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

[Guest]

Hi im 16 years old and I'm just really fed up with living with my mom and step dad and I just wanted to know if its legal for me to live with my dad without consent but when my mom and dad got divorced she got custody of me and all I'm really trying to figure out is if I leave to live with my dad will my mom be able to take me out of his house and take me home or even call the cops or something to get me back?

[ccsmod15]

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.
Generally, the above laws stay true even if those you runaway to are other family or former guardians. Your dad might be able to challenge her full custody or file for emergency custody while a custody battle takes place. It is also possible that if court proceedings have started police wouldn’t take any action until after the court has made a decision.
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 I’m 13 and want to live with my aunt or grandma because my parents are very controlling and toxic and really bad for my health right now since I was 10 I don’t feel like smiling or being happy when they are around and they always scream at me and boss me around and if I try asking them if my brother can do it they tell at me and ground me and I feel so trapped in this house they ruined my happiness and beat me if I don’t follow what they say for example I was on a call with my friend and they got mad at me and punched me until I was bleeding everywhere can someone please tell me what to do I’m too scared to call child services or anything cuz I feel like they won’t help

[ccsmod15]

Hello –

Thank you for contacting us here at the National Runaway Safeline. We understand that it takes great courage to reach out. We are sorry to hear about your situation, no one deserves to be treated that way, especially by someone who is supposed be a support system for you.

It is important to know that you have options and resources to help advocate for yourself. A great resource for you could be the National Child Abuse Hotline. You can reach them at 1-800-422-4453. You can call them anonymously to learn about the abuse reporting process, or directly report abuse to this line. They are a good resource for talking through your options if there is verbal/physical abuse going on at home.

Having a place to stay to ensure that you are safe is very important. While we are not legal experts, running away is not considered illegal. However, since you are a minor, your guardians have the right to file a runaway report. With a runaway report, if the police find you they would return you home unless you express to them that you live in an unsafe environment. If you left home and decided to stay with a relative or friend, they could get in trouble for harboring a runaway.

We hope the information provided helps. Remember we are available 24/7 and can be toll-free reached at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929). We are confidential, anonymous, and non-direct. We can also be reached via live chat anytime.

Best Wishes

~NRS

[Guest]

So i live in oklahoma and I'm 15. I list my mom when I was 10 to drugs and I was forced to live with my dad and his girlfriend. She's emotionally abusive and I'm not even in a very stable hone. They both work off so I stay with my sister until one of the gets home. It doesn't even feel like hone anymore. I feel suc stock and lost. I'm scared to really reach out for help because I just got in trouble pretty bad and I'm worried whoever ill try to talk to will think I'm just throwing a fit but ive been wanting it off this horse for a really long time. I have friends who've witnessed my step moms freak outs. She's acted like she was gong to hit me a few times and she's slapped me once and got me with an ATV. Not hard but still. Weve gotten into some Really really bad fights. I want to get out so bad but I'm only 15 and don't know what to do. My dad most definitely won't let me out and I'm scared of what will happen if im returned home. Is there a way out?

[ccsmod0]

Hi there,
Thank you for writing to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS). We are sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on with your step-mother. 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 it does sound like is the case for you. 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

[Guest]

Hey, I am a 16 year old girl in Missouri. The law used to be a that at 17 can move out without parents consent. The law is going to change and I just missed the deadline because of my brithday. All my mom does is get high my and yells till I break down in tears, my stepfather is an alcoholic. My real father wants nothing to do with me. I ran away when I was 13 but it keeps getting worst. My aunt and uncle, and my grandparents want me to live with him but can I do that with my parents knowing? I am not allowed to get a job, so I can't get emaciated. I really don't know what to do. I am getting mentally abused and there nothing I can do about it. If I wanted to live my Aunt and uncle or my grandparents can i, or will make my mom make me stay?

[ccsmod15]

Hi there,
Thank you for reaching out to us and explaining a little bit more about what's been going on.

We are sorry to hear that you are going through such a hard time. It takes great courage to reach out for help and we are glad that you decided to reach out.
If your legal guardians or parents are not taking care of you and providing for you that is considered as neglect. You can call Child Help USA at 1-800-422-4453 and they can provide you more information on filing a reports with department of children and family services.

We are not legal experts but your parents are responsible for you until you turn 18. You can stay with any adult with your parents permission in most cases. Generally speaking running away is not a crime and if your parents are to file a police report the police can bring you back home and whoever you are staying with could be charged with harboring a runaway and get in trouble with the law. If you need legal help you can find legal resources at www.lawhelp.org


Coping with all this stress can be hard. It can be helpful to talk to a school counselor or another therapist. Practicing good coping skills on a regular basis can help reduce the stress. Trying to do things you enjoy everyday can be helpful. Exercising, meditating, journaling, listening to music, reading, talking to friends can be some things to consider.

You are not alone and we are here to support you through this. If you want to talk more about what is going on and what options you might have, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-786-2929 or chat us at 1800runaway.org.

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

Best,
NRS

[Guest]

I'm 14 years old.And,my parents are actually very toxic.Like,they don't give me any personal freedom,they are very controlling too!!I'm not that good at studying....So they take me as a burden...due to my poor marks in exams....And,tells me that they will get me married at 18.They tell me that I can only study and become something.So,they completely crushed my dreams of becoming a Painter.I can only study and then find a job....and if I can't do this then they will get me married at 18 forcefully.... But..now I gave up on my dreams of becoming a Painter.They made fun of my dreams,so what can I do?They do love me,but they are overprotective,manipulative....
There are online singing auditions....I'm thinking about participating in them.And,now I want to become a singer....but my parents don't know about this.I'm thinking about auditioning without my parents knowing,when I become 16.So,if you get accepted in those auditions then you will be called in that country(Korea).Actually it's an online kpop audition...it's not possible to explain u here....you may search in google how the auditions are actually.So,can move to korea without my parents knowing?I mean...If i accepted in that audition...then there willn't be any problem..right?
please..help me

[ccsmod15]

Hello and thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you are going through some intense stuff and we want to support you. Whether or not you feel like you need to run away is up to you and whether or not you feel safe where you are. We would be happy to help you in whatever way we can. We can provide referrals to mental health resources, shelters, legal advocacy, among other things. We can also just talk you through whatever your situation is and help you figure out what your options are. We aim to empower youths and we prioritize their safety and their well-being. If you are interested in anything that we have to offer, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-786-2929 or chat us at 1800runaway.org.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

Hello, i am the guardian of a 16 year old, will bec17 in December. My sister and I have tried for a couple of years now to raise her but she she is so defiant and continues to run away. She has been physically abusive to me to the point i am now recovering from neck surgery. How can i help her?? I live in Oklahoma, am I breaking the law by not looking for her?? Can i get into trouble if she breaks the law while out of the home??

[ccsmod15]

Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out! That definitely sounds like a difficult and frustrating situation. It seems like you have done everything in your power to try to make it work. You definitely do not deserve to be physically assaulted like that. If you reach out to us we can look up resources for you for problematic youth. We can see what is available to you in your area. In regard to breaking the law, it is always a good idea to reach out to local police or other legal resources as we are not legal experts and do not want to steer you wrong.
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).
Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

i want to leave my dads house but i just don't know if i can without the cops bring me back. i just trued 16 Sept. 4th and I've been wanting to leave because of stuff at home. i just was looking up stuff to see if i could before i do it.

[ccsmod15]

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 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

[Guest]

My friend really needs to get out of her house and was thinking of running away to Nevada, from New Hampshire. If she buys the plane ticket would she be able to do this?

[ccsmod15]

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 your friend is faced with right now and you’re wanting to find a way to help them as they mentioned wanting to run away. It’s great that your friend has support and concern from you especially since this time is quite difficult for them.
Getting on the plane if they are the ones that buy the ticket and they are over usually 15 it shouldn’t be a big issue unless they have already been reported as a runaway before they get on the plane.
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.
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 and your friend 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).
We’re here to listen and to help and hope you or your friend can reach out soon.
Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

Im currently 16 and pregnant. Me and my boyfriend (the father) are still together and we are deciding on keeping it or giving it up for adoption. My mother is refusing to let me see the father of my child. Not because he’s done anything bad. He’s always been cery respectful and as far as im concerned, he’s built a good relationship with my family. My grandmother and his parents both think i should live with him or at least be able to see him. Seeing as how we’re going to have a child. What would happen if i left? Is there anything legally i can do because im pregnant? What’s going to happen if i run away? If i do run away and my mother calls the police what are they going to do? Are the police going to be of any help regarding my situation? My boyfriend is 18 and he wants me with him, I already have a job lined up and school figured out but it’s in Denver and i live in fort collins which is about an hour away. I have everything i could possibly need to continue my pregnancy and make sure im financially stable to potentially have to take care of a child. My boyfriend is a full time college student and has 2 jobs and lives on his own. He’s financially stable and thinks the best option for me is to be with him. What should i do?

[ccsmod15]

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 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

[Guest]

i’m 15 right now, i turn 16 in six months. my mom is a depressed alcoholic. i’m big for my age and she makes me feel very insecure. she’s slapped me and called me names. this summer i told her that i took an edible once around the time school ended due to rona. i know i messed up really bad but i couldn’t keep that from her anymore. i went to get drug tested. then i find out that she drug tested me before earlier that year making me think it was a checkup but it was actually a drug test. right now i’m in a very serious relationship in my opinion yes i know i’m young so it doesn’t sound like it could be serious. the thing is my bf and i had sexual relationships and my period was late so i took a test at home. my mom found the wrapper and took me to take a REAL test at the doctor. then i find out AGAIN that it was also a drug test and she didn’t tell me. i have a lot of trauma bc of what my mom made me go through growing up, this is no excuse for what i did with my bf i know i messed up. i want to know if i could move in with him and his family when i turn 16. He works with his dad. No my bf isn’t an adult he just turned 17 like three months ago. once i turn 16 and if i get to move in with him i can get a job and pay for my own things so his family doesn’t really have to worry about that. my bfs dad makes more money than a teacher. they’re not struggling with money, imy dad is in mexico so i don’t talk to him and my relationship with my mom isn’t the best. can i move out when i turn 16?

[ccsmod15]

Hi there,

We're sorry things are tough with your mom right now. It sounds like you are going through a lot. To answer your question very directly: 18 years old is generally the age that an individual may leave home without permission from their parent or legal guardian. We are not legal experts here but we can speak in general terms. Since you are under 18, your mom can file a runaway report on you if you leave without permission. Generally speaking, if you encounter a police officer while reported as a runaway, you will likely be returned home. Another thing to consider is that while running away is not a crime, a legal adult who allows you to stay with them may be putting themselves at risk for being charged with harboring a runaway.

If you'd like further help regarding your situation we encourage you to call or chat with us. Our number is 1-800-RUNAWAY and our chatroom is found at www.1800runaway.org. We are here 24/7 and are confidential. Please take care and feel free to contact us anytime!

All the best,
NRS

[Guest]

I am 16, I live in North Dakota. Anyway I really don't want to live with my family anymore my dad is bipolar and he yells constantly over everything and he does anything he can to feel like he's in control. i'm so depressed and I hate my family so much. I snuck out one night and didn't come home in the morning (basically ran away) and the cops didn't bring me home but I saw my picture all over Facebook that my parents had posted and they filed a runaway report. since I was only a few doors down I simply went home(I wish I hadn't) but then the cop came and told me I can't do that and so on and he told me I could go to jail for it and said if it happens again ill be taken into custody, and he said that I might be being out on probation. Im really annoyed because I've been trying to do all kinda of research to see what's legal and its so annoying because all these sites say different things, basically my family is insane and all of my friends and even their parents tell me i'm being emotionally abused and I just want to leave. Like I said i'm 16. And my friends parents want me to live with them because they know what has been going on, I have a job, I would still being going to school and I would be taken care of and fed and all of that. lots of sites said I can just leave and I won't be made to go home(which brings me hope) but now i'm confused if that is true why the cops would tell me all of that when I came home? Can you please respond and help with some options I could go about taking to leave my family. I don't want to wait till i'm 18, and I need to get out. I hear of kids moving out at 14 and 15 and i'm so confused how they do that without being made to go home. I know i'm rambling and im sorry but I just want to know for a fact that if I just left I wouldn't be made to go back home

[ccsmod13]

HI there,

Thank you for taking the time to contact us here at NRS. It sounds like home has become very overwhelming and you are thinking leaving might be the best option for you. Having so many conflicting bits of information about being able to leave home would definitely be frustrating. While we are not legal experts, we can speak generally about runaway laws and leaving home as a minor.

Until you turn 18 your parents are legally responsible for you. If you leave home without permission as a minor, they can report you as a runaway to the police. Running away is not illegal, so you would not be arrested or charged with a crime. It is, however, a status offense. This basically means your parents can ask police to return you home if they know where you are staying. There is not a universal way that all police respond to runaway reports and it can vary based on state and even county. We suggest that any young person wanting to know more about runaway protocols in their area, call the non-emergency line for the local police department to ask (this can be done anonymously). Police in the area would know the most specific information about how they handle runaway reports for someone your age.

You mentioned wanting to know how you can leave home before turning 18. The easiest way to leave home is with your parent's 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. 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 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. You can contact us by phone at 1-800-786-2929 or use our live chat services at www.1800runaway.org.

Stay strong and stay safe,
NRS

[Guest]

I’m 14 years old and my mom keeps me locked up . She goes to work 5 days a week and I’m home by myself with no phone bc she can’t trust me with one doesn’t want me having a gf . I’m bisexual and have a gf but my mom doesn’t know nor does she want me talk to her so I have to sneak and talk to her . I don’t leave the house unless it with her . I hate it here I want to get emancipated and start saving up money so when I’m 16 in December of 2021 I can get emancipated. She doesn’t accept me having a bf or gf and I’m a high schooler she try’s to control everything . She puts restrictions on everything . I have put had a phone in 9 months and use a school iPad to do certain things . I just want to turn 16 so I can leave the house , she is so controlling . I want to grow up and experience things but she keep me locked up like I’m in jail . At times I wanna runaway to go see my gf bc I haven’t seen her in a month and probably won’t see her for a long time bc my mom doesn’t want us dating or talking but I can’t lose my gf .

[ccsmod15]

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 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

[Guest]

I wanna run away, I've been wanting to for a few years. I'm 16 now and it's just getting to much for me and I'm going into my suicidal thought box again

[ccsmod6]

Hi there, Thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline and sharing a little bit about what’s been going on. We know it takes a lot of courage to reach out. It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed by things at home right now. We care a lot about your safety, and we can help you find resources that can help you cope with these feelings. You do not have to face this alone, and there is so much help out there for you. Your mental health 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. 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. Another great resource for additional support 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. 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. If you’d like to talk about 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.

Be safe, NRS

[Guest]

I already “ran away” but my mom knows where I’ve been, I recently just moved in with my sister but still entered in the system as a run away, my mom doesn’t know I’m living with her yet but I looked it up and as long as I get consent from my mom my sister won’t get in any trouble, I needed reassurance that I’m not putting my sister at risk

[ccsmod15]

Hello,


Thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. We understand that it can take a lot of courage to reach out, and we appreciate you writing to us. It sounds like you were able to confide in your sister to provide you with a place to live that feels safe, and you want to know about any risk your sister could be in for providing you with shelter.


If you are younger than 18, you are correct that your parent would need to give you consent to live with your sister. However, if you were to continue living with her and not receive consent, your mom would be able to call the police at anytime, and if they were to locate you, you would be required to return home with them. You wouldn’t be charged with anything, but your sister could face legal trouble for “harboring a runaway.” So, the safest way to remain living with your sister would be to get your mom’s consent.


We would be happy to talk further with you about your situation and provide further resources and support. Our hotline is open 24/7 at 1(800) 786-2929, or you can visit 1800runaway.org to chat live with us online. We are confidential, anonymous, non-direct, and always ready to help.


We hope this information helped. Please reach out to us anytime if you need any further assistance.


Stay Safe,

NRS