I'm 15 and want to move out

[Guest]

Im 15 years old and i want to move out of my family's house to bad. I constantly get put down and being told negative things. They dont take me seriously when i tell them im sad or when i had severe depression, they dont like and support the decisions i want to make. They dont give me the love and respect that i give them and its heartbreaking. I dont feel safe at this home like i should, i feel more safe at school than i do at home. Please, can i move out at 15?

[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. . It sounds like you’re quite overwhelmed by things at home right now. It sounds like you’re fearing that the situation may end in suicide if things don’t change. Your safety and well-being is important. If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255); www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org is also a great resource to reach out to in addition to our crisis services.
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'm 15 and i am in dcf coustody because of my abusive family, i live in a resadental home because no one wants to adopt an openly pansexual transgender male with mental heath isues. i really want to move out or run away but i don't have anywhere to go. i'm scared i'll never have a real family, and that i'll be sent from program to program until i age out of the sistem.

[ccsmod7]

Thank you for reaching out. We’re sorry to hear that your family is unable to support and provide for you. It’s understandable that you would have those fears. You deserve to be loved and feel safe and respected.

Sometimes it can help to talk to a trusted adult or someone that may have gone through similar experiences. The LGBT National Hotline will have additional resources and support that can help you through this difficult time. They can be reached at 1-888-843-4564. In addition, the LGBT National Youth Talkline is available to provide support and can be contacted at 1-800-246-7743.
Running away is a big decision. As you try to decide how you want to move forward, it would be good to think about how you would survive (shelter, food, etc.). If you need help, we can help explore your options more in-depth. Feel free to contact us at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929). We’re here 24/7 and confidential.

We wish you the best of luck!

[Guest]

I'm a 15 year old female and over the past year me and my mom have had serious issues that have resulted in her getting physical once in awhile, although for the most part its her constantly yelling at me. I've got suicidal idolization issues and have been struggling with self harm on and off because of the issues at home. I've got something lined up 10 hours from here for when I turn 16 in 7 months to move out but I'm not sure I can survive to that point, is there any way I can leave home without moving in with another family member and without talking to my mom?

[ccsmod16]

Hi,
Thank you for reaching out to us; we are glad that you did. We believe what you are telling us about your situation with your mom. You don’t deserve to be yelled at constantly and you don’t deserve to for her to get physical with you.
It is understandable that you struggle with self harm and suicidal ideation, both of these issues most likely stem from the way you are treated and the hurt that you feel emotionally due to your mom. We understand that when youth want to leave home, there is good reason for that. The difficulty is that we would have to talk further with you to help you figure out the options that you might have. Even if leaving would require parental consent, we would work to help you find ways to cope and survive your situation. You deserve your life. You deserve to survive this and have a life that you envision for yourself. You deserve to heard and helped. We here you. We are here to listen and to help.
The best way for us to help you is if we can talk and listen to you, and we have two ways for you to do that; you can call us at 1-800-786-2929 (1-800-RUNAWAY) or reach us via live Chat through the website www.1800runaway.org We care about you and we are here for you 24/7 to listen and help.
We really hope that we will hear from you soon.
Sincerely, NRS

[Guest]

I'm 15 want to move out and be on my own with a group of friends my age what can we or I do

[ccsmod13]

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. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time.

Generally speaking, if you leave home before you turn 18 (the age of majority in most states) without permission, your parents can report you as a runaway. Running away is not illegal, but your parents can have the police return you home.

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 (click on the chat button).

We hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe, NRS

[Guest]

Hey i am 15 and I have lived with my mom for almost 10 years and my father for 5 I feel like I have nobody I can really talk to because They always say that my dad is right and I never give him a chance. My mom beat me as a kid and stopped when I was 8 after the worst betting I have ever gotten and my dad makes me feel like I am in prison and that I am always wrong he believe that I will never understand and I am to stupid to take care of my self. He tretnd to isolate me from my friends and family because he believes that they are holding me back I feel like I can’t live and I have been suicidal when I was younger but now I feel like life has no meaning I don’t even se him as my father and more like my boss and I know that if he reads this he will think that all of this is my fault and that I am just stupid I really couldn’t tell witch one of my perents are worst but I feel like my dad is much worse then my mom and everybody thinks he will make my future better but if I still live with him I don’t know if I will even have a future. I feel like I need to move away or kill my self but since I am 15 and this country won’t allow me to move away until I am 18 years old i don’t know how long I will last I just hope that I can survive until my 16 birthday then I can leagaly make a case and maybe move away the sooner the better.

[ccsmod1]

Hey there,

Thanks so much for reaching out and sharing a little bit about what’s been going on, we know that it takes a lot of courage. It's not OK for your mom to have beat you when you were younger - no one deserves to be abused. It sounds like living with your dad is really stressful and it makes sense that you wouldn't want to be in such a tense environment. 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.

Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi , so I've been living with my mom for years now but she's mentally crazy and toxic , she doesn't understand me or my part never . Like I'm not even her daughter she doesnt treat me like one , I've ran away before 4times . She sent me to a mental hospital because I was doing pills , and she right away thought I was trying to kill myself , witch wasn't the case. I'm so depressed and offline with myself I need something to get rid of this pain and void . I feel helpless I have no where to go . My dad is dead , my mom is crazy my other family hates me because what my mom made me become , I've been so angry . I just wish I had another family that understands me and can put up with my misunderstandings . I'm a female , and ik I sound crazy but I need medical help for my needs witch she can't provide since my whole life ! I have depression , anxiety , and ptsd . I can't live with her no more it's unhealthy for me I don't want to be like her when I grow up ! Pls help

[ccsmod1]

Hey there,

Thanks so much for reaching out and sharing a little bit about what’s been going on, we know that it takes a lot of courage. It must be really hard to live in a home with so much tension. We're so sorry to hear of your dad passing, it can be really hard to move forward when someone who was important in your life is no longer there. You and your mom seem to have a very tumultuous relationship and it makes sense that you would want to be somewhere that is calmer. Leaving home is a big decision and it can be difficult deciding what you want to do.

You mentioned that you have been struggling with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It can be really hard to live with mental health issues and we want you to know that you aren’t alone in addressing them. If you’d like some additional support, an organization that may be helpful is the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). You can contact them by calling 1-800-950-NAMI or you can text them by sending NAMI to 741741. Another agency that could be of great help is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), they can help you locate low or no cost mental health care providers in your area. Their number is 1-800-662-4357 or you can go to their site at samhsa.gov.

You mentioned that you wanted something to get rid of the pain and void that you have been felling which causes us some concern. If you are thinking about hurting yourself, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline could be a good resource for you. You can check them out at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/, or you can call 1-800-273-8255 for help and support any time. You also brought up that you have done pills before and if this is an area where you feel like you need some support you may want to check out Narcotics Anonymous by going to https://www.na.org/.

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.

Stay safe,
NRS

[Guest]

I'm a 15-year-old male who's been verbally abused by mother throughout my life as a preteen to a teenager. She's insulting and calls me a cockblocker. I don't want to live with her or any of my relatives due to them being religious, homophobic and obnoxious. I can't stand it anymore and it's getting harder to concentrate in school when I know I have to deal with a deadbeat father. My grandmother is no better than my mother. I want to leave immediately but I can't. She won't let me get a job, so I have no money and she always tells me to "man up", but whenever I try to tell her how I'm feeling, she gets angry like it's another burden that she has to deal with. She doesn't let me really have creative freedom, everything is so childish and gray. She can't give me what I need and I hope that when I'm financially stable, she dies in a horrific accident.

[ccsmod0]

Hey there,

It sounds like you're struggling with a lot right now between dealing with the verbal abuse from your mom and the homophobia from your other family members. You definitely don't deserve to be treated that way, and you do matter. It's not fair you've been put in such a frustrating situation. Sometimes it can be helpful to talk to friends and other trusted adults, like a therapist or a teacher you get along with really well. You can also always call us here at the National Runaway Safeline(1-800-786-2929), and we can talk with you about how you're feeling and explore some of your options. Thre LGBT National Hotline (1-800-843-4564) also has crisis workers who could help you work through some of this as well.

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. They can tell you more about how CPS could respond to your situation. If you ever need assistance calling out to CPS to make an abuse or neglect report please call is at 1-800-RUNAWAY.

We're here for you,
NRS

[Guest]

So I’m 15 and I honestly don’t know how I feel about my parents I mean I wouldn’t call them abusive but there not the best. I truly think I would do better on my own, well as my own legal guardian, my cousin agreed to let me stay with her but I know my parents won’t agree to it and I have thought about being emancipated but at my age I would have to go to court, convince my parents to come, and pay a fee that I can’t really afford without a job( which I want to get but my parents don’t let me) so I’m trying to know a way I can legally run away without needing my parents consent

[ccsmod13]

Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out to NRS and sharing a bit about your situation. Even if parents are not necessarily abusive, it can certainly still be very stressful when the adults in our lives are not supportive. It is understandable you would think about living somewhere else to benefit your well-being.

It can seem very unfair, but at your age you are considered a minor and in need of an adult to be your guardian. Emancipation usually becomes possible once a minor turns 16, but it is a lengthy and difficult process to pursue as you mentioned. Running away away is not illegal per se, but it is a status offense. This basically means that if you leave home without permission, your parents can report you as a run away to the police. You would not be arrested, but it is likely that the police would return you home. This is something to keep in mind should you decide to leave home.

We truly want to be a support for you while you think through your next steps during this challenging time. We want to talk more in depth with you about things at home so that we can better help you brainstorm some options. You can reach out anytime by phone at 1-800-786-2929 or use our live chat services at www.1800runaway.org.

We wish you the best,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi. I'm 15 years old and I want to move out of my mom's house, and my dad left and never talks to me, don't know where he is. I'm constantly beaten on by my brother and whenever I try to fight back and defend myself I get yelled at by my mom. I always get physically and emotionally abused at home and because of everything happening it has made me severely depressed, they make me feel like I don't belong here and that I wasn't supposed to live. I just wish that I could move out and live somewhere else that isn't with them. Is there anything I can do?

[ccsmod15]

Hello! Thank you so much for reaching out.

You mentioned that you want to move out of your mom’s house, because there is psychical abuse going on in the home from your brother and her. It sounds like you’re going through a lot right now, and we want you to know that you’re not alone. With that being said, an option you can explore would be to talk to someone at school or a relative that you trust about the abuse, and see if they would be able to get child protective services involved. Along those same lines, you may also reach out anonymously to the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1800) 422-4453. If necessary, you may file a child abuse report with them, and someone will be in contact within 48 hours.

We’re not legal experts, but in most states anyone under 18 is considered a minor. If you were to leave your home without your legal guardian’s permission, your legal guardian can file a runaway report with the authorities, and whoever you end up staying with, may face some charges for harboring a runaway. If you need to talk to someone about the stresses in your life, you can reach out to the National Alliance on mental Illness, and you would be texting directly with a counselor. You may text the word NAMI to 741741.

We hope these resources and options have bene of some use. If you need additional help, or want us to call somewhere on your behalf, feel to call us anytime at 1800) 786-2929. Best of luck!

[Guest]

I am 15 and I want to move out because my mother is very aggy and lame we don't do nothing she don't take me no where we just sit in the house 24/7

[ccsmod10]

Thanks for reaching out to NRS. It sounds like you’re feeling frustrated with your mom and looking for more independence and freedom.

We’re not legal experts, but until age 18, you need a parent or guardian’s permission to move out in most states. If you leave without their permission, they can file a runaway report and that allows the police to bring you home.

One idea is to think about ways to find more excitement and independence while you’re still living at home. Things like joining a sports team or club at school, exercising, starting a new hobby or working toward a goal can help with feeling bored.

If you want to talk more about your situation or brainstorm other options, we’re here for you 24/7 at 1-800-786-2929.

[Guest]

I am a 15 year old girl. i currently live with my mom and her fiance. There recently was a case with DCS because i had put allegations that were 100% true against my moms fiance but DCS did have enough evidence to prove it in the court of law. My dad passed away when i was 10 and i have nowhere to go than to stay at my moms. i do not want to live at my moms with her fiance because i feel unsafe there with him being there as well as the mental abuse from them. My aunt lives down in Florida and is willing to pay for schooling and much more. i want to go live with her but my mom wont let me, what can i do?

[ccsmod15]

Hello! Thank you so much for reaching out.

You mentioned that you’re trying to leave your home because there is mental abuse going on, and you feel unsafe. You’re really brave for seeking out help the first time, and continue to fight for a safe place to live. With that being said, if there is still abuse going on and the first time it was dismissed, you can certainly try reaching out again to the National Child Abuse hotline at 1800) 422-4453 and file an abuse report with child protective services. Someone will be in contact with you within 48 hours to follow up about the case at hand. At the same time, if you need someone to talk about what is going you can reach out to the National Alliance on Mental Illness by texting the word NAMI to 741741. You will be texting with a counselor, and they can refer you to other resources if needed.

Along those same lines, we are not legal experts, but in most states anyone under 18 is considered a minor. If you were to leave your home wi5thout your parent’s consent, your guardian can file a runaway report with the authorities, and whoever you end up staying with, this case your aunt, may face some charges for harboring a runaway. An option you can consider would be to talk to your aunt, and see if she can get through with your mom and allow you to go live with her following the legal court process. You may also talk to someone in school about how you are feeling unsafe, and they can have a conference with you and your mom.

We hope these resources and options have been of some help to you. If you need to additional help, or want us to reach out to an organization on your behalf, please contact us anytime at 1800) 786-2929. Best of luck!

[Guest]

I'm 15 and want to move out I've been verbally abused everyday and I can't take it no more and I just want to move out please help

[ccsmod15]

Hello! Thank you so much for reaching out.

You mentioned that you want to move out, because there is verbal abuse in your home every day. You’re really brave for enduring everything that you’re going through, and we want you to know that you’re not alone. We’re not legal experts but in most states anyone under 18 is considered a minor. If you were to leave your home without parental consent, your legal guardian can contact the authorities, and whoever you end up staying with, may face some charges for harboring a runaway. If you feel comfortable enough discussing this abuse and any other, you can reach out to the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1800) 442-4453. You can contact them anonymously, and can make an abuse report. You may also try and see if a social worker or teacher at school can be someone that you can open up to about your home situation, and see what options they provide for you in your city and state.

Counselors are a great way to explore how the abuse at home has been affecting you, and how to seeks further help. If you wish to talk to someone a chance, you can contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness the word NAMI to 741741. You would be texting directly with a counselor, and if necessary, they will provide you with other therapist resources in your area.

We hope these resources have been of some use. If you need additional help, or want us to call somewhere on your behalf, you can reach out to us anytime at 1800) 786-2929. Best of luck!

[Guest]

I am 15 and I want to move out I hate where I am at I can’t stay anymore I was thinking about running away but I don’t think that would work and the only way out is killing my self my dad mentally abuse me I can’t do anything without getting yelled at I do everything in the house if I don’t make something right I get yelled at my mom sees it but she just stands in the back she is really scared of him as an example my mom didn’t have cabbage he got really mad and started calling us mean names this have been getting worse he tried to hit me with a pot I want to move out with family but no one will understand I don’t have a job or anywhere to go because if I do they will call my parents I don’t have permission to move out or stay at a family house because they want me home cleaning and cooking and getting yelled at my dad trays my brother with all respect he does nothing wrong ever please help me.

[ccsmod13]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to NRS. Asking for help is really brave and takes a lot of strength. Home is supposed to be somewhere safe and you deserve to feel supported. From what you shared, your dad has been making home feel dangerous and unsafe for you and your mom. You do not deserve to be treated like that and it must be really scary to feel like you do not have someone to advocate for you. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you with figuring out your next steps in this difficult situation.

It sounds like you’re quite overwhelmed by things at home right now and like you’re fearing that the situation may end in suicide if things don’t change. Your safety and well-being is important. If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 (www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org) is always available if you need someone to talk to about how you have been feeling. Often, having a safe space to share how you’re feeling may bring a variety of solutions previously not thought of. Reaching out to a school counselor or another adult that you trust could also be a good outlet for you as well. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. This may be an isolating and lonely time for you, but you are not alone in this.

You mentioned that your dad has physically threatened you and is emotionally abusive. Things might seem helpless right now, but there are people who care. The national child abuse hotline is available to support young people who do not feel safe at home and need some help navigating the tough situation. They might be a helpful resource while you determine what you want your next steps to be. You can contact them at 1-800-422-4453 or go to childhelphotline.org.

We are available 24/7 at 1-800-786-2929 and live chat services at 1800runaway.org if you would like to talk more about your situation and what your options might be.

Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

I’m 15 and I’m ready to move out my parents house but they won’t let me, i have a place to stay outside my parents house but they just won’t let me

[ccsmod15]

Hi,

Thanks for reaching out to us at the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you are in a frustrating situation at home, and we appreciate you coming to us for help.

Running away is a valid way of confronting hardship at home for a lot of people. Some also do it for adventure or independence. While we are not legal experts, we do know a bit of general legal information that we would be glad to impart. As a 15-year-old, if you leave home without your parents’ consent, your parents can file a runaway report by reporting you missing to the police. The police are then required to try to find you and bring you home. It is never illegal to run away, so you will not be arrested, nor will anything go on your record. These are some things to think about.

Your reasons to leave may be very valid...it certainly seems like you have put a lot of thought into it. If you move forward with it, you will want to make sure you know how you will get where you are going and what you will do to survive once there. We would love to be of assistance to you in planning for something like this, or we can be here to discuss what is going on at home that makes you want to leave. There are lots of options out there for people wanting to leave home. We are here to listen, and here to provide you with the ones that best fit you.

We thank you again for reaching out for help today, and hope this was helpful. If you ever want to call us, we are always available at 1-800-RUN-AWAY or through instant messaging at 1800runaway.org. We hope to hear from you someday. Stay strong and stay safe.

Sincerely,
NRS

[Guest]

Hello, I’m 15. I’ve been wanting to move out since I was 7. I don’t have a very supportive or loving family. I have a place to move into but I can’t just get up and leave without the cops throwing a hissy fit. Its not just because “i want to” move out, living here is extremely unhealthy for my mental health.

[ccsmod15]

Hi,

Thanks for reaching out to us at the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you are in a hard and frustrating situation at home, and we appreciate your bravery in sharing about it.

It sounds like you have put a lot of thought into moving out, and that you have a good option for yourself when you do. As you have probably seen before (according to your post), the cops can become involved when a person your age tries to leave home. It is not illegal, but you parent or legal guardian can report you as a runaway and the cops will then make a good faith effort to find you and bring you back home. All this said, it does indeed sound like you are in an unhealthy situation at home, and it is important that you are somewhere where you can stay mentally well. It might be helpful to talk to a trusted adult in your life that may be able to help elicit some options with you. Perhaps there is somewhere you can go that both you and your parent or guardian can agree upon, like a friend’s or a family member’s home, even if temporarily while you figure out your next steps. Someone like a school counselor, too, can provide some insight into how you might better be able to cope with the tough situation at home, and may even be able to take some action around finding you respite if you are unsafe. These people will know your situation more intimately. But we can also help you develop a plan if you call us (contact info below).

We hope that some of this information is useful to you. If it is not, or if you need more, we are here to listen and help, and can be reached at 1-800-RUN-AWAY or by instant message at 1800runaway.org. Best of luck out there.

Sincerely,

NRS