If I’m found, will I be put in a detention center?

[Guest]

Hello, I live in louisiana and I need to know whether I can run away and not be put into a detention center. I just can’t take life at home. I want to live somewhere else. I know where and I just want to know, if caught, can I not be put into a detention center? I live in Louisiane (Calcasieu Parish) and I just need the info on what to do. I am writing this on behalf of a friend, and will tell her. I can’t harbor her and I don’t want to have her in a detention center. Please help.

[ccsmod15]

Hello! Thank you so much for reaching out, we appreciate you seeking help during this difficult time.

To begin with, you mentioned that your friend want to leave home and not be put in a detention center. It sounds like she’s going through a difficult time right now, and we want her to know that she’s not alone. An option to consider would be to talk to a school counselor, and let them know what has recently been going on at home. They may be able to sit down with her, and have a heart to heart about what issues have been upsetting, and go from there. If your friend feels like her mental state is at risk, she may want to explore the option of reaching out to the national alliance on mental illness at 1800) 950-6264. If your friend is experiencing physical abuse, another option to look into would be to contact the national child abuse hotline at 1800) 422-4453. They will able to listen to what she have to say about the abuse, and further guide her about reporting the abuse if she wish to proceed.

Furthermore, we aren’t legal experts, but in most states anyone under 18 is considered a minor. If she decide to run away, her legal guardians may file a runaway report with the authorities, and whoever harbors a runaway, may face some legal consequences. We want your friend to be safe, and if at any time she feel like that is at jeopardy, your friend may text the word safe and your location to 44357. The national safe place will text her a safe location, and a caseworker will be out to assist her. Another option to explore would be to contact your local non-emergency number, and ask them what the laws and consequences are in your area.

We hope that she can seek help from these options discussed, and want you both to know that we care about your safety, you’re not alone in this battle. In fact, you’re both really brave for going through this difficult time in your life. If for whatever reason your friend requires additional assistance, or wants us to make a call on her behalf, feel free to call us at 1800) 786-2929. Best of luck!