give advice as we are non-directive. You know your situation best
We hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi, I'm 15 and need to leave home. I am constantly being verbally and mentally abused. I've gone to therapy i have medicine and nothing is helping me. I live with my grandmother and she is really suborn. she wont let me do anything and if she does then she holds it over my head. i get all A's in school, i'm in all honor classes, i don't do drugs or anything like that and she still isn't happy with me. i have been diagnosed with high depression and anxiety and she knows this and still messes with me. she is always making fun of me, fussing at me, and is constantly nagging at me. i used to be this happy girl but now i cant even keep a friendship because im to scared or worried when i go home she will yell at me. i don't have any fun at school because i want to do good in school to make sure she doesn't have something else to yell at me. i have one place that makes me feel safe and she knows this place and makes it a punishment not to go there. i just want to go back to my old self, is there anything i can do, is there anyone who can help me

[ccsmod2]

Thank you for reaching out to us. It sounds like your grandmother has made things pretty tough for you at home. I am hearing that she’s constantly making fun of you and verbally abusing you -- that’s not easy at all. You also mentioned that you’ve been diagnosed with high depression and have been medication for this, so not only is your grandmother not supportive about this but she makes it even worse for you.

You mention that you had used to have one place where you used to feel safe, but didn’t tell us where that is, but let’s suggest some ways to help you cope better.

For starters, think about ways you can limit being around your grandmother since that doesn’t sound good at all. Based on what you’ve shared, school should feel like an area where you feel safe. In addition to school, think about after-school activities you can participate in. Try to feel your freedom at school to be who you want to be -- your grandmother can’t disrupt you at school or make any comments. Don’t shut out your friends. You need to have fun, too, and I’m sure they’re worried about you.

Also, how awesome is it that you’ve been able to get all As in your honor classes despite everything you’re going through. You are stronger than you may even realize! Try not to let the cloud of your grandmother prevent you from being the best version of yourself at school. With your good grades, you are on the path to a much better life where you can be whoever you want. We can see how smart you are -- education is a key that will unlock a much better future.

Before you go home, try to anticipate what your grandmother will say and do so that when she says it you’re not surprised. Since it sounds like she just verbally abuses you, see if you can let these words run off of you. Maybe she does it because she enjoys seeing how you react to this.

These are just some ideas to think about. We didn’t even talk about you leaving home because it seemed like you were mainly focused on telling us about what’s going on at home. Also, based on how you described how well you’re doing at school, we thought we’d give you some ideas for coping better at home so you can continue to excel at school and get a good education.

Thank you again for reaching out to us and we hope this has been helpful. I know you don’t have access to a phone, but if you’d like to discuss this anymore or chat more about what’s going on at home, please don’t hesitate to call us at the National Runaway Safeline. You can reach us at 1-800-RUNAWAY. We are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

[Guest]

Hi I am 15 years old and I want to move out. My mother is a great woman and it’s nothing against her the problem is my father. For the past 15 years I have been verbally and emotionally abuse, But I never saw that I was until the age of eight. My mother and father are still married and I don’t want them to separate because of me. So I’d rather live alone. My father is an anger filled man, controlling, and violent. It’s gotten to the point where I’ve had really bad anxiety for years. It’s also affecting my school life and social life. I’ve even started to have nightmares and flashbacks Of horrible memories. Some nights I can’t even sleep. I feel like I cannot get better or change when the man who caused all of this is right in front of me. I wish there was another solution, because I would love to stay with my mother but there is it. I hope one day my father can see who he’s become and change. But until that day I will have to continuously save money and get as many jobs as possible to afford living alone at my young age.

[ccsmod2]

Hello There,
Thank you for contacting The National Runaway Safeline, we are here to help and here to listen. It sounds like you are going through a really difficult time right now. Nobody deserves to go through any type of abuse and we are sorry you had to go through that. If you would like to make an abuse report you can contact The Child Helpline at: 1800-422-4453. We know that sometimes making an abuse report cn be scary if you would like our help with making the report you can call us at any time.
We are not legal experts but we do have general information on the laws. If you were to leave home without permission you may be considered as a runaway. If the police found you they would most likely bring you back home. Leaving home can be dangerous if you do not have a plan. Some things you may want to consider are where you would stay, what you would do for safety and what you would do about food and money.
One option that we offer at NRS is conference calling where if you call us we can call out to your parents and help you have a conversation about what has been going on. Conference calling allows you to be heard and we are there to mediate the conversation. Another option is you could try to talk about your situation to a school counselor or a therapist, sometimes talking to 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 options please give us a call. We are here 24/7 to listen and to provide support. Best of luck!
NRS

[Guest]

Hi, I'm 15 and I want to move out of my house. My dad used to beat me so I took him to court, now I live full time with my mom, and she is verbally abusive. I have a friend that said I can move in, but my mom has told me if I run away she will contact the cops. Idk what to do because if I try to move in with my friend she will just contact the cops, and they'll come pick me up at school.

[ccsmod2]

Hi there thanks for reaching out to us here at NRS. It takes a lot to strength share what has been going on and we appreciate your bravery and openness. It sounds like you had moved from an unsafe environment and now at your moms you are experiencing verbal abuse. It is not okay to be abused in any way including verbal abuse. If you feel unsafe or need emergency services, 911 is always an option just to keep in mind in case. You always still have the right to report what is going on at home with being verbally abused. This is also an option we can further discuss or if you want more information about what reporting looks like or what the outcomes can occur Child Help (1-800-422-4453/childhelp.org) is always a good resource to reach out to. They can help answer any questions you may have or help you through the reporting process if you want to do so. We are always here as well to help brainstorm ideas and plans, but we are confidential unless you share any identifying factors (like your name, address, mom’s name, etc.) because then we would have to pass along what we know to Child Protective Services if you talk about abuse. We are confidential now but if you want us to help you report, you can give us that info and we can report on your behalf. We are going to talk about a few options and you are always welcome reach out to us again by calling us at 1-800-RUNAWAY or chatting with us at 1800runaway.org.
From what you shared, it sounds like you want to move out from your mom’s house to your friend’s due to the verbal abuse going on at home. We aren’t legal experts but since you mentioned you are 15 if you try to move out, your mom may file a runaway report. This means since you are under the age of majority/adulthood in the US, which is usually 18, your mom may call the police and try to have them bring you back home. Running away isn’t illegal per say but something called a status offense, meaning its something you cant technically do due to your age as a minor, like breaking curfew. If you are found, the police would just bring you back home, but if you feel comfortable you have the right to tell the police that you feel abused at home and they may then contact CPS to report what is going on and investigate. We are always here to talk about brainstorming what you want to do as you mentioned you are unsure what you want to do and we can help you come up with a plan you feel most safe doing and back up plans. Your safety is always the priority and we can help discuss ideas on how to stay safe with whatever you choose to do.

We are her 24/7 and would love to hear back from you if you feel comfortable. We truly care about you and it sounds like you are in a difficult situation and we are always here to help as best we can. Stay safe and hope to hear from you soon.

Best, NRS

[Guest]

I’m 14 and want to move out but I don’t got money and I’m struggling making money like maybe 10 dollars every once n a while and I really want to continue to stream so plz tell me what I could do thx so much

[ccsmod1]

Hey there,

Thanks so much for contacting us, it takes a lot of courage to reach out and share a bit about how you've been feeling. Running away is a big decision and it can be very stressful to figure out what you want to do. If you’d like to go over what’s going on in depth, or if you’d like to explore other options that you may have available to you, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY. You can also chat us by clicking on the “CHAT” button on top of our homepage. We’re open 24/7 and here to listen and support you in any way we can.

All the best,
NRS

[Guest]

I’m 15 and I want to move out. I’m 15 and my boyfriend is also 15 I want to move in with him. My parents don’t approve of my boyfriend my parents are split up since I was born and my moms new husband beat me up in December and took me out of school and lied I was being enrolled into online home school. My parents are gypsy and we have rules that a girl my age should be married to another gypsy and be sold I don’t want this I want to live with my boyfriend and his family my dad always threatens to beat up my boyfriend what should I do?

[ccsmod9]

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

[Guest]

i am a 15 year old female. i think that moving out of my parents house and into my papas house would be the best option for me. i have lived with my papa most of my life because my mom has been in and out of jail. i am living with her and her husband. we just recently moved out of my papas house into a house 30 minutes away from my family. i am constantly getting grounded for little things like saying i don’t want to do something. i’m almost truant at school because my parents don’t have the money for gas sometimes to take me to school. i feel like all they want me for is to clean. my mom works and she’s the one paying all the bills. my step dad stays home all day and then yells at me for not cleaning. i’m just so ready to leave.

[ccsmod7]

Hi there, thanks for reaching out today. Sounds like you are in a rough spot recently having moved from your papa's and now you are being grounded, unable to go to school a lot, and having to always clean. That seems really hard to deal with, and here at NRS we truly want to be a support for you during this difficult time.

If you haven't already, you might try to ask either your mom or your Papa if you can move back in with him. If your mom is difficult to talk to, you might try to have your Papa talk to her for you. The easiest way you can leave is with your mom's permission.

Also, if you haven't already, you might try to tell a counselor at school about what is going on and how you can't get to school so often. They might be able to intervene in support of you making it to school regularly.

Please do not hesitate to call or chat us if you would like to talk through your situation or brainstorm additional options. We are also here just for support if you have a bad day and need to talk to someone, you can always cal. 1-800-RUNAWAY; www.1800runaway.org.

Best,

NRS

[Guest]

Hi my name is lisbeiry and I'm 15 and I really don't want to be home.

[ccsmod4]

Reply: Hi my name is lisbeiry

Hello,
Thank you for writing to us here at the National Runaway Safeline.

We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. We would like to be of assistance to you if we can. It is times like these that would be nice to have a listening ear. It is also important that you remember to exercise self- care. You showed some by reaching out to NRS. Good for you.
We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat so that we might learn a little more about your situation and how we might assist you. If you would like to talk more in detail and share more about how we can help specifically, please call or chat soon.

Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).

We hope to hear from you soon.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

I'm really tryna dip outta my house cause it sucks. I have a friends parent who would GLADLY take me in, and have been told to leave by one of my guardians. Can I?

[ccsmod10]

Thank you for telling us your story and reaching out. We hope to be able to help you out. We’re not legal experts here at NRS but if your parents kick you out the house this is considered neglect and something you can report to CPS. Generally it’s not illegal to leave home, but your guardians could file a runaway report, the police could get involved, and they could bring you home. The people you’re staying with could potentially get in trouble for having you stay there if your parents file a report. You could consider calling your local nonemergency police department to ask about their policies. We also have legal aid resources here if you have specific questions about the laws in your state.

One service we can offer is to conference call with your parents. This way you could have a conversation with your parents but you would not be alone. For example, it may be hard for you to explain to your guardians how living at home makes you feel and why you want to leave. Sometimes those conversations go better in a conference call because we can advocate for you. If you want to reach us, you can chat with us anytime at 1800runaway.org or call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY. We’re here 24/7, and we are ready to listen and help however we can.

[Guest]

hi i'm 15 and a girl...my parents are some what chill but also just not..like somethings i can't joke about or else they just yell at me and it's to the point that i get so mad at myself that i wanna self harm but i don't..all i can do is just cry, i just want to run away and move somewhere and don't ever have to talk to them, just can't wait till i'm 18 so i don't have to deal with there bs anymore.

[ccsmod9]

Hi there,

You mentioned wanting to know how you can leave home before turning 18. The easiest way to leave home is with your parent’s 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,

NRS

[Guest]

I'm a 15 year old female. I want to move out badly, but don't want to wait the extra 6 months. Growing up, I've been moved from house to house with my mom. In 7th grade, I was under my grandma's care for Bout 1 1/2 years, until my grandpa came home, and I had to leave because she couldn't be near kids. I was sent to live with my other grandma. It was fine until she got my cousins back. Now it crowded and she somehow got bed bugs and won't do anything about them, and it's embarrassing because my friend stayed over ONCE, and got them, now she can't go to anyone's house. My grandma refuses to do anything. My aunt offered to let me stay with her, but it's also crowded and akward. I doubt my grandma will allow me to go to my mom and uncle's house, and I hate my father. I am having issues finding a job, but my 2 uncle's uncles are helping me search. I wanna move out badly. I also want to speak with her about it, but I know it'll go in one ear and out the other. I wanna live my life how I wish too. Please give me some advise. I just wish to be happy. I could even get some friends to share an apartment with me, I just need advise

[ccsmod7]

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. Sounds like you are dealing with a lot at home and feeling likey ou need to move out. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time.

Sounds like you are actively looking for a job to be able to support yourself. That is awesome! So your main concern is gaining your guardian's permission to move out. If you haven't already, you might try to talk to your legal guardian about what other family members you can stay with or living options you have. Unfortunately, at 15 it can be really hard to just live with friends, but it sounds like you all might be able to come to a compromise. If you ever need help talking to your guardian, we have a conference call mediation service if you call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY.

We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by email or bulletin for assistance. If you would like to talk more in detail and share more about how we can help specifically, please call or chat soon.
Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org.


We hope to hear from you soon.

Be safe, NRS

[Guest]

I have 2 choices, to run away from my abusive mother or to move with them back to Quebec after living in Edmonton my entire life. I wanted to know if I turned 16 if by law I can move out, pack my stuff and take a flight back to my city, friends, school, and significant other and not get in trouble with the law? Please let me know.

[ccsmod7]

Thank you for reaching out to us at the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you are in a difficult situation, and we understand it takes courage to reach out for help. The National Runaway Safeline is located in the United States of America (USA). Our knowledge of helpful community based resources and our understanding of youth in crisis related laws is limited to the USA. If you are located in a country outside of the USA, you can use this link to find a youth helpline in or around your country: https://www.childhelplineinternation...pline-network/.

We hope that by reaching out to a local resource, you are able to get the support you need from an organization that understands the laws and circumstances that affect youth in your country.

[Guest]

I'm a 15 year old female and I want to move out. I am constantly verbally abused and suffocated by my mother. She makes me want to kill myself

[ccsmod2]

Hello There,
Thank you for reaching out to The National Runaway Safeline, we are here to help and here to listen. It sounds like you are going through a really difficult time right now.
No one deserves to be emotionally abused, and we are sorry you are going through that. You always have the right to make an abuse report. You can make an abuse report by calling Child Help at: 1800-422-4453. We understand that making an abuse report can be scary if you would like our help please give us a call.
You also mentioned that you would like to move out. We are not legal experts but we do have general information on the laws. If you were to leave home without permission your legal guardian does have the right to file a runaway report. If the police do find you and find it safe for you to go back home they most likely would bring you back home. If you do decide to leave and need a safe place we can help you look for shelters.
You also mentioned that your mother makes you want to kill yourself. We want you to know that you are very valuable and your life is worth living. If you are ever feeling suicidal please call The National Suicide Prevention Hotline at: 1800-273-8255. There is always someone who will be willing to listen and provide support to you. Another option you may want to consider is to talk to a trusted adult or a counselor.
We hope this information will be helpful to you in your situation. If you have any other questions or would like to explore options please give us a call. We are here 24/7 to listen and to provide support. We wish you the best of luck!
NRS

[Guest]

I'm 17 I live with my dad who lives in Tennessee I ran away an called my mom who lives in Florida to come get me . Can my mom get in trouble for me being at her house

[ccsmod2]

Hello there,
Thank you for contacting The National Runaway Safeline, we are here to help and here to listen. We are not legal experts but we do have some knowledge of the laws. If your mother does not have custody over you she could potentially get in trouble for harboring a runaway. Usually that would be a misdemeanor or a fine that she would have to pay. To find out a clear answer you could always call out to your local police department and ask them what could happen.
We hope this information will be helpful to you in your situation. If you have any other questions or would like to know more information please give us a call. We are here 24/7 to listen and provide support. Best of luck!
NRS