19 with a disability and mental illness, can police try to find me

[Guest]

Hello

I am 19, and for a few months have been planning to move to Colorado with my partner, without my parents knowing. I am currently in college, but only so I don't have to live with my parents. My mom is a very toxic person and a contributing factor to my depression, and is sort of abusive.

I have schizophrenia, which I am taking meds for and will bring my meds with me. I also have a muscular dystrophy, and am mostly independent except for raising my arms above my head, walking super long distances independently (although I am able to walk around my college campus even tho it causes pain after a bit), smiling, and getting off the floor without assistance.

I keep reading that after becoming a legal adult the police can't bring you back to your parents unless you "have disability or mental illness". I assume this is because of the possibility of being a danger to myself.

I was wondering with my disability and mental illness, since I have my schizophrenia under control and am mostly independent (my partner will help me with what I cannot do) if the police will be able to bring me back.

Thank you for your help.

[ccsmod6]

Hello and thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. We are sorry to hear that your home environment is toxic and harmful to your overall well-being. While we are not legal experts, we do have a great deal of experience working with runaways. It is our understanding that, yes, once you turn 18 you are entitled to live where you please without the consent of your guardian (although technically you don’t have one once you are an adult). Unless your guardian extended custody over you for reasons that can include mental/physical disability, this should be the case for you. If you wanted to make sure, you can always reach out to your local police non-emergency number and they would be able to give you a more concrete picture of what would happen. If you want to talk more about your situation or if you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-786-2929 or chat us at 1800runaway.org.

[ccsmod4]

(Quote from guest) "All cities have County "Disabled Resource Centers" for help in many areas. I would contact them for assistance. Also, the "National Alliance for Mental Illness" or your local Mental Health for support groups/services and County-run organizations called "In Home Support Services" that can help you and your parents out in many areas in life. Thanks for reaching out for help that is the first step."

[Guest]

(Quote from Guest) All cities have County "Disabled Resource Centers" for help in many areas. I would contact them for assistance. Also, the "National Alliance for Mental Illness" or your local Mental Health for support groups/services and County-run organizations called "In Home Support Services" that can help you and your parents out in many areas in life. Thanks for reaching out for help that is the first step, God Bless.