I'm 15 and want to move out

[Guest]

I don't want to live here im scared what would happen if I ran away but I do y wanna find my bio dad to live with him and I feel like living with family WD start to many issues uss my family is toxic could I live with my bf and his family im turning 15 in Feb 2

[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. 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've read the other responses here and it seems like im out of luck.. im a 15 year old female and I absolutely cannot take this anymore. Under a court order, I live with my dad. He is CRAZY. multiple other family members who know him like i do say the same thing. I honestly believe he has some kind of psychotic issue. No jokes. I can't handle the verbal, mental, and emotional abuse anymore. This is completely different than the average teenager who "hates their parents". My father is narcissistic and will do anything to make himself the humble victem. This is why it is so difficult to get out of my situation. Im just made to look crazy when I explain my position. I can't do it anymore. I'll be 16 in about 5 months. I already know i wont be emancipated. I dont know what to do. I'm so miserable and depressed here. (Not suicidal tho) I can't live with my mom. The only person I could live with is my grandma. What do I do? Is there anything I can do????? I'm at the end of my rope. Im trying to see if I can do something smart before I just up and leave and not come back.

[ccsmod2]

Hello There,
Thank you for reaching out to The National Runaway Safeline, we are here to help and here to listen.
We are sorry that you are going through such a difficult time with your father, no one deserves to be abused. You do have the right to file an abuse report, there are a few ways you can do this. One option to consider is speaking with your school counselor because they are mandated reporters they would be required to make an abuse report. Another option you could consider is calling Child help at: 1800-422-4453 and they can help with filing an abuse report.
Unfortunately if you do leave home without permission your legal guardian could file a runaway report. If the police were to find you they most likely would bring you back home. You could consider talking with your grandma to see what options you may have.
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. We wish you the best of luck in your situation.
NRS

[Guest]

Hi there I'm 15 and my parents always verbally abuse me and I'm getting to the point where I cant take it anymore. I know they love me and I love them too but I cant deal with them making me feel stupid and worthless and like I'm never gonna be successful in life. Please let me know what to do, I want to move out but I dont wanna leave my family especially my little sister.

[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 difficult time right now.
You do not deserve to be verbally abused, you do have the right to make a report. You can make an abuse report by calling Child help at: 1800-422-4453. Another option you could consider would be to speak to your school’s counselor about what has been going on at home. Sometimes it does help to have a professional to talk to and they can provide you with options.
Because you are a minor if you left home it would be considered running away. We are not legal experts but if you left without permission your legal guardian could file a runaway report. If the police were to find you they most likely would bring you back home. You could try talking with your family or a trusted adult about how you are feeling. If you do find running away is your only option and you need a place to stay call us and we can help you look for shelters.
We hope that 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 to provide support to you. Best of luck!
NRS

[Guest]

Im 15 and my moms been toxic for the last few years, grounding me for stupid reasons, such as telling her i was molested and eating. I cant stand living with her. My older siblings have been through the same thing. My birthdays in 66 days and I was going to move out then, but I dont think I can wait. Can I move out without consent now?

[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.
We are not legal experts but if you were to leave now or when you turn 16 your legal guardian could file a runaway report. If the police were to find you they most likely would bring you home. One option to consider is seeing if you could stay with a friend or family member. Another option would be to talk with your school counselor about what has been going on. Sometimes talking with a school counselor can help and they may be able to help explore options.
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 to provide support. Best of luck!
NRS

[ccsmod6]

Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to us here at NRS. This sounds like a tough situation to be in and we’re happy you reached out for help. You ask “can I move out without consent now?” which is kind of complex to answer because you’re still 2 ½ years out from turning 18. That is the nationwide age of adulthood. So technically, no, you can’t move out right now on your own and not potentially have the police take you back home. Because until then, your mother (or another guardian) can file a runaway report and engage the police to help her. Especially if you’re still under 17 years old, we find police actively help reunite youth to their guardians. However, we are not legal experts and are sharing our extensive experience vs. giving you official legal advice.
That said, while you don’t have total freedom to do live where you want just yet you do have many options to improve your situation:
• Counseling – In your post you mention fighting with your mom and how that hurt your feelings and makes you want to leave. You have the option to talk with counselors in your area that can help you make sense of these situations and develop ways or avoid them in the future. If you want to learn more about this please call us at 1-800-Runaway and an NRS liner can walk you through options you may have access to.
• Getting mom’s permission to live somewhere else - Many families find other living arrangements where kids don’t live with their parents but with trusted people with the parents’ permission. This gives parents and youth some breathing room while making sure the youth is taken care of. You mention in your post you have older siblings, could you live with them or any other trusted family member or family friend? This could also be something you can bring up with your mom and over time eventually make this decision. Again, you can call us here at NRS to chat about this further. We can even help talk to your mom with you if you’re both interested in this option.
• Shelters – Sometimes situations at home are too much to bear and people can feel that they must leave before things get any worse. Staying at shelters are options for you during times like these to avoid living on the streets where your safety is at much a higher risk. Please call us at NRS to understand your local shelter options, and how to access them, if you ever feel you get close to needing this resource.
The most important thing right now is for you to feel a bit more in control of your situation and your happiness. We encourage you to think about you could make you feel this way. And always remember you can reach us here at NRS for any help we mention above or for any other concern you may have.
Thanks,
NRS

[Guest]

I'm 15 and want to go on my own already how can I do it

[ccsmod13]

Thanks for taking the time to write us here at NRS. Doing your own research while thinking about the decision to leave is really responsible and resourceful!

Generally speaking, your parents are your legal guardians until you turn 18. This means 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 or a friend's parent can talk to your mom 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. 1-800-786-2929; live chat service at 1800runaway.org.

Stay safe,
NRS

[Guest]

I'm 15 and I really want to move out, in the past i've had suicidal thoughts and attempts. Everyday no matter what my dad and family degrades me, and constantly abuses me verbally but also physically with my dad. He has kicked me out a few times but just outside and tells me that if i don't want to be there to just leave. My mom ends up coming and looking for me but my dad takes control and tells her to just leave me. I just wish I could die and end it all but I only keep on going because I want to live to be successful and have a family of my own where I can finally be loved. I keep working hard and now can skip a few grades to just graduate and want to know that if I graduate soon, are my parents still in control over me?

[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 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. 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.
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.
Often, having a safe space to share how you’re feeling may bring a variety of solutions previously not thought of. 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. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time.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.
Even when you graduate, you will not be able to legally leave home until you turn 18. This is the general law in most states, but you can check your area in particular if you call your local nonemergency police number.
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]

I’m 15 and I want to move out

i don’t feel comfortable or safe where I am living and hate coming home every day. I have other family that are willing to take me in but my parents wouldn’t allow it, do I have to wait until I’m 16?

[ccsmod0]

Hi there,

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. Maybe your family members can help talk with your parents about the fact that they would be willing to allow you to stay with them on a temporary trial for a few months. It can help to have adults talking with your parents if you feel they aren't listening or hearing you. 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 am a 15 year old female about to be 16 in may and well, i was wondering if i could move out my dad wants to send me off to boot camp it all started because i was dating a boy in november the other time is because i had a snapchat knowing i couldn't have one and even my dad says that we are having issues with arguing especially when it comes to me and my step mom. Just the other day there was a girl on her facebook and she was a former friend of mine and i said i don't like her she than said that she is tired of hearing me say i don't like someone and that she doesn't want to here it anymore i than said sorry and she snapped and said stop apologising. So i was wondering if i could possibly move out like if this is a probable cause also we are moving soon and we move a lot.

[ccsmod2]

Hi,
Thank you for reaching out to NRS – it takes a lot of courage to share your story. We’re so sorry to hear about what’s going on.
If you think you might be experiencing emotional/verbal abuse, Child Help (www.childhelp.org) might be helpful to you. They have lots of information about child abuse and the child abuse reporting process. You can also call us at 1 (800) RUN-AWAY if you want to learn more about reporting, want help in filing a report, or just want to talk. We’re 24/7 and confidential. We’re here to listen, and we’re here to help. You’re not alone in this.
You know your situation better than anyone else, so if you believe that running away is your best option, we will do our best to support you and keep you safe. Running away is a status offense, not a legal one, which means that it’s something you can’t do because of your age. In other words, running away in and of itself cannot get you in legal trouble. If you run away, if your parents file a runaway report, and if the police find you, they will attempt to take you home. If that happens and you tell them that you don’t feel safe at home, they’ll call Child Protective Services and a social worker will conduct a full investigation. Also it is worth mentioning that if you run away, your parents file a runaway report, and the police find you living in someone else’s home, your parents have the right to press harboring charges against them. Although it isn’t guaranteed that whoever helps you will face these charges, it is a possibility.
Another option is what’s called an Alternative Living Arrangement. If your guardians give their written permission, you can live with someone else (a relative or a family friend, for example) until you turn 18.
Again, we are so sorry that you’ve been going through all of this – but you’re not alone. Please don’t hesitate to call at 1 (800) RUN-AWAY or chat with us at www.1800runaway.org.
Good luck and stay safe.
NRS

[Guest]

Hi, I'm a 15 year old female and my relationship with my family has always been rocky. To start this off I want to provide background, back when I was enrolled in a small private school I was especially isolated, and this made dealing with my father's comments on me especially bad. He would say things like: "what is the f*** wrong with you?" "What did I do to get a daughter like you?" as well as vulgar comments on clothes I wore that even my mother approved. He would call me "weak" and a "p****" even yelling it and then telling me not to cry. Because I had no one to turn to as my mother was often a bystander, I turned to a friend and began self harming (really dumb, I know) and she told a member of staff and they had the bright idea to call my parents. Obviously they were not happy with me and they told me if I was questioned to say I had made it all up because telling the truth would put my father in jeopardy. My mother said I was "breaking up the family" and that it was all my fault, causing my sister to blame me too. She took me home early the next day in fear before I could be questioned about my treatment at home. What made me most angry was that I had seen him leave marks on her too, but yet she still claims I am the problem. Eventually, my father was to fed up he threatened to call CPS to have them take me away that night, I pleaded with him and he kept saying he didn't care, but later he suddenly wants me home. He said at one point "If you're not happy here leave." Fast forwarding a bit, I go into highschool and things got bad to the point my father would demand to call me in class saying I had turned off my location, when I have never done any such thing. I have texts where I tell him exactly where I am going and who I am with and he even says okay with a "" and then he still calls me screaming about how I lied? (I have no history of sneaking around so I'm not sure why he does this.) My teachers have seen me step out to answer such calls. Problem is the phone in which I have all the texts and things is taken for good, simply because he wanted to. I have realized I want out, and the only way is to tell someone. I DO NOT want to end up in foster care, and I have some relatives and friends that would be willing to take me in. I am hoping that I can live with my aunt on my mom's side because she was always good to me. (I feel like I should mention she is mature, but not elderly.) My father forbade me from ever talking to that side of the family since he has cut our family off from them leaving us pretty isolated. I want to get out and get help now, and honestly cut them off completely if I have to, but I am afraid if I do so my mother and sister will struggle because he is the only breadwinner. Moreover, if I talk to the school and CPS is consulted, and my parents find out, they will have my hide. Help I don't know what to do and I am afraid, I have already scheduled an appointment with my counselor, but I have no idea what could and will happen when she reports it as she has to. If I tell him I want to leave I'm scared he will attack me, but if I go through my school I might also be attacked. The worst part of it all is this is all happening 3 days from my birthday.
-A Very Stressed out teen.

[ccsmod3]

Hello,


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 mentioned some things that raise concern for your safety and well-being. If any harm or abuse is happening at home, you have the right to report it. We are not experts on the issue, but generally once it's been reported, social services will either decide whether or not to take the case and further investigate. If they do take the case, they will send out someone from child protective services to do an investigation (interviewing people in the household) and from there they will decide the level of danger within the household. It generally ranges from no danger (the youth stays in the home, some services are given, and the case is closed), moderate danger (they will provide family services with possible temporary displacement) and high danger (they will remove the youth from the home and offer certain services).

I know it can be tricky to decide if you should report the abuse to someone or not. That is a huge burden that you are carrying keeping all this to yourself. You do not deserve to have this happen to you, and you deserve to be believed and supported. If you don't feel like reporting it is something you can do right now maybe talk to your aunt or someone about what is going on. Maybe your aunt can help you advocate for yourself and come to some compromise with your parents about the best situation for you. If you need to talk to someone about what you are going through you can contact NAMI, it's a confidential hotline that you can call to discuss any issues.

If you feel like you want to report the abuse or consider this is an option to explore, you may find this website helpful: https://www.childhelp.org/child-abuse/. We can also help you to file a report if that’s the route you are considering.

Please be safe and reach out soon by phone or chat so that we may help.
Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

Hello I am 15 years old and I want to move out.
The emotional and psychological poll that I have right now does not get better here. Being pushed to my limits and then being punished for failing to be the perfect person they want me to me has only made me into a defensive and hatred filled person, always trying to save myself I have become selfish. I need to move out for the health of my family and my own. If I stay here any longer I am afraid something bad will happen to my parents or me. I cannot keep hurting them or myself. Let me know what I can do.

[ccsmod4]

Hi,
Thanks for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline.

It sounds like you are in a tough situation and may be looking for some options that might help.
We understand how difficult it must have been to speak about what you have been feeling.
You are very brave for doing so. Good for you.
Sometimes things can become overwhelming and emotionally hard to deal with.
NRS would like you to know we are here to support you at this difficult time.
NRS is here to listen and here to help.
Let us know how we might help, please contact us at 1-800-Runaway (786-2929) or www.1800Runaway.org (live chat).

Having a space to vent and explore options may often bring out a solution previously not thought of. We are here as support to help you during this difficult time.
We would welcome the chance to explore options like counseling, alternative housing etc.
We can best help by phone or chat. If you would like to talk more in detail please call or chat soon.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

I'm a 15 year old boy, my parents verbally attack me with words just because I act like a girl which I am not , I'm gay but my parents do not accept that, there has been many verbal fights between us and I just really want to leave them, I am tired of it, they put their god first instead of their own children which includes me, I am not living a bad life but it is very miserable, I do not feel loved at all, they say they love me but I just don't know anymore. I live in a very homophobic family and I want out, I have been raped and I went through court and everything but my mom relates to our fights with hen I got raped and she thinks just because I act like this I will get raped again, she taking things away from me for acting gay and being gay are releasable, I feel like I am trapped in a box, she says that is what's best for me but it's actually for her not me. She is to controlling I just want a happy life and live my life and just be myself but I can;t with these parents. I need help please what can I do.

[ccsmod0]

Thanks for reaching out to us at the National Runaway Safeline. You made a great first step to finding the help that you may need. It sounds like you are going through a lot and the people around you are not being supportive. You deserve to be treated with respect, to experience acceptance and to feel safe.

We want you to know that you are strong for having gone through so much already. It is perfectly okay to deviate from what others or the common population believe to be “normal”. You’re bravery and resilience is so admirable. You are so strong for having gone through so much without having the acceptance that you do deserve for just being you. Remember that you are not alone. If you ever want to talk more about what you are experiencing or get additional support we are here 24/7 at 1800-RUNAWAY or our live chat service. The GLBT National Hotline at 1888-843-4564 is another option to gain great support from those that are familiar with the issues and experiences of those that are also a part of the LGBTQ community. You can access their website link bellow to utilize all the other possibly useful resources they have to offer: http://www.glbthotline.org/

You mentioned that you were considering the options that may be best for you. By all means, if you do fear for your safety either now or in the future, do not hesitate to take the necessary steps to regain your safety. This may mean calling the authorities or possibly reporting the things you may be experiencing. Other options to think about may be other family members, friends, or a trusted adults that would be able to provide you with support or a safe place to stay. It is great that you thinking ahead. Should you feel like leaving home is best, it may be a good idea to think about how you will provide necessities for yourself such as food, clothing, showers, healthcare and other basic needs. You may want to also consider how your parent’s will react to you leaving without permission. We are not legal experts here, but typically as a minor (under the age of 1 you need permission from your parents to leave home. It is not illegal to runaway, but it would mean that your parents could file a runaway report with the police. This is usually done in an effort to try to return you home as the police are required to do so.

If you can give us a call at 1-800-RUNAWAY or reach out through Live Chat we can try to find some youth shelters that may be near your city and state by utilizing our database of resources. We can also try to call out to shelters with you or on your behalf to advocate for you.

Stay Strong,
NRS


Please click the link below to fill out our survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/we_care_what_you_think

[Guest]

I'm 15 and my parents make me want to kill myself, they are planning on moving across the country away from my only friends who are the only reason I am still alive, I plan on running away, how do I do so without breaking the law, getting anyone into trouble, and make sure that my parents stay away from me?

[ccsmod4]

Hi,
Thanks for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline.

It sounds like you are in a tough situation and may be looking for some options to help cope with everything. Moving is a big change to adjust to. It sounds like you have some good supportive friends. There are many ways to stay connected with your friends through social media or video chatting and maybe even some visits. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
We understand how difficult the thought of moving must be for you and we are glad you reached out.
You are very brave for doing so. Good for you.

You are not alone
NRS would like you to know we are here to support you at this difficult time.
We are here to listen and here to help.
Having a space to vent and explore options may often bring out a solution previously not thought of. We are not legal experts and can only offer general information. Running away is not against the law in most states. There are laws against anyone aiding or harboring a runaway. Anyone found to be doing this could face charges.
Parents are responsible for a child until they reach 18 yrs of age in most states.
For more information about the runaway laws in your area you might consider contacting the non-emergency number of your local police department and asking what their procedures are in regards to runaways.

Let us know how we might help, please contact us at 1-800-Runaway (786-2929) orwww.1800Runaway.org (live chat).

We can best help by phone or chat. If you would like to talk more in detail please call or chat soon.

If you feel at risk or having suicidal thoughts we urge you to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

Im 15 and I got raped by my mom boyfriend when I was 12 and she doesn’t believe me and it happened again a few months ago DCFS didn’t find any evidence and I wanted to get emancipated but I don’t turn 16 till August 17 and she constantly blames me for something he did she believes him over me and I really need to move out because she keeps blaming for him raping me I just need to leave I can’t take this anymore

[ccsmod10]

Thank you for reaching out to us and telling us your story. It sounds like you are going through a very difficult time right now and we hope to be able to help you. It can be difficult to manage situations like this and you don’t have to do it alone. We want you to know that no one deserves to be abused, and you should not have to go through that. We believe you and there are other organizations that can help you as well. RAINN is the Rape and Incest National Network that can helps many people who are survivors of rape and incest. They can be reached at RAINN.org. If you don’t feel safe and feel like you need to get away Nationalsafeplace.org provides a safe location for you to meet a staff member who can take you to a designated place where you can discuss all options about how to stay safe. You can text 44357 the word “safe,” and your location to find a safe location in your area. Once you arrive let someone who works there know you need help connecting with a staff member.

We’re not legal experts here at NRS. Generally it’s not illegal to leave home, but your parents 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.

Again, thank you for contacting us. It sounds like you’ve been going through a really hard time, but you’ve shown a lot of strength by working through these challenges and reaching out for help. If you ever need anything in the future, please feel free to call our 24 hour hotline at 1-800Runaway (786-2929) or use our live chat. We hope this information was helpful and take care.

[Guest]

can i move out plss i been with myu dads for 11 years and im 14 i hate him i just wish he will leave or disapear or something i reallywant to live with my mom for the rest till im 18 oly 3 years can u tell me if i can im 14 about to turn 15 plss tell me i just need someone to talk to

[ccsmod7]

Hi there, thank you for reaching out to us. We understand it can be frustrating or difficult to be in a position where you are and we are here to support you in every way we can. In your case it would depend mostly on how the legal custody of you was decided by a court. If your parents share custody it may be pretty easy to move in with your mom because she is also your partial legal guardian. It would be important to make sure you and your mom were on the same page about you moving in with her. If your parents do not share legal custody of you and your dad is our only legal guardian then it may be a bit of a longer process, again your mom would need to be on the same page with you and potentially need to go to court to have custody of you. We aren’t legal experts here at NRS but we do offer legal aid, if you would like to ask more specific legal questions about custody you can give us a call at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or chat live with us at www.1800runaway.org and we can give you a legal aid in your state. If you were considering running away to your moms house custody may still play a roll. Running away is not a crime and you will not be sent to jail or have a record because you ran away, but if you stay with anyone (even your mom) who is not your legal guardian or has legal custody of you your dad could choose to charge the person helping you with Harboring a Runaway. It is not too common that this happens but it is important for you and your mom to consider to avoid legal trouble for her. If you have any other questions please call or chat with us! We are 24/7 and completely confidential, we want to support you as best we can. Again, we know how hard it can be to reach out, it was a great step for you to contact us. Good luck!

[Guest]

I need to get out of my house but I feel like there is no way because I have no one else to stay with, I'm emotionally abused constantly. I need to get out PLEASE HELP I need a realistic solution.

[ccsmod15]

We are sorry to hear you are having such a difficult time at home right now. You certainly do not deserve to be emotionally abused. That's wrong and its not your fault. If you want to make an abuse report on what's going on you can do that either by calling your state's Child Protective Services hotline or through www.childhelp.org at 1-800-422-4453. You can also file through us if you give us a call. But whether or not you file is up to you. We never tell anyone what to do.

It sounds like you want to leave the situation you are in and that is totally understandable. We'd like to help out further but need more information from you to do so. The best way for us to help is if you give us a call at 1-800-RUNAWAY. We are here 24/7 and are totally confidential and non-judgmental. Or you can chat with us via the portal at www.1800runaway.org. We have a large database of resources we might be able to connect you with, things like shelters, legal aid, counselors, and the like. Or we can just talk and help you figure out what your next best moves are or even how to cope with what's going on. No matter what, you DO have options, and we'd like to explore those with you.

We hope to hear from you soon. Please stay safe!

NRS