I'm 15 and want to move out

[ccsmod2]

Hey there,

Thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. We are glad that you are reaching out for help—that takes a lot of bravery. It sounds like you are going through an extremely difficult time right now with life at home. We are sorry to hear that home isn’t a place where you feel supported and loved unconditionally. You deserve to feel safe at home.



It sounds like you are considering leave home. You mention that you do not have any money, one thing you may want to consider is how you will support yourself if you do leave home. Do you have a relative, a trusting friend that would help pay for your food, housing, and all other living expenses? Do you have an idea of where you may go once you leave family? If so, is the place or person that you will be staying with someone that you can fully trust? If you were to leave, would you continue attending the school you go to? We can offer temporary youth shelters for you in your local area, but given your age, your parents may still need to consent for you to stay there. If you call us (1-800-RUNAWAY) or reach out via chat at 1800runaway.org, we’d be happy to provide those resources for you.



Also, we want to acknowledge that it’s great you are prepared with bags and clothing. One thing you may want to think about is what else would you need if you were to leave home? Any medical records, identification documents, birth certificates, etc., that may be helpful to have for the future if you do not return home. If you take medications, perhaps bring them with you as well as any other valuable items that are yours.



While we do not blame you for wanting to remove yourself from the situation, perhaps we can discuss some options on what it would look like if you did leave and, perhaps, some options to make home more bearable (if possible)? Is there anything that you can change right now to reduce time spent at home? Perhaps, join an afterschool program or sports team to reduce the number of hours you are at home? Perhaps if you found an activity or even job that you could both agree upon, maybe it’ll give you more freedom and less time spent at home. Many towns and cities have organizations such as a “Boys & Girls’ Club” or YMCA which is a place where you can meet people your age afterschool, enjoy your time, but remain away from home until later in the evening.



We’re sure you have already thought all this out, but if you do decide to leave, perhaps tell a trusted friend or relative of where you intend to go and please be cautious and place your safety as utmost priority (if you ever feel unsafe, you can text the word “safe” to 4HELP (44357) to receive a message of the closet Safe Place to go.



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 forum 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

I'm a 15 year old girl who wants to run away to get away from the situation i have have at home i don't have money but i have enough bags and clothes. I honestly can't stand to stay in this household anymore. Can you tell me what to do please?

[ccsmod10]

First off, we are very grateful that you contacted us; recognizing that something is wrong, and that you need to make a change is very admirable. We are here to help you do so as safely as possible.

If you don't feel safe at home and have experienced abuse, filing a report is an option. You can contact us at 1800runaway.org for text chat, call us at 1-800-786-2929, or talk to any adult at your school about the situation in order to file one. This could result in Child Protective Services intervening and moving you to a different living situation.

If living with your dad and his girlfriend is unbearable and they won't allow you to leave, running away is an option. Staying with a trusted friend or family member who you know is willing to house + support you can be best, but there are also runaway shelters. Many shelters are required to contact police or a parent if you are under 18 when you arrive. If you were to leave and your parent/guardian filed a runaway report, law enforcement might investigate where you were and attempt to return you home (typically more likely with younger minors).

We might also be able to discuss some coping and communication options that could make living at home more bearable. You deserve to feel safe and supported at home; it may be possible to move things in that direction.

If you are ever in imminent danger, you can call 911.

Whatever you decide, we are here to help; you don't have to go through this alone.

Hi I’m a 15 year old female and I don’t feel comfortable where I’m living at all I don’t feel safe my dads girlfriend is an alcoholic and I can’t stand it I want to move in with my aunt and uncle but they won’t allow it. What did I do?

[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.
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, which sounds like the case. You definitely shouldn't have the responsibility for getting between your parents, especially when they're being aggressive toward each other. 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.
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 would like to look into further emotional support options, you can text with a crisis worker at the National Alliance on Mental Illness 24/7 by texting "NAMI" to 741741.
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

I'm a 15 year old male and my parents keep getting drunk and trying to beat each other I keep have to get in the middle. I have a place to stay am I able to leave

[ccsmod15]

We are glad you reached out to us with your questions and to ask for help. It sounds like you are in overwhelming situation with your parents and that you cannot get the space you need to show them you are getting better. It makes sense that you are thinking about running away.

First, it is great that you can admit that you messed up. It is important to acknowledge your part in the issues but also important not to take ownership of things out of your control or responsibility. It sounds like your parents are focused on limitations and yelling to keep you on the path they want and maybe they can’t see your ownership in messing up and your intention to change.

While running away is not illegal or a crime, it might not help with your parents seeing you in a different light. They may just look at running away as another big problem that is your fault. In most states, the age of majority (when you are considered an adult and you can leave home on your own) is 18, but you need to check your specific state.

Emancipation is a legal process where you severe your parents’ custody and rights over you. Every state has there own procedures and requirements. In general, you have to prove you can take care of your basic living needs, you can maintain your education and that you can make responsible decisions for your own well-being. Many states require your parents’ consent to being emancipated. You will need a lawyer to help you go down that path.

We might be able to help you figure out a plan for getting the space you need with your parents and changing the interaction with them so it is more supportive to your needs and what you want for your future. We need more details about your situation to help you with that. You can reach out to us for a chat through our website or call our crisis hotline at (800) RUNAWAY any time 24/7. Both are completely confidential.

We hope to hear from you soon.

I’m 15 and I’m depressed and trapped I have bad grades and all I am is just a failure to my parents I can admit I have messed up I did a couple of drugs and I understand the reason there like this but I feel trapped and not lived I can’t talk to anyone not aloud to have friends no phone only school and then I HAVE to go to wrestling witch is just more stress I get sick when I get yelled at witch is 24/7 I never had a chance to show them I could get better but I just want to die being at home and I just want to be with parents that would help me not yell at me for messing up I get called stupid dumb all the time and I keep losing hope please help me

[ccsmod6]

Hello Riley!
It sounds like things at home have been incredibly difficult. It’s our understanding that you’ve reached out to us before through chat. Please keep in mind that we can only respond to forums twice, so it may be better to reach out by chat again or by phone if you’d like to have an extended conversation about your circumstances and your options.
You mentioned that your father abuses you. We’re so sorry to hear this. You deserve to feel safe in your home. One option to consider would be filing an abuse report with Child Protective Services, who may then be able to help remove you from your home. In the past, we’ve referred you to Child Help USA. Child Help is an organization that is dedicated to helping minors facing abuse. You can reach out to them at 1-800-422-4453 or www.childhelp.org if you’d like to get a better understanding of what may happen before and after a report is made. They might be a really useful resource for you. We can also help you report abuse if you’d like, either through our Live Chat or by phone.
You mentioned that you fear that your situation may end in suicide if things don’t change. Your life has worth and our top priority is your safety. We are here to listen and support you in any way that we can. You do not have to face this alone. If you’re at risk of hurting yourself, the National Suicide Hotline might be able to provide support. You can reach them at www.youmatter.suicidepreventionlifeline.org or at 1-800-273-8255 for help at any time.
If you feel as though you’re in immediate danger for any reason you can also reach out to emergency services or 911.
Your life matters to us and we’re here to help you explore your options. You can call us 24/7 at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or reach out again by chat if you want to talk in more detail.
All the best,
National Runaway Safeline

hi my name is riley i am 12 years old and i feel like kiling my self because i my dad lwaays yells at me and hits me and he put mein a hospital please help me

[ccsmod15]

Hello There,



Thank you for reaching out to The National Runaway Safeline, we are here to help and here to listen. It takes great courage to reach out for help, and we are glad that you have decided to reach out to us.

What you have described seems abusive and we are sorry that you are having to go through that. You do not deserve to be treated that way, and you do have the right to file a report. One option would be to contact Child Help at: 1-800-422-4453, and they can help you file an abuse report.

Also, we want to let you know that your life is valuable and has meaning to it. If you need someone to talk too you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Line at: 1-800-273-8255; https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/. It is available to anyone in an emotional distress.

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 available to you 24/7 to listen and to provide support through this challenging time.

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.



Best of luck!

NRS

I am 15 years old.... and i live in a broken home with an abusive father.....i have been trying to get away but it hasnt work..... i went to my school counselor and told them about the abuse that i was experiencing......i also am suffering from depression.... it is at times that i want to kill myself..... my parents dont allow me to be social.... i have no social platforms because my parents took away all of my means of communication......and what makes it worse is that my parents are keeping me away from my girlfriend....... she is the only thing that is keeping me from killing myself....... i need to see her and have her in my life but i also dont want to stay with my family...... there is too much emotional and physical damage i have dealt with...... and im at my breaking point.... i need help please........

[ccsmod7]

Hello,

Thank you for contacting National Runaway Safeline. We appreciate you reaching out and we are here for you. You do not deserve to be mentally abused. It sounds like you are in a stressful situation with your mom and considering running away.

We work best when we can have a conversation with you and we want to make sure you are safe. We are not legal experts but the age of an adult in most states is 18 years old. If you are under the age of 18 years old you would be considered a minor. In most states, minors are unable to leave the home with their parent/guardians permission. Since you are 15, your parent or guardian could contact the police and file a runaway report. The police may return you home.

There are a lot of things to consider about running away. We are here to help through this challenging time. If you would like to talk more in detail please call or chat soon at our website https://www.nationalrunawaysafeline.org/ .

Please remember you can reach us directly by calling our 24 hour hotline, 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or through our Live Chat.

Take care,
NRS
1-800-RUNAWAY (24 Hour Hotline)

My name is Ella, and I am 15 years old, and I really want to move out or away from my mom. She is nice to me sometimes. Our relationship is like the Kingda Ka roller coaster. My mom does not allow me to have a phone. I haven't done anything bad on it except talking to boy(which every teen girl does). She cusses at me and mentally abuses me. Some days shes nice and other days it like godzilla. We dont get along much anymore. I had bought myself my own phone and hid it from her. She finally found it and she took it. So, I found it and took it back. Over and over again. Yes I know its bad but its a safety issue. I have my friends, coping skills, on the phone. I dont know what to do. I dont want to runaway bc its illegal, but i dont want to stay with my mom....

[ccsmod6]

Hi there,
Thanks so much for reaching out. While we are not legal experts, and some laws vary depending on what state you live in, we can speak in general terms. If you leave home at 15 without permission from your parents, your parents can file a runaway report. This means that if the police find you they will most likely have to return you home. Running away is not a crime, but any adults that you stay with could be charged with harboring a runaway. This means that, if your friend lives with their parents, they could potentially get in legal trouble for letting you stay there.
Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to avoid being returned home if you are found. Something to consider might be whether you will continue to go to school. If you show up at school while filed as a runaway, the school may report your location to the authorities. This is a risk you might have to take into account if you are trying to stay hidden.
In the end, we cannot tell you what to do. You know your situation best. However, if you’d like to talk through your options in greater detail, feel free to reach out. We can best assist you over phone at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or through our Live Chat at www.1800runaway.org. We’re here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You do not have to be alone in this.
All the best,
NRS