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

[Guest]

Me and my momaw (my legal guardian) just got in a fight a really bad one and I’m 16 years old is anyone even a family member aloud to get me?

[ccsmod4]

Reply:

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. Since you are still a minor your parent or legal guardian has the right to decide where or who you can stay with. However if there is abuse involved or you are at risk child services can be contacted and an abuse report may be filed. Once child protective services get the report a social worker or case manager will be sent to investigate and make a determination as to you being removed from the home for safety concerns. A family member could be appointed if approved by child protective services.

We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time. 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 9-1-1 or seek emergency assistance immediately. To report child abuse contact Child Help USA 1-800-422-4453 www.childhelp.org


Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

I'm 13 years old I'll be 14 in July and I'm literally so depressed over my mom she is so mean to me all the time I'm not that kid that over reacts when there parents tell them no. My mom actually mentally abuses me and she brings me down so much she isn't acting like a mom she treats me terrible and I actually can't stay here anymore its so bad here j need help please someone

[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]

I'm 15, I'm about to turn 16. I don't really like my living situation, my parents make me do everything but my two other siblings don't have to do anything. My mom has been abused and raped in her childhood but she is away from all of that now, my mom has not physically abused me but all my friends think that she is mentally abusing me. She tells everyone that I'm not ready for anything and that I need to shut my mouth and listen to all her teachings, I have not learned anything from her, I've learned everything I know from school and my friends. I have told my boyfriend about this situation and he said that once I turn 16 I can move in with him, I was planning on moving in with him but I don't know if I can without getting in trouble or my parents making me come back. Is it legal to move out at 16?? Will they be able to make me come back if I do move out??

[ccsmod1]

Hey there,

Thanks so much for contacting us, it takes a lot of courage to reach out and share your story. It must be really hard to live in a home with so much tension, life with your mom sounds stressful and you shouldn't be abused in any way. Running away is a big decision and it can be very stressful to figure out what you want to do.

We aren’t legal experts here at NRS, but generally speaking, since you are under 18 you are considered a minor and cannot legally move out without parental permission. If you do opt to leave your home your mom can file a runaway report, which is essentially a missing person report. Running away is a status offense; this means that it isn’t illegal, but it’s something you can’t do while still a minor. If a runaway report is filed and you are located by the authorities you will most likely be returned to your mom. It’s great to hear that your boyfriend supports you. If you are found by the authorities at his house, he could be charged with harboring a runaway, which is a misdemeanor. Penalties for harboring a runaway vary from state to state, police officer to officer, and how your mom views the situation.

If you’d like to go over 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.

All the best,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi I’m 16 and I’ve been living with my mom the past 6 months. I’m the oldest of 4 kids. Before I was living with my grandfather and he was taking care of me and my other sister the past 4 years because my mom simply couldn’t. These 6 months have been extremely hard for me. It’s a problem when I just ask her for something to eat. I’ve been very very depressed since I moved with her. I can’t even focus on school anymore because my mind is so messed up. I try to explain to her how I would feel a lot better if I was to go back where I consider home (which is with my grandfather) she tells me no because “she’s the mother”. Is there any way I can legally leave from my mom?

[ccsmod4]

Reply: Hi I’m 16 and I’ve been living with my mom...


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 are not legal experts but in general if your mother is your legal guardian she has the right to say where you live. In some states there are emancipation laws that can be one way of trying to gain your independence. Again we are not legal experts, but we can help you get a general sense of how emancipation works. Our general understanding is 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. Usually your legal guardian would have to agree to this in court. It’s best to check your local court house to gain more information on this process.
Also you might check with your local police department to inquire about the runaway laws in your state or if someone that moves out of their parent or guardian’s home would without permission would be considered a runaway and forced to return home.
If you would like to talk more about your situation we are here to listen and here to help.
To speak with someone on our crisis or chat line contact 1-800-Runaway (786-2929) or www.1800runaway.org
We look forward to hearing from you.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

I’m 17 I live in Louisiana and I have my custody shared between my grandmother and my dad. I recently got my girlfriend pregnant she miscarried before this one but this year she found out she was pregnant in early January and her birthday was May 5th and we have been together since October 20th,2018 my family insult both of us call us names and blame her for everything I do wrong and she was rushed to the hospital May15th and found out she was going into labor at 21 weeks do to a fetus placenta that did not die off but attached to its twin and she gave birth to him May16th his name was Dean Anthony Lee Graves he didn’t service he was 10 ounces and born at 4:00am his heart had stopped at 12:00am and we had been going through that we had his funeral on May 19th her cousins birthday and my grandmother and dad told her mother we couldn’t see each other because we need to grieve alone I was so depressed unhappy I couldn’t see her and couldn’t rightly deal with my first sons death and finding out he was a twin and I wish he could of made it but life’s full of crap that backfired at u anyway I told them I would get to see her again and on May27th she forced me to go to my moms she left me I called her while she had my girlfriend in the car to tell her I would walk back or kill myself if I didn’t go back and get to see my girlfriend that had just been going through a very hard time. I’ve been emotionally abuse they watch me when I’m changing clothes won’t allow me out the house now because I tried riding my bike to my girlfriends on the 28th at 11:30pm and they woke up at 12:00 went looking for me and sent cops out saying I was a minor I just turned 17 and they said there warning me if I do it again there gonna charge me for invading nature for riding my bike to go live with my girlfriend how can I leave there house without permission there always hounding me like dogs so I can stay with my girlfriend and get a job to help raise my baby that’s growing in her stomach now. I need help.

[ccsmod2]

Hello There,
Thank you for contacting The National Runaway Safeline, we are here to help and here to listen. Wow it seems like the past few months have been really hard for you and your girlfriend. We could not imagine the grief you and your girlfriend have been going through, especially how you guys were unable to grieve together.
You mentioned how your parents do not allow you to be with your girlfriend or leave the home. One option you could consider is talking to a school counselor about what is going on, sometimes talking to a profession can help you feel better. You also mentioned that you are being abused, any type of abuse is unacceptable. If you would like to make an abuse report you can always call the Child Help Line at 1800-422-4453. Also if you ever feel like you are in danger you always have the right to call the police, and someone would be able to help you ASAP.
We are not legal experts but we do have general information on the laws. If you were to leave home without permission your parents do have the right to file a runaway report. If the police do find you they most likely would bring you back home. Some police departments may not take a runaway report but it depends on the police department. We never heard of the crime invasion of nature so you may want to clarify that with the police department. You could also look into getting emancipated by going to your local court house and asking to file for emancipation.
We hope this information will be helpful to you in your situation. If you have any other questions or would like to explore your options please give us a call. We are here 24/7 to listen and to provide support to you. We wish you the best of luck, please stay stong!
NRS

[Guest]

Hi, my names Joshua . I am from Deering New Hampshire. I am 16 years old (I will be 17 on October 23.) I live with my father (56 years), step-mother (20 years), and my older brother (18 years). It has been really tough living at home.I am dealing with mental abuse and occasional minor physical abuse. I'm constantly being told to clean up the house (dishes, kitchen, bedroom, bathrooms, living room, etc etc.) If I do anything wrong in the slightest I am yelled at or punished. I am not allowed to go anywhere or do anything with friends. I want to get a job and I am willing to walk if that's what I have to do, however my father will not allow me. I don't quite understand how minor emancipation works. It seems as though there is no way to get emancipated in New Hampshire. It is getting very emotionally painful and it's getting way to hard to deal with. This is leading to serious anxiety and depression. As well as the fact that my step-mother is less than three years older than I am which is really awkward and weird. What can I do? If my older brother gets an apartment could I legally move in with him (upon his approval?) I am currently working on getting my High school equivalent diploma (my high-set / GED.) I am legally allowed to get a job and school will be out of the way. I have been taking care of myself for years now and it would be very helpful if there was a way I could get out of this situation. Thanks, Josh.

[ccsmod2]

Hi Josh,
We are glad you reached out to us. It sounds very challenging dealing with your home situation. It is understandable that you are feeling anxious and depressed. We are not legal experts and we don’t provide legal advice. According to our summary resources, there are no legal statutes in NH defining a process for emancipation. NH does recognize emancipation of a minor (anyone under the age of 18 for NH) if the legal guardian consents to it.
If you go and live with your older brother and your guardian has filed a runaway report on you, you would not get in trouble but your brother might. You would have to contact your local police to find out the enforcement details from them.
There might be other resources available to help you in your area for counseling, or transitional living or other help. If you call us or start a chat we can see if we can figure out a plan to get you some resources to help you through this tough time at home.

Again, we are really glad you reached out to us. It takes a lot of courage to ask for help and you trying to figure out your options is really good to see

[Guest]

Hi I live in Nevada I’m only 12 almost thirteen and my mom and I have been moving around a lot and ever since then she’s been acting really bipolar and gets mad at me for everything and says really hurtful things when she knows I get hurt really easily last time this happened I went with my dad and it worked for a while but I got sick and he overworked me by making me clean then he got mad at me and took my phone away which is my only outlet to my friends he also screams at me so I went back with my mom since she’s usually not at home but she still makes me really depressed and I just want to move out by myself so when I turn sixteen can I pay for an apartment or something like that is that legal?

[ccsmod1]

Hey there,

Thanks so much for contacting us, it takes a lot of courage to reach out and share your story. It must be really hard to have so much tension in both your mom and your dad's houses. You deserve to have your thoughts and feelings acknowledged and accepted. It may be beneficial to speak with others about your situation so they can help advocate for you or mediate a conversation - you may want to reach out to someone like a trusted family friend or relative, or a local counseling agency. You can also call us directly and we can conduct a conference call with your mom or dad to help create a safe space and mediate the conversation.

We aren't legal experts here at NRS, but generally speaking, you are considered a minor until the age of 18 and cannot live somewhere without your parents' approval. If you do opt to leave your home your parents can file a runaway report, which is essentially a missing person report. Running away is a status offense; this means that it isn’t illegal, but it’s something you can’t do while still a minor. If a runaway report is filed and you are located by the authorities you will most likely be returned to your mom or dad.

If you’d like to go over 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.

All the best,
NRS

[Guest]

i turn 15 in september, my parents are mentally abusive and super strict. ive lived in the unites states for 8 years and they threatened to take me and my brother back to egypt. and i dont even know how to speek the language they speek. i was wondering if there was a way around us being forced to move their, like do i have a say on whether i stay or leave.

[Guest]

Hey, I am 16.. turning 17 September 4. I would like to move out of state to Virginia. (I live in Florida) My mom said she’d give me consent, but I know my dad wouldn’t be okay with it. Does that matter, or will it be legal since my mom would allow it.

[ccsmod3]

Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out, sounds like you are in a difficult situation as one parent seems more supportive than the other. We aren’t legal experts, therefore, it may be worth reaching out to your local non-emergency police department directly and asking if you would need one or both parent’s consent. It can be helpful to have one, but that still leaves available that one parent can file a runaway report. If you want to talk further more about your situation or want us to look for resources in your area, feel free to give us a call at 1-800-RUNAWAY or access our live chat through our website 1800RUNAWAY.org.
Best of luck,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi i am from CA and i am turning 16 in December. It is really hard living with my mom. I feel like she is mentally and verbally abusive toward me. She has a strong desire to have control over me and tries to interfere with everything, My question here is that can i just leave home without her permission for a while? I don't mean running away, since I don't have a good place to go. I mean like going somewhere like a park or downtown or somewhere for a couple hours. Btw i moved into the US about 4 years ago and have literally no other family members here besides my parents and my younger brother(my mom always threatens to send me back to china, so do i have a say in where i want to stay?). And in the future if i want to run away or smth, where is a good place for me to go? But for right now, i just need more control over myself. So if I just step on my bike and leave home for a short period of time(like a couple hours maybe) without permission from my mom, will that get me into any trouble? And if I take my phone with me which i think is technically her property, what will happen then? Thanks a lot

[ccsmod7]

Hi there, thanks for reaching out, sounds like you are in a difficult situation. Here at NRS, we truly want to inform you and support you during this difficult time.

Generally speaking, you can be considered a runaway anytime you leave home without permission and your mom reports it to local police. If you are only going to be gone for a small amount of time, your mom can call police back and let them know that you have returned if she does file you as a runaway quickly. Running away in California is generally a status offense, meaning it is not illegal, rather it is something you cannot do because of your age and if you are found you could be returned home.

If you need a safe place to go please call or chat us: 1-800-RUNAWAY or www.1800runaway.org. We can look for runaway and homeless youth shelters and outreach resources in your area.

Please know we are always here for you, don't hesitate to call or chat if you need resources or support.

Best,

NRS

[Guest]

Can I leave my dads without my dads conset

[ccsmod7]

Hi there, thanks for reaching out today.

If you are under 18, and you leave home without your guardian's consent they can file you as a runaway with local police. If you are over 18, you are considered an adult in most states and can leave home without permission.

We hope this information is helpful. Please call or chat us if you would like to talk through your situation or need any support: 1-800-RUNAWAY, www.1800runaway.org.

Best,

NRS

[Guest]

Hello I am 16 and live in Mississippi with my mother who has custody of me. I have run away before and they put me in juvy for a weekend. I was wondering if I can move out without my moms consent. She’s always screaming at me and getting onto me for stupid reasons. And she never lets me go anywhere or see my boyfriend or friends. Is there any possibility that I can move out without her being able to do anything about it?

[ccsmod7]

Hi there, thanks for reaching out today. Sounds like you are in a difficult situation trying to leave home, and having been reported as a runaway ans detained last time you left. Here at NRS, we truly want to support you and inform you as best we can.

You mentioned wanting to know how you can leave home before turning 18. The easiest way to leave home is with your mom'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 her. 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.

Please reach out soon so that we may offer support and resources to you. Our number is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929).

Be safe,

NRS

[Guest]

I am 15 years old almost 16. I don't have my permit or a way to drive. Based on research I have done about emotional abuse in families I feel that I am a victim of it.I have a history of depression and anxiety but I really don't know if I can make it until im 18. I find myself constantly thinking about taking my own life and with draw more and more from those around me. I want to leave what can I do? How would I be able to leave safely? Could I go into foster care or live with my aunt? Is there a way for my parents to lose custody of me? They have taken my phone for the past few weeks and have told me I won't be getting it back ever which is cutting me off from my friends who are the only people who I can thank for still being here today. Ive gone through a little bit of therapy before but find no results and I really believe its due to the fact that I have to live here with them. I use to smoke weed pretty occasionally to help ease my pain and they found out about it. I am no longer using any substances but could that effect the ability for me to legally leave them?

[ccsmod1]

Hey there,

Thanks so much for contacting us, it takes a lot of courage to reach out and share your story. It must be really hard to live in a home with so much tension - no one deserves to be emotionally abused. Running away is a big decision and it can be very stressful to figure out what you want to do.

You brought up that you have some issues with anxiety and depression and that you have had thoughts of suicide. 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. If you are thinking about hurting yourself, the National Suicide Hotline could be a good resource for you. You can check them out at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/, or you can call 1-800-273-8255 for help and support any time. If you’d like some additional support, an organization that may be helpful 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.

You mentioned the idea of going into foster care of your parent's losing custody. Generally speaking, this would be done if Child Protective Services found your home to be an unsafe environment and would work to place you into a safe home. If any harm or abuse is happening at home, you have the right to report it. If you feel like this is an option you want to explore, you may find this website helpful: https://www.childhelp.org/child-abuse/.

If you’d like to go over 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.

Stay safe,
NRS