Can I leave my home at 16 without my parents' consent?

[Guest]

Hi im 15
i wanted to know if i can leave my house if i wished not to stay there no longer

[ccsmod15]

Hi,

It can be difficult to ask for help, and we are glad you reached out to us today. It sounds like you no longer want to stay at home. Leaving home can be a big step and it might be helpful to think about how you will afford food, shelter, medical, and other expenses. We are not legal experts and consequences for leaving home can vary from city to city. In most states you are considered a minor until you turn 18. Leaving home without a guardian’s consent as a minor may pose some challenges. If you have specific legal questions, reaching out to a non-emergency police number is always an option.

In addition to providing services online, we run a 24/7 hotline (1-800-786-2929) and are always available by phone to offer additional support and resources. Do not hesitate to reach out by phone.

Good luck,
NRS

[Guest]

Im 16 and pregnant my boyfriend mom says i could go
live with her but my mom threatens to call the police if i were to leave, i want to leave because my mom constantly brings my brother who just got out of jail because he molested me when i was younger he molested me for three years and he raped my other sister and he touched my own mother and I really want to leave because she doesn't even care about what he did!

[ccsmod7]

We're glad you reached out to us. We'll try to help. It sounds like you are in a very difficult situation.

It's unfortunate that your mother doesn't care about your brother's behavior. You deserve to live in a safe and caring environment. We are not legal experts but we know that running away is not a crime. It's a status offense. However, if your mother files a runaway report, the police might look for you and if they find you, they can return you to your mother's house. It's understandable that you don't want to live with your brother in the same house. You might want to call CPS and the police about your brother's situation. You have the right to report any abuse in the household. You might also want to contact RAINN at 1800-656-4673 or rainn.org for information on rape, abuse, incest.

You might also want to call us at 1800-RUNAWAY to talk about your situation. We are here 24/7 and are confidential.

Good luck,

NRS

[Guest]

Hi.. my name is .... and I live in Arkansas, and I’m 16 years old. I plan on running away from my mom bc she’s very very neglectful and emotionally manipulative Towards me and she wants to move

[ccsmod15]

Hi there,
Thank you for contacting us at the National Runaway Safeline. It takes great courage to reach out for help and we are glad that you decided to reach out for help.
It sounds like you are going through a hard time. If your safety is at risk you can call 911. You do have the option to file an abuse report however emotional abuse can be hard to prove. You can call Child Help USA at 1-800-422-4453 and they can help you provide more information on filing an abuse report.

Running away from home can be hard and it can be helpful to think about where you might stay and how you might pay for food, rent and other living expenses. We are not legal experts however speaking generally if you are to leave home and runaway report is filed you can be brought back home and whoever you are staying with could be charged with harboring a runaway.

This can be a lot to think about and you are doing great by reaching out for help. If you would like you can call us at our confidential hotline at 1-800-786-2929 and we can listen to you, explore your options and provide any resources.

We wish you the best and hope to hear from you soon.
Best,
NRS

[Guest]

hello, i’d like to know if anyone here can help me in my situation. my boyfriend has been staying with me because his dad moved to california from montana, where we are living now. and my family got a cps investigation ordered on us. they are trying to say that my boyfriend can’t stay with us even though both of our legal parents said it’s okay. i am 16 he is 17 so statutory rape is not an excuse to make him leave. they are putting him out of a home by doing this and i need help. please someone provide me with some answers

[ccsmod7]

Thank you for reaching out the National Runaway Safeline today. It sounds like a really unfortunate and frustrating situation that two families have reached an agreement about what is best for their son and daughter and that a third party has involved CPS, and now there are consequences to the CPS investigation.

We are not legal experts, but generally the law says that people under 18 should be with their parents, but their parents can make other arrangements for the care of their children. You’d have to ask a lawyer, but there might be a legal document that his parents could sign that would change the CPS situation. You could also ask CPS if there’s a legal process to change his status in your family that would be acceptable to them.
You don’t mention how soon your boyfriend will be 18, but once he is 18, the situation could change, although the age of consent is 16 in Montana, so his turning 18 shouldn’t affect the statutory rape issue.
You didn’t mention where CPS is suggesting that your boyfriend go, but generally resources are not available for him in foster care or a shelter, so it seems that the best place for him is with your family—or with his family, but it’s also logical that might want to finish high school in Montana if he only has one year to go.

It might be worth having a telephone conversation about this to see if we can work together to figure out what to do. The conversation could include your parents, and/or his parents, if that would be helpful.
We can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2727).

[Guest]

Hi I’m 16 living in Wyoming. I do not like the way I am being treated at home with my mom I have three other siblings and they get away with everything but if I do something like leave a cup in the living room I get in trouble like I just committed a crime. I feel like I’m in prison. I do not want to live here anymore. Could I go live with another family member without my parents permission and without bringing this to court?

[ccsmod3]

It must be hard to feel like you are not being supported by your mom. It sounds like you want some independence but are being treated harshly for any mistake you may make. If you decide to runaway from home what typically happens is that your parents file a runaway report with the police. You wouldn’t be charged with anything or have to go to court. The police will just return you to your home. If you wanted to live with a family member without permission from your parents then your family member could possibly be charged with harboring.
We are here to listen and to help and to help keep you safe and off the streets. Whether by phone or live chat, we can help you discover the options that you have.
You can reach us 24/7 by phone at 1-800-786-2929 (1-800-RUNAWAY) or via live chat through the website at www.1800runaway.org We hope to hear from you!

[Guest]

i am 16 at the time and will be 17 next june i plan on moving out on my birthday to live with my boyfriend ive read in missouri cops will be hesitant to return you back home if your in a safe place. but im living with my dad right now and he has really bad drinking problems i often find him asleep on the front porch naked and in other places there has been nights he trys to lay in my bed with me while he is naked. i feel very uncomfortable around him and he tends to get mean when he's drunk would the cops return me back home if i left now while im still 16 since he is a unfit parent?

[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. . It also 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. 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 16. I want to move out but my mom will not give consent for me to be emancipated. I want out. So bad. Can i go live with my boyfriend without her permission? I know she will call the law so is there any danger for him or me?

[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 may be going through a tough time. We are not legal experts but we do have some general information on the laws. Because you are a minor if you were to leave without permission you could be considered as a runaway. If the police do find you they most likely would bring you back home. Whoever you stay with could possibly get charged with harboring a runaway. Harboring a runaway is usually a misdemeanor or a fine they would need to pay.
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 provide support. We wish you the best of luck!
NRS

[Guest]

So I have 2 16 year olds that want to go live with their older brother. What would I need to do to let them do that so they can go stay with him.

[ccsmod13]

Hello,

Thank you for contacting NRS. It sounds like you have two 16 year olds who want to leave home to live with their older brother. If a minor leaves home with permission from their guardian and has a safe place to live where they are taken care of then it is considered an alternative living arrangement. If you are their legal guardian than you can give their older brother temporary guardianship by having written permission for them to be living somewhere else notarized.

We hope this gives you the information you were looking for. We can best be of help by phone (1800-786-2929 ) or online chat services if you have any other questions or concerns. Please do not hesitate to reach out.

Good luck,
NRS

[Guest]

if going to stay at a family members house can it a parent call you as a run away?

[ccsmod13]

Hi there,

You know when it is best for you to leave home, and you deserve to live somewhere you feel supported and taken care. The easiest way to leave home is with your parent’s permission. If you do decide to leave without permission, your parents can file a runaway report. Running away is not a crime and you would not be arrested. If the police know where you are, they will most likely return you home. It may be helpful to have your family members communicate with your mom about having you stay with them for awhile.

We want to help you figure out your next steps and offer you support during this difficult time. Please do not hesitate to reach out by phone or chat to talk more about what is going and explore your options.

Good luck,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi , I’m 15 I’ll be 16 in 17 days , I would like to see if I can move in possibility with a friend family , but I’m not sure if I can do that cause I’m not 18 yet. living with an Indian parents can be so bad to me. I get treated like I don’t mean anything I feel like I’m trapped into a never ending nighmagres , I get hit simply if I refuse , I get told I’m disgrace and that I should have just been killed at the spot. I’m confused on what I should do.

[ccsmod13]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to NRS. Asking for help was really brave of you and its a good first step. From what you shared, your parents have been making home feel uncomfortable and not safe. It is not okay for them to talk down to you or to hit you and these things are not your fault. You deserve to live somewhere you feel wanted and supported. It is completely understandable you want to live somewhere else.

Leaving before you turn 18 can be difficult. The easiest way is with your parents' permission. Your family friend might be able to help you talk with your parents about letting you stay with them for awhile. If you leave without permission, your parents can file a runaway report. Running away is not illegal, but the police will likely return you home.

You mentioned that your parents hit you sometimes. It is never okay for your parent to use physical harm and you do not deserve this. You know your situation and what you would like to do best. One option you do have is to report what has been going on at home. Making a child abuse report would mean that someone from child protective services would come to your house to talk to you and your parents in order to decide if home is safe and healthy for you. This can be a scary decision to make and you do not need to make it alone. If you want to know more about the reporting process or you would like to start the report, you can call the national child abuse hotline at 1-800-422-4453 or go to https://www.childhelp.org/hotline/. Additionally we are here by phone and chat 24/7 to listen and help.

We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time. We are available 24/7 to help you think through your next steps and brainstorm options with you. Please do not hesitate to call us (1-800-786-2929) or use our online chat services (1800runaway.org) so that we can help.

Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

Can I leave my house if I’m 16 and my mothers abusing me answer won’t let me leave
?

[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 just turned 16 and i was wondering if i could leave my house before i turn 18, i’ve realized overtime that my living situations isn’t what normal families experience. my parents got divorced when i was young, my mom is a drunk, and my dad is emotional degrading just like my step mom. i’ve wanted to leave for a long time but have no idea how, do you have any tips on how i can do that?

[ccsmod10]

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]

Hi, my name is Brian i live in Florida. Im not thinking of running away but i want to know if I need permission to leave home to go somewhere or stay at a friends house just for the night and what they can do about it besides obviously punishing me for doing it without permission. I am 16 if that helps at all.

[ccsmod6]

Hello and thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. It’s not illegal for you to run away for the night. Like you said, you risk punishment from your parents, but no one is going to get arrested or charged with anything if you sleep over at your friend’s house for a night. If you have any other questions or want to talk about anything else, please don’t hesitate to call us on our 24/7 hotline 1-800-786-2929 or chat us at 1800runaway.org.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

I've been thinking about running away and living in emergency living for 16-21yrs. I don't know anything about emancipation or any laws about this. Every time I look for more details, I feel that my parents are closer to knowing what I'm doing. I emailed the emergency living, asking about how schooling would work and if I could have a job while living there, and I've texted hotlines for depression, asking how to handle guilt surrounding this. I don't want my parents to think that I'm being dramatic or trying to ruin their image or anything. I also don't want them to think I hate them and that they are terrible. I'm worried my parents and maybe even my friends will think of me as dramatic because, out of most of my friends, I feel that I have the best home life. I also don't want to leave my friend, who lives with me and my parents, here by himself. I have no clue what to think or feel and especially on what to do.

[ccsmod11]

Hi, and 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's perfectly understandable to not know what to feel, think or do. It sounds like you've been doing everything you can to look into what your options might be in terms of the emergency shelter and school, and to help with the feelings surrounding everything that is happening. All of that sounds very mature and smart.

While we are not legal experts, we can share what we know in general terms - youth don't need to be emancipated in order to stay in a shelter. If you are interested in knowing more about emancipation in general (not just as it relates to shelter), it is our understanding that some states offer formal emancipation statutes while others do not unfortunately. Laws vary depending on your location, but in many states a minor can petition the court for emancipation to take responsibility for their own care before they turn 18. Generally speaking, courts are wary about granting emancipation. In most cases, you would have to prove in court that you have an income and can care for yourself financially, and that you are able to live separately from your parents. It also helps to be in good standing at school. The court will also factor in the mental and physical welfare of your parents in order to establish your best interest. Usually your legal guardian would have to agree to this in court. Once you are emancipated, you can legally choose where you live, but you might still find that you cannot sign a lease or build credit until you turn 18. The emancipation process can take several months or up to a year, and may cost money in the form of court fees and other expenses. Usually, the best way to learn about emancipation in your state is to contact a lawyer. You may also find information at your county family court.

We can look up legal aid resources that may be able to help you with the process. Please do not hesitate to call or chat if you have questions, need legal resources, or need to talk. We can explore your situation, go over all your options, and come up with a plan and resources to deal with your situation over the phone or on live chat. We are looking forward to hearing from you soon, and wish you the best of luck.

Best, NRS

[Guest]

Hi I’m 16 finna be 17 and it’s stressful living with my mom she we always argue and my mom always gets mad to the point she wants to hit me. She never lets me go anywhere or even to my sisters house and I been wanting to just leave to my sister house or my dads house. Can I just leave? And could she file a runaway report if she knows where I’m at?

[ccsmod7]

Hi there, thanks for reaching out. Sounds like things at home with your mom and very stressful and you are feeling like she wants to hit you. That must be scary to feel that way. Here at NRS, we truly want to be a support for you during this difficult time.

We are not legal experts, but we can speak generally. If you haven't already, you might talk to your dad about how you are feeling and wanting to stay with him. If he has any partial custody, you might be able to go there without being reported as a runaway. Generally speaking, if it is a dispute between 2 custodial parents, police say it is a civil issue for the courts rather than being a runaway situation. If you does not have custody rights, you might ask him if we would be willing to try and gain rights over you in the court.

Generally speaking, your mom can file you as a runaway whenever you leave without permission at 16 and 17 years old. If she knows where you are, she could tell police addresses and they could knock on doors looking for you. If you are found you could be returned home.

Please do not hesitate to call or chat us if you would like to talk through your situation and help with brainstorming your options.

1-800-RUNAWAY; www.1800runaway.org

Best,

NRS