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

[Guest]

Hey I'm 15 years old I will turn 16 in september (in 2 months) I live in Lebanon and currently I live with my father and his new family. I don't feel comfortable with them I feel like I'm a strager but I'm forced to live with them because if I lived with my mother it will be hard because everyday she argue with me 24/7 and fights me and I don't even like living with her, but in the same time living with my dad is waaayy harder so I just really don't know what to do I tried searching for a solution a loot but I couldn't help
So now I'm waiting till I'm 16 so I can work. What I actually need is a solution it's just complicated how I live half of my stuff at my mother's and half at my father's and both of them I can't feel comfortable living with them!

[ccsmod4]

Reply:Hey I'm 15 years old I will turn 16

Hello,
Thank you for writing to us here at the National Runaway Safeline.

We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on.
We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time.

It sounds like you are caught in a situation tht has been very difficult for you.
When the only source of communication has become arguing or fighting it can be frustratiing and hurtful.
Sometimes trying to work things out through the use of support services might be an option to explore.


If you would like to talk about your situation and explore some options, we can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by email or bulletin for assistance. If you would like to talk more in detail and share more about how we can help specifically, 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 or seek emergency assistance immediately.
We hope to hear from you soon.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi I'm 16 and I live in Massachuttes and I NEED to leave... I'm adopted. Am I allowd to leave like just walk out the door if I wanted to give talked about it before and they dare me to do it. They hate me! I just don't want to be forced back in to the home. Is this legal since I'm 16, and I'm adopted.

[ccsmod1]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to us at the National Runaway Safeline. We are not legal experts, but we can tell you that because you are a minor, if you leave home and your guardians file a runaway report, you could be returned home. There could also be legal consequences for whomever you stay with for what is called harboring a runaway. Being adopted doesn't change that. If you want a liner to help you walk through other options like us mediating a conference call between you and your guardians to possibly discuss you living somewhere else, thinking through possible adults that you could turn to or could advocate for you, or things like emancipation and legal aid numbers, don't hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929).

Best,

NRS

[Guest]

im 16 years old and me and my mom aren't meshing right now. She and i get into arguments all the time and i feel like i have no respect. if i leave for a couple of days and let her know, will i be considered a runaway?

[ccsmod1]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to us at the National Runaway Safeline. We are not legal experts, but even if you tell her where you are, if she wants you to come home and files a runaway report, you could be returned home. There could also be legal consequences for whomever you stay with for what is called harboring a runaway. If you want a liner to help you walk through other options like us mediating a conference call between you and your mom to talk about your relationship or your ability to leave for a few days, thinking through possible adults that you could turn to or could advocate for you, or things like emancipation and legal aid numbers, don't hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929).

Best,

NRS

[Guest]

I’m 16 and my step mom was abusing me and no one will do anything about it could I be emancipated but live with my cousin and her parents without my parents Consent???

[ccsmod3]

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 the way you have been treated, no one deserves to be abused in any way. It sounds like the mistreatment at home is becoming difficult to deal with. It seems that you do not receive the support that you probably should at home.
We are here to empower you and to help explore options. However, we are not legal experts. We cannot offer legal advice. Leaving home tends to vary from state to state and can be circumstantial. Every state has a different age of majority, meaning a different age that one is considered an adult. However, in most states, the youngest that youth are generally allowed to legally move out is 17 or 18. In some states, youth may file for emancipation. Most states have an age minimum for youth in order to file for emancipation which is generally 16.
In general, the police do not actively search for runaways. However if you are listed as a runaway and come into contact with the police, chances are they will contact your parents/guardians to make arrangements for your return home. If a runaway report is filed, charges can be filed against someone suspected of abiding or harboring a runaway. How likely will the charges hold up in court is another question and unfortunately we do not know the answer.
Every state has different emancipation procedures so it would be hard to comment on what exactly is needed for you to start that process. If you would like to learn more about this process feel free to call into our hotline at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) and we can look in our database to search by state the general requirements of emancipation and provide legal resources if needed.
However, if you would like to file an abuse report on behalf of your step mom, a great resource is 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/mental abuse going on at your dad's.
We hope the information provided helps. Remember we are available 24/7 and can be toll-free reached at the number listed above. We are confidential, anonymous, and non-direct. We can also be reached via live chat between 4:30pm and 11:30pm CST.

Best Wishes
~NRS

[Guest]

I am about to turn 16 at the end of this month an I hate staying with my parents is ther any way I could move out with out there consent and go to my girlfriends moms house

[ccsmod10]

Hi there,

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to reach out to us here at the National Runaway Safeline. From your email to us here, we can see that you have very similar questions to a lot of our callers and you’re looking for some answers. It seems like there must be a lot going on in your life, especially at home. It’s great that you were able to find out some information about our hotline. Hopefully we can help.

Legally you are a minor and under your guardian’s supervision until you are 18, or are emancipated by a court of law. If you decide to leave or move out home before then your guardians could file a runaway report on you. Running away is not a crime, but it is a status offense. This means the police could detain you until they release you to the care of your guardians. We also have legal aid resources in our database. While we’re not law experts, we can try to find one in your area, there may be legal ways for you to be able to move out of your house. We’re here to try to brainstorm options with you.

We’re here if you’d like to talk more about what’s going on at home. You are always welcome to call into our 24/7 crisis center, or use our chatting services via our website. However, the chatting service is not open 24/7. So the best way to tell us everything would be to just call into our hotline and talk to one of our trained liners.

Be safe, NRS

[Guest]

Hey

I’m turning 16 in like two months. I get my license soon too. I’m thinking of leaving my moms house to go live with family in another state. The states are right next to each other and it’s like 3 hours away. I feel like if I leave my mom wouldn’t file a runaway on me because I would be staying with family. I wanna also take my documents with me so I can start school to where i’m going to. I really wanna know if what I’m planning on doing is illegal.

[ccsmod1]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to us at the National Runaway Safeline.

We are not legal experts, but we can tell you that because you are a minor, if you leave home and your mom files a runaway report, you could be returned home. There could also be legal consequences for your family members or whomever you stay with for what is called harboring a runaway. They can still be charged with that and your mom would still have the right to have you returned home even if you were staying with family. It is not illegal to run away, it's a status offense, but the consequences would you being returned home and it could also be difficult to enroll in school as a minor without parental consent. If you want a liner to help you walk through other options like us mediating a conference call between you and your mom, thinking through possible adults that you could turn to or could advocate for you, or things like emancipation and legal aid numbers, don't hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929).

Best,

NRS

[Guest]

My father is stratinbto scare me with his erratic mood swings.. I was wondering if I can legally leave home at 16? My parents are divorced and I'm wanting to permanently movie in with my mother.. Also idk if this changes anything but I live in Wisconsin

[ccsmod10]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to us here at the National Runway Safeline. We appreciate you contacting us in your time of need, it was very brave of you.

It sounds like your parents are putting you in the middle of their issues, which isn’t fair for you and must be really stressful on you. You should have a say when it comes to which parent you’re going to live with. One parent is usually given primary custody, most likely your dad. So he can give you permission to live elsewhere. That means that if you did leave and runaway to your non-custodial parent (mom) without his permission, he could report you as a runaway. If the police find you, they will return you to your custodial parent. We have heard of a Harboring a Runaway charge when people let runaway stay with them, but it’s uncommon and we aren’t sure how it would work out if it’s a parent.

We offer a conference calling service, between youth and their parents. If you ever wanted our help talking to your dad about changing your living situation or about the way he’s been acting, we're always here to make that call with you. Sometimes just being able to talk can be a way to open up the lines of communication, and see the best way that everyone can compromise.

We have heard in some cases, where the judge will listen to the child’s input on which parent they would rather live with. You may want to ask about that. We also have a database of legal aid resources that help youth for free. If you wanted us to connect you with those resources, don’t hesitate call into our safeline. They could
help you find ways to change your custodial parent.

We hope our response is helpful. In addition, talking to school counselors and teachers about what’s going on at home could provide you with great support. You are not alone in this. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time. You are always welcome to call into our 24/7 crisis center, or use our chatting services via our website.

Be safe, NRS

[Guest]

I am 16 (almost 17) can I move in with my 17 year old boyfriend?

My parents control my life and are trying to get us to break up. They also don’t believe me when I say I have to stay after or go to church. My dad won’t even let me go to church for prayer service. Can he legally do that? Please let me know.

[ccsmod10]

Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out to NRS!

We are always here to listen and here to help in any way that we can. It can be very frustrating not knowing what to do or what your next step might be from this point on. It’s brave of you to reach out during your time of need.

It sounds like your parents are not being open-minded about your relationship with your boyfriend and are being very controlling. If you ever want to try to talk to your parents about how they make you feel, we offer conference calling services between youth and parents. We're here if you need our help calling and talking to them about you needing more independence and be on-board with your boyfriend, we’re here to help you talk to them.

As a minor (under the age of majority), you aren't able to leave home without your parents’ permission. We aren’t legal experts, but what generally what typically happens if a minor runs away, is that your parents would be able to make a runaway. You can’t be arrested for running away. A good way to find out exactly what the police protocols are in your city, would be to reach out to your local non-emergency police. You can ask them hypothetical questions about running away. If you'd like, we can also look for legal aid resources. There are lawyers who help youth for free or for free, they would be able to brainstorm legal ways for you to move out early. If you'd like us to connect you with those resources please give us a call.

We’re here if you’d like to talk more about your situation. Our safeline is open 24/7. We also have a chatting service via our website, unfortunately, it is not always open. The best way to contact us would be to call in and talk with our trained liners.

Be well, NRS

[Guest]

I'm 16 and I don't want to live with my family anymore.

To make a very long story short, my parents have forbidden me to see and speak to 2 people. One was my boyfriend and the other was my best friend, and both these people have helped me with my depression and anxiety in the past, especially when I started cutting after my parents went overboard. It got to the point where I ended up going to crisis and outpatient therapy. Both my parent have said that these 2 people are very toxic and not good for me. I don't agree because my boyfriend and friend didn't call me a s*** and hit me when they found out I was hiding certain things from them. It got even worse when they pulled me out of the school district I was in before before I could take my finals and that made me nearly have to be held back.

Everything my parents have done makes me want to move out and not speak to them. the issue is, my biological father lives in Oklahoma and if i decide that I don't want to live with my mom and stepdad, I'd have to go to Oklahoma. I don't want to live with any of my parents because I always feel like crap with them.

How am I able to move out and move in with a friend to get out of my family's house? The longer I stay here the more insane and depressed I feel.

[ccsmod15]

Hi, it sounds like things are really difficult right now. We are here to help and we are glad you reached out!
Depression and anxiety are really tough things to live with. It sounds like you are trying to cope the best way you can and have used your friend and boyfriend in the past as supports. It is so hurtful that your parents have taken that support away from you. You deserve to be supported in your struggles.
You also mentioned you have been hit and we are concerned for your safety. If you feel you are in an abusive home or would like more information on what is considered abuse, you can check out childhelp.org or call them at 1-800-422-4453. They can provide info on what is abuse and can give you the phone number for your local child protective services. We can also conference call with you and help you make an abuse report if that is something you want to do.
We also found some resources that may be helpful with the depression and anxiety, especially if you are cut off from your typical support system. NAMI ( national alliance on mental illness): nami.org, Text 741-741, or call 1-800-950-NAMI. SAMHSA (substance abuse and mental health services administration) can help you find local therapists and support groups: samhsa.gov, 1-877-726-4727. You also mentioned self harming in the past. Given your situation, that is not unreasonable. Many young people cope using self harm. To Write Love on Her Arms (twloha.org) is another website that can help. They have a blog written by others who have been through many different types of situations, links to resources, and information on self-injury.

As far as moving out, there are some options. Leaving without permission before you are legally an adult (18 in most states) means your parents can file a runaway report. Some options for you include looking into emancipation, trying to get parental permission to live with a friend, or leaving without permission. Just know that if you leave without permission, you can be considered a runaway.

We are here 24/7 if you would like more information on any of the things we wrote above. Call us 24/7 at 1-800-786-2929 or chat with us live through this website.

You are so brave for reaching out today. We wish you all the best! We are here to support you!

[Guest]

I'm 15 and I am desperately trying to leave this house, my mother promised she wouldn't get physical with me ever again but she threw me to the floor when I wouldn't give her my phone. She said she had the right to because she is a adult and I will get punished if I don't respect her. She emotionally abuses me when shes in a bad mood because she doesn't work so she feels lonely. I don't think she can take care of us anymore, she only has food and shelter over our head because of my stepdad. But I know that he doesn't care for me very much, I told my therapist what his sons did to me and we went to court but they keep pushing the trial for a reason unknown too me. But he let his son back into the household when the social services said I would be put into foster care if he stayed in this house again. All my mother did was put a lock on my door. Do people not understand what it's like to look at your molester in the face every morning and pretend like your not about to have anxiety attack? I couldn't live with my bio dad because at a young age he was a very aggressive abuser. I want to get emancipated but I am not old enough and I dont know if I can keep on doing this anymore.

[ccsmod4]

Reply: I'm 15 and I am desperately trying to leave this house

Thank you for writing to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS).

From everything that you have been going through at home. It took a lot of courage for you to reach out. Good job. We appreciate you sharing your feelings about the situation. Well done. 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. We understand that the court date for your abuse has been pushed back but if you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately.
If you do not have a caseworker to contact for help and support 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.

Your safety and peace of mind are important.
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.
You did great reaching out, you are a very strong person. Good for you.

If you would like to talk more in detail please call 1-800-Runaway (786-2929) or chat soon through our website www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button) if you are unable to call in.

Take care and be safe,
NRS